Liverpool predicted XI vs Brighton: Szoboszlai and Muñoz out as Iraola makes four changes

Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Andoni Iraola is expected to make four changes from the midweek Champions League win over Villarreal, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz unlikely to feature after picking up injuries against Brentford.

  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion, Premier League
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Kick-off: Sunday afternoon (time not specified in source)
  • Liverpool form: 12 points from seven league games; three straight wins in all competitions
  • Brighton form: Third in the table with 16 points from seven games
  • Key absences: Szoboszlai and Muñoz (injured vs Brentford), Ekitike, Leoni, Bradley, Frimpong

Confirmed line-ups

The source provides a predicted Liverpool XI only; Brighton's line-up is not included.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Alisson Becker; Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil Van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz; Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola.

Substitutes: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Kostas Tsimikas, Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha.

Selection notes

Szoboszlai and Muñoz sustained injuries against Brentford and were sidelined for the Villarreal match; they are unlikely to be involved this weekend. Ryan Gravenberch returns after serving a suspension against Brentford. Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain out with long-term fitness problems, while Jeremie Frimpong is also expected to be unavailable.

Alisson continues in goal, with Giorgi Mamardashvili on the bench. Jeremy Jacquet partners Virgil Van Dijk at centre-back. Ronald Araujo is expected at right-back and Milos Kerkez at left-back, leaving Kostas Tsimikas among the substitutes. Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister form the double pivot, with Florian Wirtz as the creative midfielder; Trey Nyoni is a bench option. Bradley Barcola starts on the left flank and Cody Gakpo on the right, with Rio Ngumoha on the bench. Alexander Isak leads the line.

Injury and availability

  • Dominik Szoboszlai: Injured against Brentford; unlikely to feature vs Brighton.
  • Victor Muñoz: Injured against Brentford; unlikely to feature vs Brighton.
  • Ryan Gravenberch: Available after serving a suspension vs Brentford.
  • Hugo Ekitike: Long-term fitness problem; sidelined.
  • Giovanni Leoni: Long-term fitness problem; sidelined.
  • Conor Bradley: Long-term fitness problem; sidelined.
  • Jeremie Frimpong: Expected to be unavailable.

Why Iraola trusts Wirtz and Isak to break Brighton down

Iraola's midfield reshape is the story here. With Szoboszlai out, Florian Wirtz steps into the creative role, supported by the returning Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in a double pivot. That trio offers control and penetration through the middle, but it also places a heavier defensive burden on Gravenberch and Mac Allister against a Brighton side sitting third and full of confidence under Fabian Hurzeler.

Up front, Alexander Isak continues to lead the line after a stellar start to the season, with Bradley Barcola on the left and Cody Gakpo on the right. The width from Barcola and Gakpo will be crucial in stretching a well-organised Brighton defence, while Isak's movement provides the focal point. The absence of Szoboszlai and Muñoz reduces Iraola's options from the bench, making the fitness of the starting XI even more important.

Defensively, the centre-back pairing of Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil Van Dijk must cope with Brighton's fluid attacking patterns. The full-backs, Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez, will be asked to provide width going forward while remaining disciplined against Brighton's wide threats. Alisson's distribution will be key in building from the back against a side that likes to press.

Talking points

  • Should Wirtz start ahead of a more defensive midfielder given Brighton's strong start to the season?
  • Is the double pivot of Gravenberch and Mac Allister mobile enough to protect the defence?
  • Does Barcola deserve to keep his place on the left flank ahead of Ngumoha?
  • Can Liverpool cope with the absence of Szoboszlai and Muñoz if the game goes to extra intensity?

What happens next

Liverpool face Brighton at Anfield on Sunday, aiming to build on three consecutive wins across all competitions and close the gap on the Seagulls, who sit third with 16 points. A victory would strengthen Liverpool's push up the table; defeat would leave them playing catch-up. The match also offers Iraola a chance to prove his squad depth can handle key absences.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dominik Szoboszlai playing for Liverpool vs Brighton?

No, Szoboszlai is unlikely to feature after sustaining an injury against Brentford.

Who is Liverpool's predicted striker vs Brighton?

Alexander Isak is set to continue in the centre-forward position.

Is Ryan Gravenberch available for Liverpool vs Brighton?

Yes, Gravenberch is eligible after serving a suspension against Brentford last weekend.

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