The new Premier League season begins this week. And at least, unlike last year, it seems as though there has been a bit of a break between campaigns.
And Liverpool will have a lot of catching up to do after a dismal 2022/23 campaign saw them deposed early as League Cup and FA Cup holders, fail to reach the Champions League quarter-finals and, most damagingly, drop out of the top four for the first time in seven years.
Renowned for being one of the most unpredictable leagues in the world, predicting how the campaign will play out is no simple task.
Ian Doyle
Where will Liverpool finish
Last season I was given all sorts of abuse (well, more than the usual amount) for suggesting Liverpool would win nothing as it would be a campaign of transition. Nobody, though, could have expected it to be quite so transitional, a fifth-placed finish way below what may have been expected. And this time round I think exactly the same will happen again. Other teams have strengthened and the Reds are, at the moment at least, arguably weaker in terms of personnel, even if their forward line is the best in the Premier League. Should English teams keep up their good form in Europe, then fifth place will mean Champions League qualification and unless there are some major incomings between now and the transfer deadline, that’s where Jurgen Klopp’s side will again finish.
Liverpool player of the season
It seems inevitable Mohamed Salah is the answer as he almost always has been since arriving six years ago. Alisson Becker will have another fine campaign, and much should be anticipated from Alexis Mac Allister. He has really impressed during pre-season.
Liverpool breakout star this season
Stefan Bajcetic has already made that leap, while Harvey Elliott is firmly established in the first team. Again, an obvious choice given the warm-up programme, but Ben Doak will be given plenty more opportunities and, if he continues his progress, is a first-team regular of the future. If Bobby Clark or Luke Chambers aren’t allowed out on loan, expect them to make a mark also.
Premier League Golden Boot
The only thing that can stop Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is one of his legs falling off, particularly if Harry Kane moves to Bayern Munich.
Premier League Player of the Year
Bukayo Saka is English and plays for a London club, so has as good a chance as any. Well, unless Haaland retains possession of both of his legs, that is.
Top four prediction
Manchester City have become almost an irrelevance in some ways, such is the general consensus of their position in world football. They may be admired but, much to Pep Guardiola’s chagrin, they will never be loved. If Manchester United don’t at least challenge for the title at some point this season, questions need to be asked given the incredible outlay under Erik ten Hag, while Arsenal’s Champions League commitments will see them drop down to third. Chelsea will be a lot better under Mauricio Pochettino and finish fourth – provided there’s enough room in the dressing room for all their players.
Bottom three prediction
Everton are unrelegatable and won’t be part of the issue this season regardless. Luton Town have done incredibly well to reach the Premier League and will be horrible for teams to face, but seriously lack quality and seem to be heading straight back down, not helped by all those away games at the start due to building work at Kenilworth Road. Sheffield United are already preparing for life back in the Championship by the looks of it, but the other promoted side, Burnley, will surprise a lot of people this campaign under Vincent Kompany. Wolves are in a bit of a mess right now, but Bournemouth will occupy the last relegation berth.
