Sean Dyche is ready for Everton to put last season's challenges behind them by making a positive start to the Premier League against Brighton on Saturday.

Everton had to contend with two points deductions last season, but an impressive run of results at the end of the campaign ensured they comfortably avoided relegation.

While they did not make the best start to pre-season, going winless in their first three games, they finished on a positive note, with a win against Preston North End and a draw with Roma.

Though they will be without key players for their opener, including Jarrad Branthwaite, Dyche is optimistic about what the season will bring.

"You get the sense that, after last season's challenges and the positive end, I think there is more calmness and positivity," Dyche said in his press conference.

"The reality of knowing the truth of what the situation is helps. But generally, being up and around people there is a better feeling.

"We have been trying to bring in players who fit into the club. We have worked hard collectively with the scouts to get the right players. The only balance to that is that they don't have much Premier League experience, so it is how quick they can be effective and adapt."

Meanwhile, Brighton are preparing for their first campaign under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.

They won all four of their pre-season games, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three, and James Milner believes the German has already started to make his mark.

"There is a good mix of the last manager [Roberto De Zerbi], who was build-up orientated, but maybe a bit of Jurgen Klopp thrown in," Milner told Sky Sports.

"The manager has been very clear about what he wants from us as a team and individuals. He has put his own stamp and intensity on things, he wants us to play front foot with and without the ball."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Everton – Jordan Pickford

Everton have lost their opening Premier League match in each of the last two seasons – both 1-0 at home – to Chelsea (2022-23) and Fulham (2023-24).

If they are to avoid starting their campaign with a defeat for a third year in a row for the first time since a run of four between 2008 and 2011, Jordan Pickford could be the key by leading from the back.

Brighton – Evan Ferguson

Evan Ferguson, then aged 18, scored in Brighton's 4-1 win against Luton Town on the opening weekend of the Premier League last season.

The only teenager to score on MD1 in more than one campaign is Michael Owen (1997-98 and 1998-99).

MATCH PREDICTION: EVERTON WIN

Everton won their first four home Premier League games against Brighton but are since winless in their last three against them at Goodison Park (drawing one, losing two).

However, Dyche's side have won five of their last eight Premier League games (drawn one, lost two), having been winless in their previous 13 (drawn six, lost seven). Indeed, since the first victory in that run on April 6, only four teams have won more Premier League points than the Toffees (16).

Meanwhile, Brighton lost their first match in three of their first four Premier League campaigns but have begun their last three seasons with victory. The Seagulls are looking to win their opening league game in four consecutive seasons for the first time ever.

They struggled at the end of last season though, losing their final two games to Chelsea and Manchester United, while they have not lost three consecutive league games since a run of six between February and March 2022.

The team scoring first has never lost a Premier League meeting between Everton and Brighton (won 10, drawn three), although the Toffees went 1-0 up in both games last season and both ended 1-1.

New manager Hurzeler will be hoping to get off to a winning start for his first game in charge. Born in February 1993, he will be the first manager to take charge of a Premier League game who was born after the competition started.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Everton – 40.4%

Draw – 26.6%

Brighton – 33%

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi believes his side are still capable of securing a place in Europe for a second successive season.

The Seagulls are 10th in the Premier League with seven games of a campaign memorable for a first foray into continental competition remaining.

Current form is not good, however, with just one win from the last six league outings, but De Zerbi is optimistic.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burnley, the Italian said: “It’s difficult to understand how many points we need, but we have to think game by game.

“I think we have the chance to reach Europe. It’s tough because there are a lot of strong and very good teams, but we have the chance.

“The schedule is not the best, but we’re going to find a lot of teams who play in Europe – Man City, Chelsea plays in the FA Cup, Aston Villa are playing in Conference League.

“I think we have the chance and we have to believe in that, and we have to win, for sure.

“I would like to play next season again in Europe. I think this season we are paying a lot, a big price, for the first experience in the Europa League, but the second one can be easier.”

