Liverpool vs Brighton: Jan Molby’s FA Cup Warning for Arne Slot

Liverpool’s FA Cup campaign continues with a Fourth Round clash against Brighton, and on the latest episode of the Anfield Index podcast Molby on the Spot, Jan Molby joined Trev Downey to preview the tie.

With Liverpool still chasing Champions League qualification under Arne Slot, the FA Cup presents both opportunity and risk. For Molby, the balance between rotation, rhythm and respect for the competition is delicate.

FA Cup Demands Serious Approach

Molby made it clear that this is not a competition to be taken lightly.

Referring to last season’s early exit, he noted that Slot “did say after the debacle of last year… that he would take it a lot more serious this year”. The implication is obvious. Liverpool cannot afford another flat performance in the FA Cup, especially in a season where silverware would change the narrative entirely.

Brighton will not treat it as an afterthought either.

“There’s no doubt about it,” Molby said, stressing that Brighton will go strong. For them, the FA Cup is a genuine route to success. For Liverpool, it is a chance to build confidence.

Yet Molby also hinted at the broader context. With Premier League and Champions League demands intensifying, the temptation to rotate remains strong.

Rotation Versus Rhythm Under Arne Slot

One of the key questions raised by Downey was whether Arne Slot would stick with his preferred core or use the FA Cup to freshen things up.

Molby acknowledged the physical toll on certain players. “Surely Cody Gakpo could do with a rest. Surely Mac Allister could do with a rest. Surely Ryan Gravenberch could do with a rest.”

At the same time, he recognised the risks. Disrupt rhythm too much and Liverpool may lose the very cohesion they are trying to build ahead of decisive league and Champions League fixtures.

There is also the issue of opportunity. Molby pointed towards younger squad members who may need exposure.

“I am absolutely 100% convinced that Rio Ngumoha is not ready to start Premier League games yet, but this is an FA Cup game.”

For Molby, this is precisely where the FA Cup has value.

“Sometimes when you’ve been in and around a team for a while… what he’s experiencing at the moment is frustration. He’s in and around, he’s training with the boys, but he’s not really being trusted.”

The FA Cup offers a middle ground between development and responsibility.

“I think this will be a nice game to give it a go for him… Go on, let’s give it 60 or 70 minutes.”

It is not blind optimism. Molby accepts it may not work.

“It might be a horrendous experience… but sometimes I think you need to go through that.”

That is old school football logic applied to a modern squad.

Brighton’s Threat and Context

Molby was careful not to underestimate Brighton.

“Brighton’s always a difficult game because they’ve got good players.”

He also pointed out their inconsistency. “They sometimes play without belief. They can’t win games.”

That contradiction makes them dangerous. A side with talent but fragile confidence can swing either way. In a cup tie, especially at home, belief can return quickly.

For Liverpool, control will be crucial. The FA Cup does not allow room for half measures.

Slot’s approach will signal his priorities. A full strength side suggests a push for Wembley. Heavy rotation suggests calculated risk.

Momentum Before Bigger Battles

While the focus remains on Brighton, the fixture list beyond looms large. Liverpool’s Premier League run in will shape their Champions League hopes, and Molby has already questioned whether recent wins provide enough conviction.

The FA Cup therefore becomes more than just a cup tie. It is a test of mentality.

Progress would bring belief. Elimination would deepen scrutiny.

Molby’s predicted outcome was narrow but positive. “I think we’ll beat them 2-1.”

It was not delivered with flourish. It was delivered with the steady realism that has defined his assessment of Liverpool this season.

For Arne Slot and Liverpool, the FA Cup Fourth Round is simple in principle. Win the game, move forward, and keep the season alive on multiple fronts.

Anything less complicates everything.