Preview: Liverpool v Brighton

You’d think after a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park, a clean sheet so far this season, and a squad FINALLY containing depth, we’d be happy. But I left Ned Kelly’s Australian pub in Munich on Monday night so downtrodden. We hadn’t got enough goals to be above Manchester City.

We won, and we defended well, and Naby Keita showed his daring and ability in the midfield the entire game. I had to remind myself it was only the second game. But it struck me. Have we gotten to the point of being able to handle ourselves against teams outside the top six? If we can finally push out wins in places where before we found difficulty, then we need our goal scorers to shine. The goal differential could be what pushes us over the edge beyond City.

That’s why I’m excited to have Brighton at Anfield on Saturday night. Last season we scored nine goals against them, 5-1 away, and 4-0 at Anfield.

This is a perfect opportunity to have our front three shine. Mane has been amazing, getting three goals in two games. But Salah and Firmino have struggled, and I imagine they will be eager to find the net against Brighton. AND I AM HERE FOR IT.

Brighton might be reeling from their win against Manchester United, but they’re down a defender due to injury, and statistically do not perform well against us or at Anfield. Brighton haven’t won any of their last fourteen away games and failed to net any goals in ten of those matches.

Predicted Lineup: Alisson, Clyne, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Milner, Wijnaldum, Keita, Salah, Firmino, Mane

Although this might be a great game to feature Fabinho! We will see!