Liverpool will be keen to extend their winning streak when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield on Sunday.
Their midweek Champions League success stretched their winning run to three games on the bounce, and another victory would move them into the top four.
The Reds sit fifth in the table with 12 points, four behind third-placed Brighton, who have collected 16 points after an impressive start to the season.
Andoni Iraola’s side are yet to win a Premier League game at Anfield so far (D2, L1).
However, their gripping 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal on Tuesday would boost hopes of ending that run, after recovering from a two-goal deficit midweek.
Liverpool are nine points off joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, but they could close the gap if they come away from the Brighton clash with a win.
A win against Brighton would also be a huge boost ahead of another crucial home clash against Arsenal on November 1.
No one expected Liverpool to compete for the title in their first season under Iraola. But that could change if they maintain their ongoing winning streak.
However, Liverpool will need to improve their defence if they want to rub shoulders with City and Arsenal.
They’ve conceded 10 goals in their last four games. But the underlying numbers suggest the Reds have been harder to break down this season than last.
They have faced the second-lowest expected goals total from non-penalty chances in the league (7.50), showing that opponents have generally struggled to create chances against them.
The Reds will need to tighten things at the back to keep Brighton at bay, especially as the Seagulls have already scored 23 goals this season.
Predicted Liverpool XI
Alisson will likely retain his place in goal with Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez lining up ahead of the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Ryan Gravenberch, once described as a ‘special talent’, will likely drop deep to anchor the midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
Bradley Barcola could get the nod ahead of Cody Gakpo, and will likely be joined by Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha, while Alexander Isak leads the line.
Isak has scored five goals in six league games and is poised to make consecutive starts for the first time since returning from a thigh injury.
(4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak.