Alexis Mac Allister sends Liverpool title message before Brighton - 'Long year'

Liverpool midfielder believes the visit to Anfield of his former club, Brighton, this weekend will present a tough test for the Reds — but he has insisted that it , despite the fact that a quarter of the campaign has now elapsed.

"It's a new game," he told Liverpool's . "Definitely, we can take some things from the [previous game, also against ] — and they will do as well, so, in that sense, it will be very equal.

"But I think they will change a lot as well; some players that are regular starters for them didn’t play [on Wednesday]. We expect different players but a similar game because we both have an idea of what we want to do on the pitch.

"It will be a very tough game because they have very good players and, as I said, they have a clear idea. We are already working on what we want to do and we will try to win the game."

Heading into this round of fixtures, Liverpool is a point behind in the standings. side will face Bournemouth away from home at the same time the Reds host Brighton.

"I think when you play in a club like , you have to be on the top [positions]," he continued. "We are there, against very good teams and very good clubs, so I think we are where we expected to be. But at the same time, we know that it’s a long year.

"We have a lot of games coming up, including the international break. So I wouldn’t say this is the time where you see if you are up to win something but maybe in January, February we will see — and hopefully we are at the top."

Liverpool.com says: The sample size is growing when it comes to what is putting together at Liverpool this season. While Mac Allister might not want to look too far ahead, being in the league title race this season should be possible, not least with Manchester City being without Rodri. The Reds are at least a match for Arsenal too.