Mohamed Salah Saga Dominates Headlines

All eyes will be on Liverpool’s squad announcement, with speculation rife over Mohamed Salah’s future at the club. The Egyptian forward has not started since Liverpool’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven on 26 November and has been left out of the squad for subsequent matches.

Salah’s public comments following the 3-3 draw with Leeds – claiming he had been “thrown under the bus” – have fueled rumors of a potential move to the Saudi Pro League. Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed he would speak with Salah before deciding if the star would feature against Brighton.

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Liverpool’s Recent Form

Liverpool have struggled this season, losing six Premier League matches and nine of their last 12 games across all competitions. Recent results include:

• 2-0 win at West Ham (Salah not starting)
• 1-1 draw with Sunderland
• 3-3 draw at Leeds

Currently 10th in the Premier League, the Reds hope Saturday’s clash at Anfield can help turn around their season.

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Brighton’s Campaign

Brighton sit two places above Liverpool on goal difference. Their season has been solid, with only two defeats in 11 league games during a strong mid-season run. Recent results include:

• 4-3 home defeat to Aston Villa
• 1-1 home draw with West Ham

A win for either side could see them climb as high as fourth place.

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Last Meetings

• Last season at Anfield: Liverpool 2-1 Brighton. Liverpool came from behind after Ferdi Kadioglu gave Brighton the lead. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah scored twice in three minutes to secure victory.
• Most recent encounter at Amex Stadium (May 19): Brighton 3-2 Liverpool. Liverpool led twice through Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai, but Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood turned the game around.

Overall head-to-head: 44 meetings, Liverpool 23 wins, Brighton 8 wins.

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Team News

Liverpool:

• Alexander Isak is a doubt after picking up a knock vs Inter Milan.
• Federico Chiesa has recovered from illness and is available.
• Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo are out for several weeks.
• Hugo Ekitike continues his partnership with Isak.

Brighton:

• Stefanos Tzimas, Solly March, and Adam Webster are sidelined with knee injuries.
• James Milner is out for several months with a muscle problem.
• Kaoru Mitoma is being assessed for an ankle injury.
• Yasin Ayari and Tom Watson could return, pending fitness tests.

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Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Isak, Wirtz

Brighton (4-3-3):
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, van Hecke, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck

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Key Talking Points:

• Will Salah feature for Liverpool, or is this his final Premier League appearance for the club?
• Liverpool’s defense has struggled; can they contain Brighton’s attacking threats?
• Brighton aim to improve their standing and continue their strong mid-season run.