FA Cup LIVE! Gakpo Goal Ruled Out as Liverpool Push for Opener vs Brighton

Liverpool hosted Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, February 14, 2026, kicking off at 8pm GMT. The Reds, managed by Arne Slot, aimed to advance in their quest for silverware after their Premier League title defense faltered, leaving the FA Cup and Champions League as key trophy hopes. They entered off a strong midweek win over Sunderland, ending the Black Cats' 12-game unbeaten home run, but recent league form showed inconsistency: two wins, one draw, two losses since beating Barnsley 4-1 in the third round.[1]

Brighton, under pressure on manager Fabian Hürzeler, sought an upset after stunning Manchester United in the third round. The Seagulls returned Mats Wieffer from toe injury but missed Yasin Ayari (shoulder).[4][5] UK viewers watched on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.[1]

Liverpool's Lineup

Arne Slot made six changes: Becker; Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konaté; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Curtis Jones; Chiesa, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo. Subs: Ekitike, Ngumoha, Morrison, Mamardashvili, Gravenberch, Gomez, Robertson, Nyoni, Ramsay.[2][3][4]

Early Action

• KO: Match underway at Anfield.
• 2': Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu shot blocked from left side, assisted by Jack Hinshelwood.[2]
• 11': Salah's left-footed shot from tight right angle blocked, assisted by Szoboszlai.[3]
• 12': Offside on Liverpool's Milos Kerkez.
• 14': Handball called on Cody Gakpo (Liverpool).[3]

The game stayed tense early, with Liverpool pushing forward via Salah and Gakpo, but no breakthroughs yet. Gakpo had a goal ruled out (per headline), heightening the drama as the Reds sought an opener against resilient Brighton. Betting odds favored Liverpool (-198) over Brighton (+436), with over/under 3.5 goals at +102/-136.[5] Live updates continued into the first half.[1][2][3]

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