Liverpool enter the tie after a mixed run, highlighted by a 6‑0 win over Qarabag but recent defeats to Manchester City and Bournemouth. The Reds are also missing Wataru Endo after a stretcher‑off against Sunderland, while Joe Gomez may start following his own lay‑off. Dominik Szoboszlai returns from suspension, adding creativity to the midfield.
Brighton arrive in a slump, having won only two of their last 15 matches and facing scrutiny over coach Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls also lack key players such as Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, limiting their options ahead of the fixture.