Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expecting his side to come up against a well organised outfit when the Seagulls visit Anfield tomorrow afternoon.
Albion recorded a 3-2 victory over Manchester United last weekend at the Amex Stadium courtesy of first half goals from Glenn Murray, Shane Duffy and Pascal Gross – and Klopp stressed that his side would have to be well-prepared for the visit of Chris Hughton’s side to the north west after that win over Jose Mourinho’s men.
He said, “We won’t expect a different Brighton side on Saturday afternoon to the one we faced last season, but you can’t compare the games last season to this one because they were safe in May and we had to fight for the top four - so it’s very different.
“It’s a very good team and I really respect what Chris Hughton is doing there.
“They were impressive and really well drilled last weekend against Manchester United and we’ve analysed that game to make sure we’re ready.”
It was Albion’s first victory of the new season in an impressive performance that earned them plaudits aplenty last weekend, and the German was keen to see his side replicate their first two performances of the campaign that have seen them win both of their contests so far.
“We’ve been warned by Brighton’s performance last Sunday, and we have to be awake and alert.
“Last week we said there’s some much positivity around here [Liverpool] at the moment, but we have to be ready to work really hard this weekend again.
“It’s a good challenge against a very good side who’re coming here on the back of a good result - hopefully our crowd will be on their toes to create a good atmosphere and then we can deliver a game to help them get behind the team.”
Victories against West Ham United and Crystal Palace respectively have seen Liverpool score six goals without conceding so far during the season, but the manager hinted that his team selection would not be influenced by their two results so far.
“We’ve kept the same side for the last two matches – but we will see because you always have to have the option to rotate – just because you’ve won doesn’t mean it has to stay the same.
“We have quality within the squad and there can be different reasons for changes to line-up. Dejan [Lovren] is getting closer but he isn’t training with the team at the moment – so he won’t be involved this weekend – hopefully after the international break he’ll be ready to go.
“That’s always been the target for him and that’s what we plan to stick to.”