2011-12: The press view

Who'll be lifting the Barclays Premier League trophy in May? Which players should we look out for? And what can we expect from Liverpool? These are the views of the country's top reporters.

TONY BARRETT, THE TIMES

Who'll win league? Manchester United. I just think they are stronger than the other challengers and they have also brought well during the summer. Whoever finishes above them will be champions.

Where will Liverpool finish? They are more than capable of finishing fourth, but if they can get another quality centre-half in then they can finish third or even second. The top spot is just beyond them this season.

Surprise package? West Bromwich Albion. I think Roy Hodgson will do well there.

Player of the Year? If he plays like he did in the last four to five months of the season then no-one can touch Luis Suarez. I don't think people realise how good he is and for me he is our most exciting signing since Kenny got John Barnes.

Relegated? QPR, Wigan and Swansea.

LFC player to watch? Charlie Adam. He is more than capable of making the big step up to Liverpool. I really like him as a player and think he will do really well.

One hope as a reporter this season? That Liverpool continue to be a club where the football comes first and business and off-field issues don't dominate.

IAN DENNIS, BBC RADIO 5 LIVE

Who'll win league? Manchester United. I know this won't go down well with Liverpool fans but they have brought really well during the summer and are the team to beat.

Where will Liverpool finish? In the top four. What Liverpool have as an advantage is they don't have the distraction of Europe. They also have Luis Suarez who is one of the most exciting players in the league. With Andy Carroll hopefully fitter and the addition of Stewart Downing, who they have been crying out for, they can do well.

Surprise package? I don't think there will be a surprise package because the Premier League is predictable. Aside from the top four or five you will have the likes of Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa up there.

Player of the Year? Luis Suarez. He can be an absolute star and put it this way he is in my fantasy football team.

Relegated? QPR, Swansea and Norwich.

LFC player to watch? Martin Kelly. I know he is on Fabio Capello's radar. I know he has had a bad time with injuries, but when he runs he reminds me of  a young Alan Hansen. If he can stay fit I think he will become a regular part of the England set-up.

One hope as a reporter this season? He is one of the best managers to deal with and my hope is for Kenny Dalglish to bring success back to Anfield. I'm confident he will.

GUILLEM BALAGUE, SKY SPORTS

Who'll win league? Manchester City. They have almost got everything needed to win the title. If they had a creative midfielder then I would say definitely, but with Aguero on board now it's possible.

Where will Liverpool finish? Why not fourth? The likes of United, City and Chelsea have got a lot of resources, so they will take some shifting from the top three. If Kenny can get his first XI on the pitch almost every week with Luis Suarez in the side, then I don't see why they can't finish fourth and fulfill expectations. They still need to improve at the back though with one or two reinforcements hopefully to come in.

Surprise package? The English league is predictable. Away from the top four or five teams I don't see anyone challenging the top three or top five to be honest.

Player of the Year? Luis Suarez. He still has a few things to improve on but that is very good news for Liverpool and a frightening one for the opposition. If he can get more goals in a red shirt he will be a Liverpool legend.

Relegated? It is a big jump to get into the Barclays Premier League these days and it's difficult competing financially. I am hopeful that Swansea can stay up, but I would have to say Norwich, QPR and with the way things are going up in the North-East, Newcastle.

LFC player to watch? Jordan Henderson. I think he is the type of player who will suit Liverpool's style. He is no Gerrard but he is a good player and will improve under Kenny Dalglish. I think in maybe two years time people will be saying £20 million was a bargain for Henderson.

One hope as a reporter this season? Liverpool finish in the top four and they get back where they belong in the Champions League, with Barcelona and Real Madrid visiting Anfield again.

OLIVER KAY, THE TIMES

Who'll win league? Manchester United to win the title. They are the team to beat, but they are in a rebuilding process and if one team is capable of finishing above them, I would say Manchester City. It has always seemed that City have been built on flimsy foundations and that things could very easily fall apart, but I do believe that if they make a strong start, they'll be very serious challengers.

Where will Liverpool finish? Higher than last season. Fourth or fifth and with a lot more points than last season. A top-four finish would be a great achievement ofter the turmoil of the past two years and it's a sensible target, even if the temptation is to set sights higher.

Surprise package? I think Norwich and Swansea will surprise people. I had a day in Swansea with Brendan Rodgers and some of his players recently and, as well as quality, they have got a steely determination, a good sense of togetherness and they look very well organised. They will undoubtedly have a rocky start, looking at the fixture list, but they will win matches. Whether it's enough to stay up, I don't know, but they'll cause a few surprises.

Player of the Year? Wayne Rooney. He's still got something to prove after some disappointments last season and I think that, barring injury, he will have a really good year.

Relegated? The obvious thing to say is Wigan, Swansea and Norwich, but I'm actually more concerned by the bad vibes coming out of Blackburn and QPR. Those two will struggle, so I'll say Blackburn, QPR and one of Wigan, Swansea and Norwich.

LFC player to watch? It has to be Suarez, a brilliant acquisition and someone I just love to watch. I was slightly sceptical about how he would adapt to English football, but he was brilliant from February onwards last season. His Copa America exploits might have taken something out of him, but he will still be the player to watch.

One hope as a reporter this season? Not saying this for the sake of it: it really would be nice to see one or both Merseyside teams win something.

