December 12, 2025 – 22:02
Liverpool, immersed in a week of internal turbulence, will host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in a key match for matchday 16 of the Premier League. The match will test the Reds’ ability to react (10th, 23 points) against a direct rival like Brighton (8th, 23 points), where Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gómez plays. Victory is presented as mandatory for the team led by Arne Slot.
Less than a week after the controversial 3-3 draw against Leeds United, Liverpool’s news has been dominated by Mohamed Salah’s controversial statements. Last Saturday, the Egyptian publicly protested for having been a substitute, a fact that led to his disciplinary exclusion for the recent trip to Milanwhere Liverpool obtained a balmy victory (1-0) against Inter in the Champions League.
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The possible presence of Salah in the starting eleven against Brighton will be the central topic in England, even overshadowing the sporting result. Coach Arne Slot had indicated that he would hold a definitive conversation with the forward this Friday to decide whether or not he enters the squad. Slot comes into the match with slightly relieved pressure after the victory at San Siro, although it still remains under public scrutiny, due to the burden of six defeats and two draws conceded in recent months.
The “Giant Killer” and an emotional return to Anfield
Brighton, who will have in their squad Paraguayan Diego Gómezpresents itself as a high-risk rival, with a reputation for making it difficult for the big teams in the league. This season, the team has demonstrated its ability by beating giants such as Manchester City (2-1), Chelsea (3-1) and Newcastle (2-1).
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The match will also be marked by the emotional possible return of James Milner to Anfield. The veteran midfielder, a former Liverpool player (2015-2023), could return to action after several weeks sidelined due to injury. Milner adopted the number 20 in honor of his former teammate and friend Diogo Jota, who died in a traffic accident last July, to whom tribute is paid on the Liverpool field in each match in the 20th minute.
The fight for leadership intensifies
As Liverpool look for stability, the battle for the top of the championship is tightening. The pressure is on Arsenal: after losing last weekend (2-1) against Aston Villa, los Gunners they see Manchester City approaching just two points away.
The matchday schedule seems to favor Arsenal, who will host bottom club Wolverhampton at home. For its part, los Citizens They will visit Selhurst Park to face the tough Crystal Palace (4th), a rival that historically makes it difficult for the leaders.
The matches of date 16 of the Premier League
– Saturday, at 12:00: Chelsea – Everton y Liverpool – Brighton. At 2:30 p.m. Burnley – Fulham. At 17:00. Arsenal – Wolverhampton.
– Sunday, at 11:00. Crystal Palace – Manchester City, West Ham United – Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest – Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland – Newcastle United. At 1:30 p.m. Brentford – Leeds.
– Monday, at 5:00 p.m. Manchester United – AFC Bournemouth.
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