EPL Season Preview and Prediction - Liverpool
LIVERPOOL
Last Season - 4th (76 points, 22 wins, 10 draws, 6 losses)
Manager - Jurgen Klopp
Notable Gains - Mohamed Salah (Roma)
Notable Losses - None
Prediction 5th
I'm a bit worried about Liverpool this season as they haven't really strengthened where they needed to, plus the doubt surrounding Barcelona’s big play for arguably their best player in Philippe Coutinho. Last season was another frustrating one for Reds’ fans although ultimately a rewarding one as Jurgen Klopp achieved their main ambition of getting the Club back into the Champions League. Liverpool looked like mounting a serious title challenge as they hovered around the top of the table, before a disastrous January and average end to the season put paid to their hopes once again. However, instead of spring boarding from that and adding a few players, Liverpool have made just one signing of note, and their defence contains the same players which saw them unable keep many clean sheets last season.
The problem with Liverpool, a bit like Arsenal, is they are capable of beating any side on their day, but often drop points when least expected. Last season contained victories against the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Arsenal, however points were dropped home and away against lesser opposition. Liverpool could entertain scoring 78 goals; however their defence once again proved leaky, conceding 42 which was the 2nd most outside of Arsenal from teams in the Top 4.
One of the reasons I have Liverpool slipping to 5th this season is that last year they had the luxury of no European Football to deal with. You saw the huge advantage this gave Chelsea, as they went from 10th in 2015/16 all the way to Champions last season. So whilst getting into the Champions League made the season a success in many respects, it was a missed opportunity given the platform they were given of just 1 game per week, meaning the side was fresher and more drilled on the training field. This year, with a lack of depth in their squad, being back in the Champions League will really test them and I'm not sure they have the quality there at the moment to get consistent results with perhaps 10-15 more games on their agenda.
Overall, I'm expecting more of the same from the Reds this year. They will thrill at times and raise themselves for big games under Jurgen Klopp, but will lack the necessary consistency as their back line looks short of quality players for me. There are also already fitness concerns with Adam Lallana out for 3 months, and Daniel Sturridge having a wretched run with injuries. Anfield may well prove a fortress again for even the best sides to visit, but until the Reds can find a couple more quality defenders, and Klopp can address that side of the game, they don't have the team, in my opinion, to go close to winning the Premier League. I have them riding out of the top 4 and finishing in 5th spot.