Liverpool have an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Premier League's top five when they welcome third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield on Sunday.

The two sides enter the meeting separated by four points, with Brighton on 16 and Liverpool on 12 after seven matches each.

A home victory would reduce that gap to one point and give Liverpool an important boost in their pursuit of the teams above them.

Brighton, however, have more than their position to protect. Their 16-point return has placed them among the leading contenders in the early standings, and a positive result at Anfield would reinforce their strong start to the campaign.

Liverpool's immediate concern is to avoid losing further ground.

They are fifth, behind Chelsea on 13 points and Brighton on 16, while Arsenal and Manchester City have already reached 21 points.

Saturday's results have made the battle near the top more interesting.

City lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa, while Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Everton.

Both clubs now have 21 points from eight matches, leaving Liverpool with an opportunity to reduce the distance to the leaders if they can put together a winning run.

Brighton, meanwhile, can move to 19 points with a victory, strengthening their hold on third place and keeping the pressure on the top two.

The fixture therefore presents contrasting objectives.

Liverpool need to turn their position into a stronger challenge for the leading places, while Brighton can demonstrate that their early-season form is translating into results against established rivals.

Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 4pm.