Brighton are also hampered by a lengthy injury list. Tariq Lamptey and Julio Enciso are the latest additions after suffering knocks in last weekend’s defeat at Arsenal, taking the number of casualties to nine.

De Zerbi said: “The situation is tough. We have still nine injured players – yes, nine.

“It’s more or less the same squad we played against Arsenal but no Tariq. Julio Enciso is the ninth injured player.”

Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, Karou Mitoma, Billy Gilmour, Evan Ferguson, Adam Webster and James Milner also remain on the sidelines.

Of those, Gilmour, Webster and Milner seem the closest to returning.

De Zerbi said: “Billy is better. I don’t know how much time he needs to start with us on the pitch, but he’s better. James Milner, the same.

“I think Webster, Milner and Bill can be available (in) the next weeks.”

De Zerbi also confirmed goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, who has started the last five matches, will retain his place.

He said: “Bart plays tomorrow, starts at the beginning in the first XI. I’m happy and lucky to work with Bart and Jason (Steele) as well.

“They are different players, different keepers, but both are very good, very important for Brighton.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez’s England recall is fully deserved as the team’s popular utility man continues to impress.

It was not that long ago that speculation was linking the defender with a move away as he dropped down the pecking order at Anfield.

However, this season he has taken over the mantle of the veteran James Milner, who left for Brighton in the summer, in terms of being a reliable performer in a number of positions.

His 40 appearances have come across the back four, with a couple as an emergency holding midfielder, as injuries piled up in February and that versatility is something which appeals to Gareth Southgate, who included him in his squad for the first time since 2020 for next week’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

“I’m very happy for him. To be honest, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) have been saying for quite a while he definitely shouldn’t book any holidays in this international period as he will definitely be in it,” said Van Dijk.

“Still, it’s been such a long time for him. The work he has put in day in, day out – him and his family – not many people see but he has been outstanding the whole season and I’m delighted.

“Let him get his chance and then he will show he should stay in the squad.”

Gomez could be deployed in either full-back position or as Van Dijk’s partner for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It is a credit to him that his performances have not dropped despite being shifted around the pitch and the fact he is still only 26 means his best years are still ahead of him.

Asked what had changed, Van Dijk added: “Playing more helps, of course, but it’s the confidence he plays with as well in any position across the back line and a couple of games as a holding midfielder.

“He’s doing great, he’s a fantastic player.”

Manager Jurgen Klopp trailed Gomez’s selection after last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, when he praised his performance and suggested it was a simple decision for Southgate.

“I don’t think my comments had a lot of influence. Wasn’t necessary really, Joey deserves it, absolutely,” said the Reds boss.

“The season he has played so far is absolutely exceptional. We would not be where we are without Joey. He’s played so many different positions. Really happy for him.

“I saw on his face he was very happy about it so it’s good news. Now, let’s play the (United) game, he can go there, and hopefully comes back healthy and we can play the rest of the season.”

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is not surprised by James Milner’s longevity and said his old team-mate is perhaps the hardest-working player he has ever known.

Kompany will come up against Milner on Saturday when the Clarets head south to take on Brighton, the club Milner joined in the summer after eight years at Liverpool.

The 37-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Seagulls despite some injury niggles, lending his wealth of experience as Roberto De Zerbi’s squad balances the demands of European football with their domestic duties for the first time.

“He’s older than me!” joked Kompany, who is three months Milner’s junior. “I’m not surprised and if there’s one guy that was going to do that it was going to be Milly. His longevity – it’s because he’s probably the hardest working player I’ve ever played with.

“I’ve seen his journey from being this winger, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, full-back. And every single time people would have bet against him. But if you know him and his personality, you would never bet a penny against him…

“There might have been loads of players who are better than James, but how many have had his career? Very, very few.”

Milner’s medal collection includes a Champions League crown with Liverpool and three Premier League titles. He won two of those alongside Kompany at City before joining Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015.

That exit left a sour taste among many in the blue half of Manchester, but not Kompany.

