Holders Liverpool host Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday but the spotlight is on ongoing Mohamed Salah saga.

Sandwiched in between away wins over West Ham United and Inter, Liverpool have stumbled to successive draws against newly promoted opposition. A hard-fought stalemate with Sunderland was followed by bitterness at Elland Road as the reigning champions twice surrendered leads during the 3–3 draw with Leeds United.

Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez was fortunate to escape a red card after catching Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz with a high foot in their Premier League game at Anfield

FA Cup holders Crystal Palace’s trip to non-league Macclesfield is one of eight third-round ties to be shown on TV across the weekend. Six matches will be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+ with the other two to be broadcast on the BBC, including Palace v Macclesfield.

Florian Wirtz, who won the decisive penalty off the bench in Italy in midweek, is pushing for a return to the starting XI. The German could replace Curtis Jones in a diamond midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool are unbeaten in four matches and have reason for optimism heading into the New Year. They are just three points outside of the top four and their upcoming fixtures include Spurs away – with Thomas Frank's team struggling at home in the league – followed by both Wolves and Leeds United at Anfield.

FA Cup third round fixtures announced as Man Utd to face Brighton in one of four all-Premier League ties - The third round sees clubs from the Championship and Premier League enter the tournament, wit

The Albion's attack have been weakened with Stefanos Tzimas' ACL injury but will be optimistic against a Liverpool side struggling to get some momentum behind them

Manchester United will host Brighton in one of the standout fixtures of the FA Cup third round, while Premier League leaders Arsenal face