Liverpool Starting XI vs Brighton: Confirmed team news and predicted lineup
Slot Urges Liverpool Focus Ahead of Brighton Clash
As Liverpool prepare for their penultimate Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, manager Arne Slot faces a critical decision regarding the involvement of Trent Alexander-Arnold. With speculation intensifying around the England international's future, Slot is keen to move the narrative back to the pitch.
Alexander-Arnold's Role Under Scrutiny
Alexander-Arnold was left out of the starting XI in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, with Conor Bradley stepping in at right-back. The 25-year-old was introduced in the second half, only to receive a mixed reception from the home crowd, a response fuelled by ongoing rumours of his imminent departure on a free transfer, with Real Madrid heavily linked.
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Slot, returning from a short break, addressed the situation during his Friday press duties.
'As you know, I wasn't here the last few days,' he said. 'Neither was Trent, so today is the first day we come back together. It's the first day we train after a few days off, so it's quite early to say what the team and squad will look like for Monday.'
He continued:
'Last week, people talked about [Alexander-Arnold] to me and we had the reaction from the fans in the stadium, which was different; positive and negative. Then all the pundits talked about it. The whole country talked about it, and I think now it's time to draw a line under that.'
Slot's priority is now crystal clear: shift attention away from distractions and back onto Liverpool's title-winning form.
'Let's focus now on the fact we've won the league and focus on that feeling and not be distracted that much by Trent's situation.'
Post-Title Form Faces Brighton Test
Liverpool have experienced a slight dip in form since clinching the Premier League title with five games to spare. A 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea was followed by the draw against Arsenal, where they let slip a 2-0 advantage.
Slot has introduced some rotation since securing the title, and further changes may be in store as he seeks to give opportunities while managing player fatigue.
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Joe Gomez remains the only confirmed absentee, still recovering from hamstring surgery in February. The defender has been stepping up his recovery in training, but Monday's trip to Brighton comes too soon for his return.
Brighton Riding Positive Momentum
Liverpool's opponents Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler, arrive in solid form, unbeaten in three matches. A 2-0 win over Wolves at Molineux last time out has boosted confidence within their ranks, and they will be keen to extend that run against the champions.
The Amex Stadium has proven a tricky venue in recent seasons, and with Brighton chasing a top-half finish, they're expected to pose a stern challenge.
Salah Chasing Fourth Golden Boot
While Liverpool can no longer surpass the 90-point mark this season, winning their final two games would see them finish on 89—an impressive tally nonetheless. One subplot to watch closely is Mohamed Salah's pursuit of the Golden Boot. The Egyptian has scored 28 league goals this season, five more than Newcastle's Alexander Isak, and is closing in on what would be his fourth top-scorer accolade.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz
Injured: Joe Gomez
Kick-off: 8pm BST, Monday 19 May 2025
Venue: Amex Stadium, Brighton
Watch live on: Sky Sports
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