Liverpool fans are understandably excited about the season ahead after a very positive beginning to the 2016-17 Premier League season.
It is clear that manager Jurgen Klopp is starting to get real results from the playing squad at his disposal, with the German’s unique footballing methods sinking in.
Away wins at Arsenal and Chelsea have been complemented by a big victory over champions Leicester City at Anfield, with the Reds looking like a side capable of matching anyone in English football currently.
As such, talk in the press and on the terraces has been of a potential Liverpool title push – but is this realistic?
There is no doubting the calibre of the Liverpool attack, with the acquisition of Sadio Mane in the summer adding searing pace to a unit full of creativity, guile and a clinical edge.
The proof is in the pudding, with the Merseyside outfit netting a league-high 18 goals in their first seven games in 2016-17.
Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and the much-improved Roberto Firmino are essential in the final third, with Daniel Sturridge a real attribute also if he can stay fit and focussed.
A three-man central midfield has been a match for all opponents this season and has driven Klopp’s pressing style when Liverpool do not have the ball.
The side’s weakness is clearly finding the right balance at the back, with seven games so far this season and no clean sheets as yet.
There are signs that the Reds’ back-four is improving, with Joel Matip looking like an assured and capable operator following his summer move to Anfield from Schalke.
Dejan Lovren has improved a lot in the last two months while James Milner has performed admirably out of position at left-back.
With Klopp’s new first-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius fit again and able to play, hopes will be that Liverpool can shutout Manchester United in their next game and record another telling victory.
To answer the question of the reality of a title push, the sky is the limit for this Liverpool team. If they continue to play as they have for the majority of this season so far, the Reds will be there or thereabouts come May.
However, there is a feeling that Klopp is building a long-term project on Merseyside and as such a top-four finish and subsequent Champions League qualification would also surely be viewed as a successful campaign for the historic club.
Betway have an interesting segment on Liverpool’s hopes this season and whether the furore around their positive start to the campaign is justified.
panelists Adam Drury and Tom Clee debate just how far Klopp and his gifted side can go and whether they can challenge the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal for the title.
Join in on the debate in the comments of the YouTube video below for a chance to win a free £10 bet.
At this moment we are challenging for the title. Let’s enjoy the journey instead of focussing on the destination.
Pessimism doesn’t automatically equate to realism.
There is no reason that Liverpool should not expect to challenge for the title this season. Of course, if one or more competitors puts up seasons of yesteryear where they rack up ~90points, it is highly unlikely that Liverpool would be able to keep up. In the more likely event that the league is won with ~80points though, Liverpool definitely should be capable of ending up there or thereabouts.
I dont think we are ready for the title yet. We need additions in squad for that. We need one more player like mane