“You always want your best players to stay but for his career it was a great move,” he said. “I’ve always wanted him to do well.”

Saturday’s trip to the Amex Stadium will bring back happy memories for Kompany, who lifted the Premier League trophy there in 2019 in his final game in English football.

“It feels like a lifetime ago, the job I’m in consumes you that much,” he said. “But, yeah, it was four-and-a-half years ago – it feels like it was 20 years ago.

“I’d be rubbish if I was in that profession now. But they are good memories and maybe in the future – maybe one Christmas – those moments can be replayed with the kids.”

City won 4-1 that day to pip Liverpool – and Milner – to the title by one point with a run of 14 straight victories, perhaps fortunate to come across a Brighton side who had only ensured their own top-flight survival the weekend before when Cardiff lost to Crystal Palace.

But the club Burnley will face on Saturday have come a long, long way since then, and are seen by many as the model club for anyone wanting to challenge the Premier League’s top sides.

Kompany pointed out Burnley were a model themselves for a long time, having held their own in the top flight for seven years despite limited resources, and said it was not as simple as trying to copy what someone has done.

“If this is a path, then I don’t think we should compare ourselves to them, absolutely not,” he said.

“We’re at a completely different stage, but there is a template that’s taken time for them to develop and that’s obviously allowing them to compete above their means.

“That should be a goal for any team in this league.”

Harry Kane's future continues to be a hot topic of debate, with a number of heavyweight clubs lining up to sign the prolific striker should he indicate he wants to leave Tottenham.

Following strong links with the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, the England international is also now reportedly on Chelsea's list of targets.

The Blues have struggled for goals this term, despite a huge outlay on attacking talent over the past two transfer windows, and need to address that issue ahead of next season.

With Kane's contract due to expire at the end of next season, Tottenham's hand may be forced somewhat should a huge bid come in when the window reopens for business.

TOP STORY – POCHETTINO HOPING TO REUNITE WITH KANE

Not only are Chelsea on the lookout for new recruits – while also offloading plenty of deadwood from their squad – they are searching for a new permanent head coach.

Mauricio Pochettino is thought to be the frontrunner to take over, and the Daily Mail suggests the former Tottenham coach is hoping to work with Kane again at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs would be reluctant to sell to a fellow Premier League side, especially fierce rivals Chelsea, but it is claimed Kane would jump at the chance to reunite with Pochettino.

ROUND-UP

– Brighton and Hove Albion have a club-record £30million deal in place with Watford to sign forward Joao Pedro, while Liverpool midfielder James Milner is another target, according to The Athletic. 

– Marca suggests Real Madrid are ready to hold talks with the representatives of in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham over the next week. Liverpool recently pulled out of the race for the England international.

– Juventus could turn to Marseille coach Igor Tudor should they choose to sack Massimiliano Allegri, Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claims. Tudor previously spent time at Juve as both a player and assistant coach.

– L'Equipe reports striker Jonathan David is likely to leave Lille at the end of the season and could be on his way to the Premier League. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be interested.

Jurgen Klopp acknowledged "something is not right" with Liverpool's performances after they laboured to a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Reds endured a frustrating outing in a drab encounter at Selhurst Park, missing the chance to record three Premier League wins in a row for just the second time this term.

Both Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah hit the woodwork for the visitors, who were without Darwin Nunez for the trip to London, which came on the heels of a 5-2 Champions League loss to Real Madrid. 

Despite dropping points once again, Klopp focused on taking a result back to Anfield, though he remains troubled by his side's hit-and-miss form.

"I liked the start to the game," he told Sky Sports. "The dynamic was good, the passes were good. In the end, because we didn't threaten them in behind enough, we had to play in between the lines.

"They had no shots on target. I think we had three or four. We hit the crossbar. Usually, we score one or two [of] the chances we had. We didn't do that tonight.

"I think we killed the atmosphere with the way we played. When football is predictable, it means it's easier to defend. You feel something is not right.

