Premier League Countdown: Will Liverpool build on top four finish?
Published:
The new Premier League season is now only four days away, so it’s time to think about how the upcoming campaign will shake out.
In the build-up to the new season we’re profiling each of the 20 top-flight clubs, from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to Premier League new boys Brighton & Hove Albion.
Our next team in the spotlight is Liverpool…
After securing a top-four finish last season, Liverpool planned to improve their squad this summer ahead of a serious title push.
It’s not gone entirely to plan so far though.
Mohamed Salah scored 15 goals in 31 league appearances for Roma last season and the exciting winger has arrived for a club-record fee of £36.9 million.
Andrew Robertson and Dominic Solanke have also joined this summer, but the Reds haven’t been able to complete deals for Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk.
To make matters worse, star playmaker Philippe Coutinho continues to be heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won seven of 12 games against the rest of the top seven last season, but they struggled to break down deep defences and losing the Brazil international would only make the problem worse.
If they keep hold of Coutinho, the squad could still do with further reinforcements to cope with Champions League football and push on.
Liverpool’s thrilling attacking play was undermined by their defensive weaknesses too often last term.
Adding a solid central defender, and possibly a holding midfielder, could make a huge difference to their fortunes.
Liverpool – 2017-18
Key arrivals: Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, Dominic Solanke
Key departures: Lucas Leiva
Man to watch: Sadio Mane
Title odds: 11/1
Best bet: Top 4 at 10/11
We say: Mohamed Salah looks like a great signing for Liverpool, but their transfer activity in the next few weeks will shape their season. Keep Coutinho and strengthen at the back and a title challenge is realistic. Lose him and they could struggle to make the top four.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
