We are on the verge of a brand new season for Liverpool Football Club. Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup football are all on the docket for 2023-24. In this article I will take a deep dive into what we can expect from the Reds this season. Let the preview begin!
Healthy Attack
Liverpool’s forwards have all been in fine form during the summer friendlies. Mohamed Salah returns once again with his eyes on another Golden Boot (Although Erling Haaland has wasted little time on that front).
The Egyptian will once again be the focal point going forward for Jurgen Klopp as his dynamism can unlock any defense. Luis Diaz gets better and better the further he is removed from his injury.
If he stays healthy, a potential 20 goal season in all comps could be a possibility. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo both come in with big expectations for differing reasons.
Nunez had a 15 goal return in his debut season, but the money spent on him demands near double that. Gakpo is coming into his first full season at Anfield and will want to take off. Diogo Jota will once again be the Swiss army knife. Expect a lot of goals this season.
Leaky Defense
Liverpool have done absolutely nothing to fortify their defense this summer. With a few weeks still remaining in the transfer window, hopefully the club ponies up to bring in a new face for the back.
This group could surprise us and become the stalwart we’ve come to know in recent years. However, the returns from the majority of last season and this preseason have not been good.
Goals continue to be let in at an alarming rate with a lot of them simple over-the-top balls or quick counters. The lack of attention to detail continues to permeate throughout this group, and it will surely cost the Reds at some point this season if it does not improve.
New Captain Virgil Van Dijk must find a way to still operate with his seemingly new physical limitations and Klopp will be desperate for Ibrahima Konate to stay fit.
An occasional clean sheet will happen, but as of writing, with no established defensive midfielder and no evidence of a renewed focus, goals will continue being leaked. This could lead to many 3-2 or 4-3 results.
Squad Depth? What’s that?
The Reds saw an exodus of at least 7 first team players from last season. 2 new faces have been brought in to off-set that in the form of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
While those two guys are going to be crucial to Liverpool’s success this season, they can only do so much. The 32-year old Thiago comes into the final season of his contract already battling fitness.
If he’s healthy, he brings a dynamic passing dimension that few others can. Unfortunately, Klopp will not have massive rotation options to keep him upright.
Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic will probably be the most utilized midfielders off the bench on a weekly basis. With the lack of a true No. 6 right now, Jones is in contention to start on opening day and beyond.
However, the lack of high-end depth in the middle of the park is still a better spot than the defense. The names behind the starting four are an aging Joel Matip and the underachieving Joe Gomez.
That’s it. Conor Bradley, coming off a strong loan spell, could see time but asking him to step in as a key piece in the defense might be too much right now.
If Virgil, Konate, Andy Robertson or Trent Alexander-Arnold get a long-term injury, that could prove disastrous.
If Liverpool can stay healthy, their Starting XI can compete with almost anyone. If they don’t stay off the medical table, things could spiral quickly.
Overview and Predictions
Liverpool as they currently sit, are a very talented side that will hope for lots of good fitness. If they get that, they can achieve a lot of their targets. Things could also improve with further investment in the squad from the transfer window.
This is a top heavy talent squad that on their day can take down any foe, but in the same breath could also stumble against almost any side. It’s going to be a roller coaster following this team.
It will also be interesting to see how serious Klopp takes their Europa League campaign. If he goes for it, they could be a real threat. If not, it’s an unpredictable tournament.
PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTION: 3rd place
EUROPA LEAGUE PREDICTION: Quarterfinals or better
FA CUP PREDICTION: Semifinals
LEAGUE CUP PREDICTION: Quarterfinals