"But it's an away point and it's okay. It's not brilliant, but it's okay."

Having thrown away a two-goal lead against Madrid in midweek, questions of a European hangover could have been levelled at Liverpool following their performance at Palace, but Klopp argued his side did not suffer from their continental exploits.

"I didn't see a massive influence [from the Real Madrid game]," he added. "If we score, we go home and win 1-0."

Midfielder James Milner echoed his manager's comments and stressed Liverpool's destiny remains firmly of their own making this term.

"We have to keep going," he said. "We're our harshest critics. It's important we don't listen to the noise outside.

"It's down to us. We're the only ones who can change it. We've fallen short this year. We have to dig down."

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool "have to be ready for little steps" as he declared himself pleased with a Premier League goalless draw against Chelsea on Saturday.

Struggling heavyweights Liverpool and Chelsea played out a dismal contest at Anfield to leave themselves nine points off fourth-placed Newcastle United, who had a game coming up later in the day.

Liverpool had 15 shots, but just three were on target, with their expected goals (xG) return of 1.40 lower than that of Chelsea (1.59), who had a Kai Havertz goal ruled out.

The Reds did at least snap a two-game losing run in the Premier League with their first clean sheet in nine, all of which Klopp believes points to a positive day on the whole.

"We had good spells but couldn't keep it up," Klopp, who was taking charge of his 1,000th game in management, told BT Sport.

"We have to be ready for little steps, and this is a little step. We didn’t concede against Chelsea, which is good. We didn't create an awful lot of chances, but we had them.

"We defended more with passion than clear organisation, so in the end I am okay with nil-nil. You have to accept it."

Liverpool and Chelsea have now played out five successive draws, albeit with the Reds winning two of those games on penalties in last season's EFL and FA Cup finals.

It is the first time ever the sides have drawn three successive league games.

Klopp's side now turn focus to an FA Cup fourth-round tie with Brighton and Hove Albion, while they have a Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid coming up.

Echoing the thoughts of his manager, utility man James Milner believes Liverpool are showing small signs of improvement.

"When you're in a tough period and a tough moment in the team, I think it's important that you stick together and fight for those clean sheets and that's where it starts," Milner said.

"It's not the best football matches that we are playing, but it's small steps to get where we know we can be.

"We would have liked to win it, it's pleasing that we had the chances. This is a small step in the right direction, but we have got a long way to go to where we want to be.

"We always want to win our home games, we know the situation we are in at the moment, things are not easy.

"We've got to stick together, keep working hard. We kept a clean sheet which was pleasing. We need to get that base. We had chances to win the game."

Milner, who lined up at right-back, had the joint-second most touches of any Liverpool player (73) despite playing just 72 minutes. He felt the condition of the playing surface worked against Liverpool.

"It was two teams that aren't playing their best at the moment. That's why you have to win that battle, and the pitch didn't make it as easy to play as we would like," he said.

"At times we could have made it easier for ourselves by taking an extra touch but also moving for each other. 

"We had really good spells in the game as well. There's things to work on, but a clean sheet is a step in the right direction."

Jurgen Klopp said there was "no chance" James Milner was not going to be brought on for his 600th Premier League appearance on Saturday.

Milner came on as a 68th-minute substitute during Liverpool's 3-1 win over Southampton at Anfield.

That saw the 36-year-old become the fourth player in Premier League history, after Gareth Barry, Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard, to make 600 appearances in the competition.

Klopp, who was watching from the stands as he served a one-match touchline suspension handed to him by the Football Association (FA) on Friday, knew Milner was closing in on the milestone, and said there was little chance the former Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder would not play.

"Wow! I don't know how many have reached that mark in England. Most of the games probably for Liverpool so it's an honour to be around when he reaches that number. Even Millie is proud today," Klopp told reporters.

"It's a big number, a big career and won pretty much everything. A role model for us, for everyone in the room. I knew he was on 599 and there was no chance he wouldn't play today.

"He did well, you could see that he is still important to us. He doesn't just play to get him number 600.

