No.3: Henry Winter (The Times)

Who’ll win the league?

I’ve gone for Manchester United because of the Jose Mourinho impact, the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and they have kept David de Gea. I do think it will be a broader title race this season and Liverpool will definitely be involved in it.

Where will Liverpool finish?

What is going to be fascinating is to see how the players respond to the pre-season they have had under Jürgen Klopp. Once he has really managed to work with the team and he has them drilled with what he wants you will see this team develop more and more. I know they have had some inconsistent results in pre-season but I can see them being a force. They will definitely compete for the title. I can see this season being a six-team title race, which is great for the neutral. Klopp is a special manager and I can see this being a good season for Liverpool.

What do you think of the new additions to the Liverpool squad?

I like them. They have added pace and more hunger but I still think they need a few more players. I like the way is Klopp is developing players that were already there and I think Adam Lallana has really come on under him. I always felt Lallana was like a 65-minute player but under Klopp he is increasing that and becoming influential. I really like Divock Origi and feel he will continue to develop. The defence still needs strengthening and it’s very difficult to judge players in pre-season, but I do feel the signing of Georginio Wijnaldum is an inspired capture.

What are the expectations as Jürgen Klopp prepares for his first full season in charge of the club?

Quite simply, expectations at Liverpool should always be high. Just look at their history, look at their fantastic support, just look up at the directors box and you see Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and Alan Hansen. These are the greats of the past and Liverpool should always be looking to emulate that. I don’t go along with this 'let’s have a season of transition'. In an elite sport you don’t do that and you have to keep competing, you have to seize every second and every moment. Klopp is not the type of individual who will accept that. He wants success as quickly as possible. Yes, it takes time and you have to develop that but clearly the trajectory is upwards at Liverpool. I have just been out in the Far East on holiday and all people talk about is Liverpool and all you see is people wearing Liverpool shirts. Liverpool is a huge worldwide phenomenon of a club. The colour Liverpool red is huge globally, particularly in Asia. I always believe that every player who signs for Liverpool should spend half an hour with Jamie Carragher to talk about the demands of this club and what people expect, spend time with Dalglish and watch videos of him in action to show just what it means to play for this club.

Surprise package team?

Stoke City. They still need a seasoned goalscorer up front but I can see them doing well under Mark Hughes. But you know what, if you base my predictions on last season I said Leicester City would be relegated and Claudio Ranieri would get the sack! Don’t put your mortgage on my predictions!

Relegated?

Hull, Watford and Middlesbrough.

LFC player to watch?

Georginio Wijnaldum.

One hope as a reporter this season?

To see the English teams do a lot better in Europe and I would love to see Leicester City have a great run in the Champions League and build on their fairytale of last season. The other thing I am looking forward to seeing is the new Main Stand at Anfield. It’s a very special stadium. I enjoy going there, talking to the supporters, talking to the stewards and it’s just one of those special places. The atmosphere is special and it should be even better with this extraordinary structure.