Liverpool season preview: Reds aim to win back Premier League crown after season of injury crises

A low-key summer so far but the Reds welcome back big names from the crowded treatment table

Many happy returns: Liverpool’s defence suffered from the absence of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk last season (Getty)

Last season

Liverpool started like a steam train, but ran into injury obstacles across winter, losing all their senior centre-backs and a succession of goalkeeper and midfield names, too. A record-breaking home run in a negative sense saw them drop out of the title race and even the top six for a time, before a very strong end to the campaign saw them go 10 unbeaten, secure third place and a Champions League spot with it. Electrifying when on form, but stagnant and struggling mid-season; it was a bizarre year at Anfield which saw seven goalkeepers named in matchday squads and upwards of 18 central defensive partnerships across the campaign.

Transfer window so far

Ibrahima Konate came in early to boost the defensive ranks, while Ozan Kabak was allowed to leave after his loan spell. Thus far, the only other changes to the squad are exits, and mostly for those who played no part last year anyway: Harry Wilson to Fulham, Taiwo Awoniyi to Union, Marko Grujic to Porto. The one exception is a big one, with Gini Wijnaldum heading on a free transfer to PSG and leaving a huge hole in midfield. More sales are expected before his replacement is signed, if there is one, with Xherdan Shaqiri, Nat Phillips and Divock Origi all available if bids come in.

Manager

Jurgen Klopp is back for the new season, but his trademark glasses aren’t. The Anfield boss is typically unmoved about a lack of new signings and is confident in his squad which has been together quite some time now. Can he spur them back up into top spot this season? There’s no reason to question it. Klopp’s style is to win, and when his team click they are breathtakingly good. Unwavering support from the stands - which will be full again - and a great relationship with the club hierarchy make his job perhaps the most secure in the entire Premier League.

Key players

The entire spine of the team. Alisson Becker in goal, the fit-again Virgil van Dijk in defence, Fabinho in midfield, Mohamed Salah up front. If the latter continues his incredible scoring form at the club, they’ll be pushing for honours once more, while the big Dutch defender might take time to hit top gear again after 10 months out injured but is a leader and organiser of the team. More is expected from Thiago Alcantara this year, too, while Sadio Mane is due a big return to form. Quality everywhere.

What would be success?

Winning the Premier League or Champions League. That’s where Liverpool have been for around four years now, reaching two of the latter finals, winning one and claiming their maiden title in the modern era, a 19th of all time. Last year can be accepted as something of a write-off due to those defensive injuries, but this year they must bounce back. The title will be hard-fought as ever and there’s little margin for error, but the Reds are capable of winning either of the major competitions. Do so, and it’s a great year. Don’t, and it will be a case of at least some element of regret, depending on circumstances.

August fixtures

(a) vs Norwich City, Saturday 14 August, 5.30pm

(h) vs Burnley, Saturday 21 August, 12.30pm

(h) vs Chelsea, Saturday 28 August, 5.30pm

Bookies’ ranking

Joint 2nd (5/1 for the title)

Predicted first XI line-up

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Matip, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner; Salah, Jota, Mane