Liverpool confirmed their starting XI for the Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with Arne Slot making two enforced changes due to injuries.
Cody Gakpo returned to the lineup, stepping in for the injured Mohamed Salah, while Giorgi Mamardashvili replaced Alisson Becker in goal.
The match ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat for the Reds, with Danny Welbeck scoring twice for Brighton (14' and 56'), sandwiching Milos Kerkez's equalizer (30'). The game was further disrupted early when Hugo Ekitike hobbled off injured after a collision, compounding Liverpool's injury woes.
The match ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat for the Reds, with Danny Welbeck scoring twice for Brighton (14' and 56'), sandwiching Milos Kerkez's equalizer (30'). The game was further disrupted early when Hugo Ekitike hobbled off injured after a collision, compounding Liverpool's injury woes.
Team News and Changes
Liverpool were forced into two key alterations:
IN: Giorgi Mamardashvili (first league start since November) and Cody Gakpo.
OUT: Alisson (injury) and Mohamed Salah (muscle issue from midweek Champions League action).
This resulted in a 4-2-2-2 formation, with an average starting XI age of 25.3 years — reflecting a blend of youth and experience amid the absences.
The backline remained unchanged, with Jeremie Frimpong retained at right-back alongside Ibrahima Konate, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez at left-back. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister anchored the base, allowing Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz to push forward in advanced roles. Up top, Cody Gakpo partnered Hugo Ekitike in a two-pronged attack.
How Do Liverpool Play Without Mo Salah? - Data Analysis
This tactical setup aimed to maintain attacking fluidity despite the absences, with Wirtz and Szoboszlai providing creativity behind the forwards.
Confirmed Liverpool Starting XI
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo, Ekitike
Substitutes: Woodman, Gomez, Robertson, Ramsay, Nyoni, Jones, Morrison, Ngumoha, Chiesa
On the bench, Joe Gomez was fit enough to be included, alongside experienced options like Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones, plus young talents such as Rio Ngumoha.
Super saves, leadership and inspiration: What Giorgi Mamardashvili brings to Liverpool.
Confirmed Liverpool Starting XI
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo, Ekitike
Substitutes: Woodman, Gomez, Robertson, Ramsay, Nyoni, Jones, Morrison, Ngumoha, Chiesa
On the bench, Joe Gomez was fit enough to be included, alongside experienced options like Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones, plus young talents such as Rio Ngumoha.
Super saves, leadership and inspiration: What Giorgi Mamardashvili brings to Liverpool.
Giorgi Mamardashvili delivered some strong saves to keep Liverpool in the contest despite the defensive lapses, showcasing his leadership and shot-stopping ability in Alisson's absence.
For Brighton, ex-Liverpool player James Milner started in midfield, while Kaoru Mitoma was among the substitutes.
Brighton Starting XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Milner, Gross; Gomez, Hinshelwood, Minteh; Welbeck
Substitutes: Steele, Veltman, De Cuyper, Boscagli, Baleba, Rutter, Ayari, Kostoulas, Mitoma
Cody Gakpo's Return
Cody Gakpo made his return to the starting lineup, replacing Salah on the left or in a forward role. The Dutch forward brought versatility and goal threat, though the team's overall performance was below par in a frustrating afternoon on the south coast.
Post-match, Gakpo expressed disappointment, noting the challenges posed by Brighton's possession style and the impact of injuries like Ekitike's early exit. He emphasized the need to fight for wins in remaining matches to secure a Champions League spot.
For Brighton, ex-Liverpool player James Milner started in midfield, while Kaoru Mitoma was among the substitutes.
Brighton Starting XI: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Milner, Gross; Gomez, Hinshelwood, Minteh; Welbeck
Substitutes: Steele, Veltman, De Cuyper, Boscagli, Baleba, Rutter, Ayari, Kostoulas, Mitoma
Cody Gakpo's Return
Cody Gakpo made his return to the starting lineup, replacing Salah on the left or in a forward role. The Dutch forward brought versatility and goal threat, though the team's overall performance was below par in a frustrating afternoon on the south coast.
Post-match, Gakpo expressed disappointment, noting the challenges posed by Brighton's possession style and the impact of injuries like Ekitike's early exit. He emphasized the need to fight for wins in remaining matches to secure a Champions League spot.
Arne Slot's Perspective
Manager Arne Slot faced a tough task with the quick turnaround and key absences. His decision to retain Frimpong at right-back and opt for a diamond-like midfield structure highlighted an attempt to adapt dynamically.
The defeat extended Liverpool's winless league run to three matches, denting their push for top spots. Slot will now focus on recovery and preparation for upcoming fixtures, with several players pushing for recalls.
This lineup and performance underscored the depth challenges Liverpool faced in March 2026, but the core group — including emerging talents and key returnees like Gakpo — offers hope for a strong finish to the campaign.
Comments
Post a Comment