The men’s fixture against Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton side is going ahead as planned despite a Met Office yellow weather warning that remains in force across Merseyside until 11pm on Sunday, the club confirmed earlier today. The decision ends 24 hours of uncertainty around the game after a weekend storm system moved across the north west of England overnight.

The warning covers heavy rain and strengthening winds that could cause disruption to transport, power cuts and damage from flying debris. In its 4am update the Met Office said that “strong winds continue to clear away” across the region.

The BBC forecast for the Anfield area predicts gusts of up to 55mph during the day, with a 40% chance of rain at the scheduled kick-off time.

Cancellations around the city

The game is one of the few major events in the city that is going ahead. Liverpool City Council scrapped Saturday night’s River of Light festival on the waterfront, Knowsley Safari Park closed for Sunday because of the high winds, and Liverpool Cathedral suspended general visitor access after a safety assessment.

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Any late reversal would involve the local Safety Advisory Group, which brings together representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police and the city council. Supporters have been told to monitor official club channels for updates on the day.

Memories of Storm Darragh in December 2024, when the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was called off less than four hours before kick-off, framed much of the pre-match debate.

Liverpool’s injury concerns

The weather is only half of Liverpool’s problem. Dominik Szoboszlai is out with a hamstring injury, with the Hungary midfielder described as not ready to feature, according to The False 9.

Several other first-team regulars are also unavailable, while a further squad member is a doubt with a knee problem the coaching staff described as difficult to call before kick-off.

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Brighton travel to Anfield in strong form after a goalless draw in Czechia on Thursday night. Kick-off at Anfield is at 2pm local time on Sunday, 25 October.

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