Djibril Cisse believes Liverpool has a genuine chance of winning the Premier League title this season, but warns that a Brighton victory at Anfield could see the Seagulls emerge as serious title contenders

Liverpool should not abandon its Premier League title aspirations this season, according to former Reds striker Djibril Cisse, who regards Sunday's home fixture against Brighton as a meeting between potential championship contenders.

The Reds have secured victories in their last three outings across all competitions, with Champions League triumphs over LASK and Villarreal flanking last Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 win at Brentford.

That win pushed Liverpool to fifth in the Premier League table, yet on Sunday, Andoni Iraola's players will face a Brighton side sitting third, having won its last six matches across all competitions and netted 23 goals in its seven league fixtures so far this campaign.

Cisse believes Brighton could potentially "do a Leicester" and mount a title challenge reminiscent of the Foxes' remarkable triumph in 2016, though he remains equally optimistic about his former club's prospects.

"Can Liverpool win a trophy this season? Yes, we have something to play for this year," Cisse told Mr Gamble. "Defensively, we've strengthened. Up front, Alexander Isak is coming back to his best, and Hugo Ekitike will be back soon, too.

"I think this year we have a real chance to win the Premier League title, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, without forgetting the other teams. There's a real opportunity this year.

"I'll admit I hope Liverpool manage to get past all of that, beat all those teams and win the title.

"But Brighton are a good side who have started the season very, very well, and they won't give up their place easily. That's the beauty of the Premier League. Anyone can do it.

"Think of Leicester City. Nobody would have bet a penny on them. I don't think many people expected Brighton to be this high either. It's a very prestigious, very competitive league, and anyone can beat anyone.

"If Brighton beat Liverpool, are they title contenders? Mathematically, with the points they have, the confidence they're building and above all how well they play, yes, they would become serious title contenders."

Should the Reds enjoy a prosperous campaign, Cisse believes Florian Wirtz will prove pivotal, with the German having netted his maiden goal of the season during the victory over Villarreal following sustained criticism of his displays.

"Should Liverpool move on from Florian Wirtz? Every coach and every club has its own way of doing things," said Cisse.

"Maybe the coach still hopes to see the best possible Wirtz, still wants to work with him and help him improve so the team can benefit from his talent. That's more a question for the coach.

"Either way, he remains a fantastic player. If he gets back to his best, he's a player you have to keep in your squad because he's magnificent."