"He sets the tone very often, has the right amount of aggression. He knows that at 36, he has room for improvement, it's crazy. But I'm glad to have him. Congratulations James."

Liverpool have won 10 of their last 11 league meetings with Southampton, with Darwin Nunez's double seeing off the Saints, who were playing for the first time under new manager Nathan Jones.

Roberto Firmino's opener – his 18th headed goal in the Premier League – had been cancelled out by Che Adams, whose four top-flight goals this season have come away from home.

The victory sees Liverpool go into the break on 22 points, having won their last two league games following successive defeats to Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

"Very, very pleased," said Klopp. "Three points was the most important thing. The performance in the first half was really good as well.

"Early goal, early goal then for them but a good reaction. We got in behind and used our speed, used our football skills. 

"Second half wasn't as good. We needed Alisson. He enjoys that but as a manager I enjoy it much less. We didn't control the game well enough in the second half. Defensively we were too passive, too deep and that's how they were able to get through.

"But 22 points was the maximum we could reach before the break, we knew that for a little while and that's what we've got."

James Milner joined an exclusive club as he became just the fourth player to make 600 Premier League appearances.

Milner replaced Harvey Elliott, who is 17 years his junior, midway through the second half in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

In the process, the former Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder - who made his debut in the competition for Leeds United as a 16-year-old on 10 November, 2002 - joined Gareth Barry (653), Ryan Giggs (632) and Frank Lampard (609) as the players to have played in 600 Premier League matches.

Milner hopes he can set an example for Liverpool's youngsters, as he hailed Anfield as a "perfect place to be" for developing players.

"It's a big number isn't it? It's unbelievable," said Milner said in an interview with BBC Sport.

"It's been a very long time. You see someone like Ben Doak come on the other night at a similar age and do well. Hopefully they can have a long career as I have.

"For our young guys it's an unbelievable place to be. You can learn so much. You won't go too far wrong watching these guys here and learning off them."

Darwin Nunez's double secured the points for Liverpool, whose opener had been cancelled out by Che Adams.

Jurgen Klopp does not know how the protocol around concussions in football can be improved, but he is sure temporary substitutions are not the answer.

The issue of head injuries has come to prominence again in the past week, most notably after Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez initially played on in the 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United having collided with Tyrone Mings' knee.

Liverpool themselves had to use a concussion substitute – a sixth permanent change, which also grants the opposition another switch – in the Champions League win over Napoli in midweek.

James Milner went down early in the second half, having previously thought, like Martinez, he would be able to continue.

The idea of a temporary substitution, giving medical professionals further time to assess potential concussions, has been floated as a possible solution.

But Klopp, speaking in his news conference on Friday, pointed out the signs of some injuries can be delayed so long players would still be allowed to return to the pitch with a concussion.

"What else shall we do? I know you say 'temporary subs'; I am fine with the concussion sub, absolutely fine," he said before Sunday's match against Tottenham.

"Take him off and bring another player – it means you can still change five times after that, and the other team has an extra sub. I think that's the best we can do.

"You say it takes quite a while between getting the concussion and it really kicking in; I'm not sure then 15 minutes is really the time to wait for it.

"People will tell you after an hour it kicks in. I think how we do it is the right way.

"And it doesn't happen that often, to be 100 per cent honest. I can't remember one before [at Liverpool]. It was the first time with the way Milly got hit, but when did we have a concussion before? I can't remember it.

"We can talk about it like it happens all the time and the boys are constantly in danger. They are not. They are well-trained athletes and it doesn't happen that often.

"But if it happens, we have a solution for it, which is much better than ever before in football's history.

"Is there space for improvement? Probably, but I don't know how."

Milner will not play against Spurs but can return to non-contact training on Monday and a full session on Tuesday "if everything goes well".

Liverpool are at least boosted by Jordan Henderson's recovery from injury and Fabinho's return to form against Napoli.

