After a comfortable victory on the opening weekend against West Ham United, Liverpool were impressive at Selhurst Park last Monday as they remain one of the five teams in the league to win both their opening games this season.
The Reds also remain as the only side yet to concede a goal in the current campaign and could very well prolong that record when they welcome Chris Hughton’s Brighton to Anfield this weekend.
The Reds have not conceded a goal at home in the last six games and are expected to make light work of the Seagulls. But they cannot take the visitors for granted as Brighton are fresh from a stunning victory over Manchester United. The Seagulls have made a decent start to the campaign but need to be at their best to take anything from this game.
While Hughton will be tempted to set up his team in defensive mode, Liverpool have shown that they can breach low blocks pretty well this season. So, Brighton may be better of trying to test the Liverpool backline with every opportunity.
The Reds have a few selection issues but can field a pretty strong lineup, which could easily win the game even before the break. Here is the lineup Jürgen Klopp might field in search of all three points this weekend:
Liverpool – Team News
Dejan Lovren and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are no closer to a return and remain the only players unavailable for selection for this game. The Reds will welcome back Joel Matip and Fabinho, both of who are fully fit to start the game.
Expected Liverpool lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Even with just four saves to his name this season, Alisson Becker has three clean sheets and a passing accuracy of 93%. He has taken no time to make an impact and will hope for a comfortable night on Saturday.
The colossus that is Virgil van Dijk has made a strong start to the season, making three tackles and winning 10 aerial duels. He will be a hard man to beat for Glen Murray. Joe Gomez has been impressive as well, making six tackles, eight clearances and registering a pass accuracy of 91%.
Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold together have 10 tackles, five interceptions and six dribbles already and will be crucial in stretching the game against Brighton.
Midfield
James Milner has a goal and an assist to his name along with three key passes but could be replaced by club skipper Jordan Henderson, who is finally fit enough to start a game. He will start alongside Georginio Wijnaldum in the two-man midfield pivot.
Naby Keita has six tackles, two interceptions and two key passes in his first two games in the league and his drive in midfield could be a real issue for.
Attack
Mohamed Salah has already registered a goal and an assist along with six key passes so far this season. He failed to score in the last game but playing at home, is expected to find the back of the net this weekend.
Sadio Mane, who has three goals, five key passes and five successful dribbles this season, has been the best player for Liverpool so far and should start on the left flank.
Roberto Firmino is yet to open his account in front of goal but the Brazilian has an assist and three key passes and will be crucial for Liverpool in terms of upsetting the low block Brighton tend to apply against the bigger teams.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscroed.com