Brighton & Hove Albion defender Shane Duffy is relishing this afternoon’s game with Liverpool at Anfield as the side go in search of their first away points of the season.
The Seagulls head to the north west having beaten Manchester United at the Amex Stadium last weekend, and the defender spoke buoyantly about the next challenge on Merseyside.
He said, ‘’Liverpool are a terrific side – we have done our work on them and will see what we can do with their weaknesses.
“We know it’s going to be difficult, we have to be realistic, but we are going to try and use our game plan and go there and try and win.
“We have to have that mentality of trying to cause an upset which no-one really expects and it’s a huge game for all of us because you want to test yourself against them - it’s a huge challenge but one we are up for.’’
Albion have begun the new campaign with a win and a loss from their opening two matches having achieved a 15th placed finish last term during their first season in the Premier League, and the Irishman believes the side are capable of replicating that during the 2018/19 season.
‘’I think the goal is the same as last year - if we can better it, it would be great.
“We know how big it is for the club and the first target is to stay in the league and not get ahead of ourselves.
“The manager is great at keeping our expectations the same and wherever we are at the end of the season, that’s where we will deserve to be, so hopefully it’s better than that season, but we have to be realistic as well.
‘’People always talk about second season syndrome, it’s my first time having a second season - expectations from the fans go up a little bit and other teams treat you a bit differently, but you just have to level it out and raise your game.”
This afternoon’s opposition inflicted two defeats on the Seagulls last season, with a victory at the Amex Stadium in December and a win on the final day of the campaign at Anfield – Duffy reflected honestly on the two matches, as well as the team’s form away from home.
“They were two tough games - they scored a few goals against us and we have learned we can’t make the same mistakes where they will punish you.
“It’s a challenge for all of us to keep tight at the back first and foremost. We have a game plan to go and score goals. Last season we didn’t do that so hopefully we can put it right.
“We know we have to improve our away form - you can’t always rely on home form because you might not pick up the same results as last year.
“The manager is working hard to make sure we do play better away from home and pick up results. We are trying to put it right.’’
Fans can watch Shane Duffy’s full look ahead to this afternoon’s game on Seagulls TV and supporters can sign up to the service by clicking here.