"The game was a clear sign of Fabinho how we know him," Klopp said of his struggling star. "It was a good game and we defended in all positions on a different level to the week before. It felt good.

"For him, it was very important to realise that that's possible. It was a good start in the right direction."

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will "not stop fighting" to improve despite a patchy start to their season.

After seeming to get back on track in the Premier League with wins against Manchester City and West Ham, Liverpool have suffered defeats against Nottingham Forest and Leeds United in their last two league outings.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of their final Champions League group game against Napoli on Tuesday, Klopp said he understood criticism of him and his team, but he feels the time to properly judge them will closer to the end of the campaign.

"We obviously do the job in public, and I think the judgement for [if the team is in decline] will come later, or maybe at the end of the season where we might say, 'That's obviously it for this group of players,' whatever, 'for this manager,' if you want, whatever questions will be asked then," he said.

"At the moment, it is not 100 per cent fair to judge this team because that means the squad, obviously, because we never had them [all] available. We miss especially now up front top quality [injured pair Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota], which is not helpful.

"That doesn't mean we don't have top quality [there now], but with the amount of games, you would usually make changes; we can't do that."

Liverpool are in ninth place in the Premier League, with four wins, four draws and four defeats from 12 games, and are still yet to win a league game away from home in 2022-23.

Klopp acknowledges his team's issues are not simple fixes, but he promised to give his all to try to turn their fortunes around, saying: "We can say now this was never [going to be] a quick fix, and now it looks like it is proven not to be a quick fix, but we will not stop fighting.

"Probably everything will be judged about me now, which is completely fine. When people look at me and say, 'He looks tired,' I'm not. I can't use that excuse.

"My job is not just to be here when the sun is shining; my job is also to be here when we have to go through a really rough period.

"And I will do that with all I have, or if possible, even more."

Reds vice-captain James Milner backed up his manager's words, saying Liverpool's difficulties stem from a number of small issues rather than one big problem.

"If it was one easy fix, you'd know and fix it," the 36-year-old told reporters. "To be a successful football team, there's so many little things that you need to do well, and at the moment, we're not doing those consistently enough.

"We've shown some very good performances this year, but we haven't had that consistency, and that's something that we need to improve."

James Milner and his team-mates will "rally round" Darwin Nunez after the striker was sent off on his home debut on Monday, Liverpool's vice-captain has said.

The Uruguayan was dismissed just before the hour mark at Anfield by referee Paul Tierney during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace after he reacted to being shoved by Joachim Andersen by pushing his head into the Dane's face.

The Reds were 1-0 down at the time, but still managed to salvage a point after Luis Diaz equalised Wilfried Zaha's first-half opener with a thunderous effort from all of 25 yards at the Kop end.

The hosts could have won it at the death, with Mohamed Salah and substitute Fabio Carvalho both going close with volleyed efforts, though Zaha also nearly snatched it at the other end.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Milner said Nunez will learn from his mistake, with the help of his team-mates.

"I didn't see the incident," the 36-year-old said. "Obviously he's going to be disappointed with that and it's down to us to get round him and rally. I'm sure he'll learn from it.

"I think the reaction [from the team] was the most important thing. The team reacted very, very well and the ground reacted very well – as they always do – they got right behind us and we could've nicked a winner. It wasn't to be but we move on.

"That's what good teams do, they get together with disappointments and you stick together. We've got a great team spirit at the club and you don't have to say too much about the fans here. They're obviously incredible and always get behind us, especially when things are tough. They did that and we rallied.

"It was disappointing not to get the winner but I think the reaction was incredible from the boys – 10 men and kept pushing."

Liverpool have already lost ground in the race for the title, sitting four points behind champions Manchester City after two games, but Milner is not concerned given the campaign is still in its infancy.

"It's not the ideal start but you see the readiness for the season and it's obviously a long, long season," he said. "It's not the start we would want but you see the fight there.

"We've had a week of tough things that have gone on [injuries] and preparation hasn't been ideal. I think it's disappointing but you see the fighting spirit was there and no-one can deny that. We fought until the end."

