The Bench Spotlight: Salah Stays Put as Liverpool Host Brighton

Match Context

Mohamed Salah returns to the Liverpool squad and starts on the bench for the visit of Brighton on this Premier League weekend, as the Reds look to rebound from a dip in form. The game is at Anfield, and Klopp's selection includes a lone central striker in Hugo Ekitike, supported by a five-man midfield featuring Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch. Alisson Becker starts in goal, with a defensive lineup that could include Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, and a fourth defender depending on the setup.

Liverpool's bench also features Salah alongside Andy Robertson, Alexander Isak and Federico Chiesa.

Brighton line up with Verbruggen in goal and a compact defense while aiming to trouble the Reds with a balanced midfield and frontline.

Liverpool go into the match hoping to climb from 10th place with 23 points; Brighton are level on points but sit eighth on goal difference. The clash signals a chance to reset amid a busy schedule.

The mood around Anfield is one of cautious optimism as Klopp weighs a talented pool that could swing the fixture in either direction.

Salah on the bench isn’t a punishment—it’s a reminder that depth can be a manager’s best friend, especially when you’re chasing consistency.

Punchline 1: If Salah ever gets bored of the bench, he can always sign autographs for the warm-up crew—legendary renewals come with free energy drinks.

Punchline 2: Liverpool’s bench is so stacked that even their substitutions come with a seat, a snack, and a timeout for reflection before the restart.