2017-18 fan season preview: Liverpool
By David Beattie.
What are your feelings ahead of the new season?
I’m really optimistic about the season ahead. Whilst last year was frustrating in parts, we showed glimpses of what we were capable of and, injuries permitting, I think we’re in a good place to kick on this year. I’m always optimistic about a new season, though!
How pleased have you been with your transfer business to date?
I think it’s fair to say that it’s been a frustrating summer in terms of transfers, having seemingly missed out on a couple of major targets. That said, I think Robertson will be good signing and add depth to the left-back position, allowing Milner to be considered as a midfield option again. Solanke was a surprise, but has looked really promising in pre-season – so there is cause for optimism on the front line too.
Although many balked at the fee earlier in the summer, Salah is increasingly looking like a bargain with every pre-season performance, as well as subsequent transfers across the continent. Fees seem to have gone crazy this summer, so I imagine there will be a lot of transfers happening late on, as clubs look for value towards the end of August. You never know, we may even end up signing one of those, as of yet, elusive targets too.
How is your team likely to line up?
I think Klopp has well and truly settled on a 4-1-2-3. If pre-season is anything to go by, I’d expect Mane and Salah to feature either side of Firmino, with Coutinho dropping deeper alongside Lallana, Can or Wijnaldum. Whatever happens in terms of personnel, we certainly look like a formidable attacking line-up with great strength in depth across attacking midfield, out wide and through the middle.
In terms of defensive duties, Henderson looks like he’ll keep his role in front of a back four. Behind him is anyone’s guess. The first choice back five is Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren and Milner. I’m not expecting us to end August, let alone the season, looking like that, however.
Who will be your most important player?
Look no further than Coutinho. It won’t surprise anyone to hear that, though. I’m also expecting big things from Mane and Salah. They’re both rapid and will get plenty of assists this season.
Who is the unsung hero in your squad?
Milner. Again, I can’t imagine many people will be surprised to hear that. At times he not only covered, but excelled at left-back last year. Drifting in to his more familiar surroundings of midfield, particularly earlier on in the season, I thought he added another dimension to the team. With Robertson signing from Hull, he’ll also be a very good midfield option this year too. One of the best Liverpool signings of the last 10 years.
What do you expect from Liverpool this season?
Challenging for the title would be nice, although I imagine we are still slightly behind City and Chelsea in particular.
It all really depends what we’ve learned from last season. If we can cut out mistakes from set-pieces, as well as break down teams when sitting deep, we’ll be fine.
Top three, a domestic cup and still being in the Champions League after Christmas would represent success, I imagine.
Top four (in order)?
City
Chelsea
Liverpool
Spurs
Relegated?
Brighton
Burnley
Swansea
Surprise package?
Huddersfield – favourites for the drop, but I think they could stay up. They’ll cause a lot of teams trouble this year through a sheer will to win and togetherness.
West Ham – I said it last year and ended up spectacularly wrong, however I think they’ll do well this year. They’ve added experience, and Chicharito goals, this summer.
What is your biggest wish for the season?
The league… a boy can dream.
That said, I think most fans would be happy with silverware and a run in the Champions League. We’ve got to be better than the last time we were back in the big time!