Liverpool went into the break 1-0 down despite having 17 shots on goal to Palace's four in the first half, but Milner heaped praise on Diaz for the quality of his leveller in the second.

"When we had the chances we had and the moments around the box and didn't quite get the break, sometimes you need that moment of brilliance," he added.

"Obviously when you've got players like [Diaz] on the pitch that can create something out of nothing, it was an incredible goal and hopefully there'll be many more to come this season from him."

James Milner believes the addition of Darwin Nunez means Liverpool have a "fantastic mix" in attack this season.

Nunez, signed from Benfica for a fee of £64million (€75m), with a further £21.4m (€25m) in potential add-ons, marked his first Premier League appearance for the Reds at the weekend with a goal in the 2-2 draw at Fulham.

That followed his goal in the 3-1 Community Shield victory over Manchester City a week earlier.

Nunez joins Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and fellow new signing Fabio Carvalho in attack as Liverpool look to mount Premier League and Champions League challenges again this term.

Milner is excited by what Nunez offers and believes Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has a tantalising group of forward players to choose from.  

"I think he'll have an impact the whole time he's here, to be honest," Milner told Liverpool’s official website.

"Since he's been here, he's been impressive on the field, worked hard, makes great runs and is desperate to put his head on the ball in the box.

"If you put a ball in there, he'll do everything he can to get on the end of it – good finisher, both feet and he's different to the other boys up there.

"We've already got some very exciting attacking players who can cause problems, so he's a great addition. He'll be fantastic for us.

"You want options up there, you want to cause people problems, and you want to have options to play different ways because obviously teams are going to watch us and try to stop us, so it's important we can do everything.

"With the options we have up there, I think we have a fantastic mix."

Liverpool are next in action on Monday when Crystal Palace visit Anfield in the Premier League. 

Cristiano Ronaldo faces an uncertain Manchester United future, but he stands to pass a string of landmarks if he stays and plays for Erik ten Hag this season.

Tottenham's Harry Kane, set to captain England at the World Cup later in the year, is chasing a significant club landmark.

And guess who will join Mohamed Salah in bidding to set an opening-day career goals record.

Of course, it's......  Jamie Vardy.

As the new season gets under way on Friday, Stats Perform looks at the records and milestones coming into view.

KANE, RONALDO, HAALAND: TARGETS IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF THE BIG GUNS

What role Ronaldo has to play remains in the balance, given he appears keen to leave United for a second time.

But if the 37-year-old features for the Red Devils, he can begin to chase down landmarks. For starters, he is just four victories short of having had a hand in 150 United wins in the Premier League, having drawn 43 times and lost 37 while a member of the team across his two Old Trafford spells.

Ronaldo is a mere six goals away from becoming the first player to amass 500 goals in Europe's top five leagues. His record 494 goals to date have come from 616 league matches. On his heels, however, is perennial rival Lionel Messi, once of Barcelona and now at Paris Saint-Germain (480 goals in 546 league games).

Kane is 17 away from hitting the 200-goal mark in the Premier League, a total only ever achieved by Alan Shearer (260) and Wayne Rooney (208). Sergio Aguero (184) and Andy Cole (187), third and fourth on the Premier League era list, are poised to be knocked down a peg as Kane continues his assault on the league record.

Both Leicester City's Vardy and Liverpool's Salah will be looking to equal or break the Premier League matchday one goals record, which is currently held jointly by Shearer, Frank Lampard and Rooney (eight goals). Vardy and Salah have seven each, like the retired Teddy Sheringham and Aguero.

Manchester City new boy Erling Haaland has caused a sensation with his goalscoring wherever he has played, dazzling for Molde, Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and Norway. He could become the seventh Norwegian to score on his Premier League debut, and the third to do so in the opening game of a season, after Tore Andre Flo for Chelsea in 1997-98 and Adama Diomande in 2016-17 with Hull City.

