3 Things to watch for in the Premier League match with Brighton

As we wrap up yet another international break, the focus will once again shift to the agonizingly close Premier League title race between Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. While the latter two have a titanic battle on Sunday, Liverpool has a meeting with Brighton.

As preparations begin for the challenge presented by the Seagulls, I have identified three things that I want to see or will be looking closely at during this match.

So, let's jump into it.

1. Liverpool must get off to a fast start

There can be no time for an integration period following time away from the club. Jurgen Klopp will want his side to come out on the front foot and he will surely do everything needed to make sure their focus is on point from the opening kickoff.

The few times that Liverpool have struggled this season, it usually comes after a sluggish start where they have conceded a sloppy goal or they were unable to convert their own chances.

Even in some of their victories, the job was made all the more difficult because of a slow start which allows the opponent a bit more confidence. Brighton has enough talent in their ranks that they can jump on a poor start from Liverpool.

2. Will the Liverpool attack keep firing on all cylinders?

Mohamed Salah will obviously be the first name on the team sheet for this one. Darwin Nunez has had a fortnight to rest and recover and he should be available as well.

Both those guys were in fine form before the break, so it will be interesting to see if the time off will have hampered this momentum or allowed them to maintain it. Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz were both very productive for their respective countries over the break, so both should bring back a lot of confidence.

The last time we saw Gakpo at Old Trafford, it wasn't pretty. So he will definitely be eager to kick on from here.

Brighton has allowed 1.57 goals per game this season, so they are not the stingiest of defenses in the league. Liverpool, with their four fit forwards, should be able to do some damage in this one.

3. Reds need to put the game to bed early so preemptive rest can begin

It is no secret that Liverpool have a congested fixture list beginning with this game. They will at one point be playing 4 away games in 10 days during one of the most important stretches of the season.

Klopp will be desperate for his guys to score multiple goals and kill the game off quick so he can get some of the bigger names more rest ahead of a busy few weeks. A taxing, nail-biting affair right out of the international break is not an ideal scenario.

Staying injury free and securing a comfortable three points should be the main target on the day. Liverpool should not give Brighton a sniff of hope in this one.