Liverpool ended last season with Premier League heartbreak – but had it somewhat soothed by a sixth Champions League title. That Premier League title remains elusive to the Reds, but could this be their year to finally put their hands on the trophy? Next on our Premier League preview list is Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side.
State of Play
As I mentioned above, Liverpool finished second with a staggering 97 points in the Premier League. A total that would have been enough to win the league in any season before 2017/18 – just unfortunate for them that they had the best Premier League season they’ve ever had in the age of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
In terms of incomings, Liverpool have spent almost nothing. So far, their only incoming is young Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg (£1.71million) from PEC Zwolle. Realistically, not a whole lot needs to be done to that team anyway – the only issue I can see there is a lack of depth.
Last season, Liverpool got pretty lucky with injuries. None of their incredible front three were out for any serious length of time, and star centre-half Virgil Van Dijk stayed fit all season. If they are to suffer a few injuries to the first team, they could be in a little bit of trouble. Especially when you consider that Manchester City have the depth throughout the squad to deal with almost any injury – that’s where they have the advantage.
It’s not inconceivable that come the end of this season, Jurgen Klopp will be regretting his decision not to stray away from his normal small squad policy and adding some serious strength in depth.
Pre-season this summer has been a mixed bag for Liverpool. They went through a bit of a rugged spell which saw them fail to pick up a win in four games – capped off with a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Napoli. They did manage to get themselves a win to cap off their pre-season though, a very nice 3-1 victory against French side Lyon.
Unlike most sides, that wasn’t the end of the Premier League preparations for Liverpool as they also had the Community Shield to content with. Sunday afternoon saw Klopp’s men face off against Manchester City once more and unluckily for them, they lost out in yet another close run affair.
Liverpool Signing of the Summer
Pass. Next question please. In the meanwhile, enjoy this video of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign from last term.
Kieran’s verdict
Unfortunately for Liverpool, and much to the annoyance of half of Merseyside, I just can’t see them overcoming Man City this season. Klopp’s men had a lot of fortune last season, with a lack of injuries and a fair few controversial decisions going their way.
Man City on the other hand, they just look a different animal. I know this is supposed to be left for the Man City preview, but I really think this side needs to be considered the best in Premier League history. I can realistically see them reaching 95-100 points for a third season in a row, but I think Liverpool will drop off a little – I see them finishing second, somewhere between 85-90 points.
*All transfer information taken from https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/fc-liverpool/transfers/verein/31
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