RORY SMITH, THE TELEGRAPH

Who'll win league? Manchester City, I think they can do it this year.

Where will Liverpool finish? Fourth and back in the Champions League.

Surprise package? I think Wigan could do okay this season, especially with Roberto Martinez staying.

Player of the Year? Luis Suarez. He is going to be the next Premier League superstar.

Relegated? Swansea, Blackburn and Norwich.

LFC player to watch? Apart from Luis Suarez I would say Jack Robinson. He has the right mentality to be a Premier League player.

One hope as a reporter this season? I would like to talk more about football instead of scandal, off-field issues and refereeing decisions.

BRIAN READE, DAILY MIRROR

Who'll win league? Sadly, a team from Manchester.

Where will Liverpool finish? Third.

Surprise package? Stoke City.

Player of the Year? Luis Suarez.

Relegated? Norwich, Swansea and Blackburn.

LFC player to watch? Jon Flanagan.

One hope as a reporter this season? That my answer to the first question was wrong and a team from Anfield Road wins it.

DOMINIC KING, DAILY MAIL

Who'll win league? The claims of Manchester United and Arsenal are obvious but I just have a feeling that Manchester City will go all the way. Yes, they have spent a fortune but they have got some outstanding players. If the dressing room stays harmonious, they will edge it.

Where will Liverpool finish? Tough question. I wouldn't be surprised if they creep back into the top four but maybe fifth is the realistic position. Saying that, should they get off to a good start, who knows where momentum will carry them?

Surprise package? Norwich City. One of the promoted sides always outstrips expectations and, in my view, Norwich's hopes are significantly boosted by having an outstanding young manager who consistently gets results. No star names but they play good football and will get some good results.

Player of the Year? David Silva. Made a massive impression last season and if Manchester City are going to win the title, he will be a massive reason..

Relegated? QPR, Swansea and Wigan.

LFC player to watch? Might be the obvious choice but it's got to be Luis Suarez. I haven't seen a player get Anfield on the edge of its seat in such a way since Steve McManaman. Already on his way to becoming a Liverpool legend, could be absolutely magnificent in the next 12 months.

One hope as a reporter this season? That there is a trip to Wembley next February or May to cover.

STEVE HOTHERSALL, RADIO CITY

Who'll win league? Manchester United.

Where will Liverpool finish? My heart says fourth but my head says fifth.

Surprise package? Manchester City in the sense I believe they will be vying for a Manchester one-two at the end of the season, and will push United strongly for the title.

Player of the Year? Luis Suarez. He has only had half a season to adapt to the Barclays Premier League, but already he looks like he has been involved for four or five years. This season I expect a lot of goals and creativity from him.

Relegated? Wigan, Swansea and Norwich.

LFC player to watch? Martin Kelly. For me right-back is a position Liverpool have struggled to find consistency in and Kelly is the answer. When he returned from injury in Kenny's first game back in charge he was brilliant. He is consistent and I am expecting a good season from a very talented young player.

One hope as a reporter this season? I hope I finally get to see Wembley with Liverpool, no matter what cup final it is. Liverpool fans have been starved for too long for getting to a cup final and it's about time that was put right.

JOE BERNSTEIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY

Who'll win league? Manchester City.

Where will Liverpool finish? Fifth.

Surprise package? Tottenham.

Player of the Year? David Silva.

Relegated? Swansea, Norwich and West Bromwich Albion.

LFC player to watch? Martin Kelly.

One hope as a reporter this season? Fewer managers blaming referees for poor results.

JAMES PEARCE, LIVERPOOL ECHO

Who'll win league? Manchester City. Augero is a massive signing for Mancini and they are well equipped to challenge for the title after making good steps last season.

Where will Liverpool finish? Third, above Chelsea and Arsenal.

Surprise package? I can't see anyone apart from Liverpool challenging the top four this season. Lower down I wouldn't be surprised to see Swansea do better than people expect. They played some great football last season and have some exciting players like Scott Sinclair.

Player of the Year? It has got to be Luis Suarez. He showed again for Uruguay in the Copa America just what a talent he is, and in this in his first full season in the Barclays Premier League he will be even better. He is already a cult hero at Anfield and I'm looking forward to covering him in action for Liverpool this season.

Relegated? Norwich, QPR and Newcastle.

LFC player to watch? Stewart Downing. He has had a great pre-season and he has really impressed all the coaching staff during his short time at the club. He will provide Liverpool with something they have been desperately lacking and that is quality and good crosses from the wide areas.

One hope as a reporter this season? That Liverpool are successful and get back in the Champions League where they belong.

PAUL JOYCE, DAILY EXPRESS

Who'll win league? Manchester United.

Where will Liverpool finish? Fourth.

Surprise package team? Stoke City.

Player of the Year? Wayne Rooney.

Relegated? Norwich, Blackburn and Swansea.

LFC player to watch? Steven Gerrard.

One hope as a reporter this season? Liverpool to win a trophy.

HENRY WINTER, THE TELEGRAPH

Who'll win league? Manchester United.

Where will Liverpool finish? Fourth

Surprise package team? Swansea.

Player of the Year? Luis Suarez.

Relegated? Blackburn, QPR and Wigan.

LFC player to watch? Luis Suarez, a wonderful player to watch.

One hope as a reporter this season? An English team wins the Champions League. (And that every club plays as good music as George before kick-off.)