Filed under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football, Team Previews
It is five years and three months since they celebrated their team's last major trophy, but there are a number of reasons why Liverpool's fans should be optimistic ahead of the new season.Kenny Dalglish, Luis Suarez and owner John W Henry are just three to begin with.
The dark days of last season - when Roy Hodgson's team suffered League Cup humiliation at the hands of Northampton and a 2-0 defeat at Everton left the five-times European champions next to bottom in the table - seem a long time ago.
Dalglish's return resulted in 10 wins in 16 games which cemented a top-six finish - a distant dream only a few months earlier.
There has been talk of Liverpool winning the title for the first time since 1990.
Yet despite a summer spending spree totalling £45 million to date, it must be remembered that Liverpool remain a work in progress and it will require something extra special for Dalglish's side to re-establish itself in the top four.
Arsenal are the team to catch if they are to do that, but only once in the last four seasons have Liverpool finished above Arsene Wenger's side.
THE NEW (AND OLD) MEN:
Ins: Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), £20 million; Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), £16 million; Charlie Adam (Blackpool), £8 million; Alexander Doni (Roma), undisclosed;
Outs: Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht), free; Paul Konchesky (Leicester), £1.5 million; Tom Ince (Blackpool), free; Gerardo Bruna (Blackpool), undisclosed; Martin Hansen (Bradford), loan; Paul Gulacsi (Hull), loan; Stephen Darby (Rochdale), loan;
Summary: Dalglish has spent over £100 million since taking over in January and while there is no doubt the £23 million invested in Suarez is a bargain, the jury is out on the signings the Liverpool manager has made over the summer.
Downing and Henderson have been brought in to supply ammunition for Andy Carroll and both will find themselves under immediate pressure to deliver. Adam's performances in pre-season suggest he could be emerge as the shrewdest of Dalglish's close season signings.
THE MAIN MEN:
Goalkeepers: It has almost gone unnoticed during Dalglish's summer signing spree, but Pepe Reina's decision to stay at Anfield is a huge lift. Reina had made noises about leaving but clearly believes the club is moving in the right direction under Dalglish. The arrival of Doni, a Copa America winner with Brazil, means there is experienced back-up should Reina get injured. A-
Defence: It was already the weakest area of the team before the start of pre-season. And that has not changed after conceding 15 goals in six friendlies. With Martin Skrtel out injured and Glen Johnson struggling to make the big kick-off, fans will be hoping Dalglish can strengthen the back four before the transfer window closes. Jamie Carragher is not getting any younger while Daniel Agger is also prone to injury. C
Midfield: All change. Jay Spearing, Raul Meireles and Joe Cole appeared in the engine room in Liverpool's final league game of last season. But it will be a surprise if any start on the opening day following the arrivals of Adam, Downing and Henderson. Steven Gerrard's continued absence with a groin problem continues to cause concern, but Dalglish's side proved towards the end of last season that they can produce results without their influential captain. B-
Attack: Milan Jovanovic and David Ngog spearheaded the attack against Arsenal on the opening weekend of last season yet it is all about Suarez and Carroll now. While Suarez has quickly adapted to life at Anfield after a string of breathtaking displays, Carroll still has to prove he can cut it after his expensive move to Mereyside. B-
The Boss: The honeymoon period is over for Dalglish. Hailed for the restoration work he carried out at Anfield last season, Dalglish has to demonstrate that his team can continue to make progress under his leadership. While few expect Dalglish to be parading the Premier League trophy around Anfield next May, Liverpool are expected to seriously challenge for a Champions League spot. B
THE GAMES:
Start With: Sunderland, home, August 13: The fixture computer has been kind to Dalglish's side. After all, Sunderland have not won at Anfield since 1983. But with Gerrard out and Suarez's presence in the starting line up uncertain following his recent performances at Copa America, this could be tougher than it appears.
End With: Swansea, away, May 13: Once again Liverpool will end the season away from Anfield. But don't forget they managed just six points from a possible 18 against newly-promoted opposition last season - and twice lost to relegated Blackpool.
The Big One in Between: Manchester United, home, October 15: Sir Alex Ferguson's champions finished 22 points ahead of their bitter rivals last season as they secured a record 19th title. This fixture will at least provide Dalglish with an idea of whether his side are on the way to narrowing the gap.
THE FANS:
Most Likely to Say: "Europa League here we come."
Least Likely to Say: "Bring back Torres. Suarez is rubbish."
Expectation rating: **** Hodgson is gone, Gillett is gone, Hicks is gone. Off-field distractions that have contributed towards the club finishing sixth and seventh in the last two seasons can no longer be used as an excuse.
Reality check: ** Despite the positive vibes coming out of Anfield, Liverpool still have an awful lot of catching up to do.
THE NUMBERS:
Title odds: 11-1
Relegation odds: 150-1
FanHouse UK prediction: 6th
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/08/11/liverpool-season-preview-big-campaign-ahead-for-kenny-dalglish/
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