DESERVES A LONG SERVICE MEDAL

Liverpool's James Milner, fresh from signing a new one-year contract, is 12 short of reaching 600 Premier League games. Only three players have reached that mark to date: Gareth Barry (653), Ryan Giggs (632) and Lampard (609).

Milner made his Premier League debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old in November 2002, so a 20-year anniversary is approaching for the former England midfielder.

David Moyes was already a Premier League manager by the time Milner made his first appearance. At Everton then, he has done the rounds since and is a mere two games away from completing 1,000 matches in all competitions as a manager in English football.

Now at West Ham, Moyes looks to be at the opposite end of his touchline career to Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager who is one away from bringing up his first 50 wins as a Premier League boss.

STICK AROUND LONG ENOUGH...

Only six teams have been constant members of the Premier League since its first year in 1992-93. Completing the first 30 seasons without suffering the indignity of relegation have been Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal. Sooner or later, all sorts of landmarks arrive for these league lynchpins.

Arsenal have lost 249 Premier League games and headed into Friday night's season opener against Crystal Palace under threat of becoming the 13th side to lose 250. They would have had the longest wait to lose 250, however, having already played four games more than Chelsea, who took the longest (1,148 games) of those to have reached the not-so-desirable milestone.

Tottenham, another of those stalwart sides, are just five away from becoming the fifth team to score 1,000 goals at home in the competition (Manchester United 1,214, Liverpool 1,156, Arsenal 1,154, Chelsea 1,121).

Chelsea are 27 shy of 2,000 goals, home or away, having plundered 1,973 in their 1,152 games to date.

Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both 12 short of losing 400 Premier League games. Only West Ham (408) and Everton (414) have lost more games than those sides, who will hope to avoid spilling over that barrier this season.

West Ham are four away from reaching 1,000 Premier League games, while promoted Nottingham Forest are two away from 200.

MAKING UP THE NUMBERS

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson needs one assist to become only the second defender to register 50 Premier League assists, after Leighton Baines (Wigan, Everton). Robertson has 49, with Baines managing 53 across his career.

Aston Villa veteran Ashley Young and Tottenham new arrival Richarlison are two shy of reaching 50 Premier League goals, while Newcastle's former Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope is four away from 50 clean sheets in the competition.

Brighton and Hove Albion are two away from 50 wins, with Aston Villa four short of 300 draws, a tally that only Everton (320) have reached.

Southampton need four victories to reach 100 away wins, and Aston Villa want four three-pointers on the road to reach their 150 wins. Leicester, on the other hand, are four away from 150 Premier League away defeats. Brendan Rodgers will hope to fend off that landmark until well into the new campaign.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has labelled James Milner's contract extension as "important to all of us" as he hailed the "benchmark" the midfielder sets at Anfield.

Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015 and has been integral to the Reds' success, lifting the Premier League, Champions League, EFL Cup and FA Cup.

Doubts remained over the future of Milner, whose contract was due to expire in June, but the former England international agreed a one-year extension with Liverpool on Monday.

The 36-year-old appeared 39 times in all competitions for the Reds this season, starting 14 games for his 1,380 minutes of action.

Klopp, speaking to Liverpool's website, expressed his delight to keep the experienced campaigner on Merseyside for another season.

"I am delighted by this news. It's important for us – all of us," Klopp said.

"A lot is often made of James' leadership skills and his influence in the dressing room, and of course that's correct and justified, but nobody should overlook his quality on the pitch, where he continues to perform to a level that meant we simply couldn't afford to lose him.

"His professionalism is the benchmark for any athlete and it's why he sets the tone for this team with his ability and attitude.

"We had the longest campaign possible last season and Millie only got stronger and better and more influential as it went on.

"Typically, the discussions we had around extending his contract were centred on: what kind of contribution do we see him making as a player?

"My answer to him was the same I'll share with supporters: we don't limit it. We just want the same from him again, because that's not possible to replace. He can still do it and we still need it.

"So I'm grateful he answered the call and agreed to give us the extra year of his extraordinary career. More to come."