Liverpool are expected to contend in the four competitions they will compete in this season. With the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, Liverpool have the best chances for Arne Slot to open his Liverpool tenure with trophies.
With a tough test passed on Wednesday against West Ham, Liverpool began their defence of the Carabao Cup.
Over the past 2/3 years some LFC fans have been desperate for some more squad signings, and in some cases have been right to think that way.
The CB and midfield problems over the course of some of the previous seasons have been Liverpool’s own fault, not supporting the manager with a big enough squad with the necessary quality.
However, with the start of the season looking so good and with the perception that there is a sufficient amount of depth, how will Liverpool take on all competitions?
From most to least important I think the competitions look like:
Premier League
Champions League
FA Cup
Carabao Cup
Premier League and Champions League
The two main competitions, that most, if not all, LFC fans would like to see Slot and his men go for the hardest are the two biggest and toughest in the world to compete in and win.
In all likelihood Slot will look to use the main components of his squad in these two competitions: Alisson, VVD, Trent, Ibou, Quansah, Robbo, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szobo, Endo, Chiesa, Darwin, Diogo, Mo, Gakpo and Lucho.
Looking at the main pieces from that angle this is a strong yet smaller size of a squad looking to compete with the best in the world.
With a small amount of rotation in the games played so far it is clear that these are his trusted and go-to players for now. Injuries, fixture congestion and international breaks, will alter this and other players will have to step up.
Domestic Cups
These two competitions are just as valuable to LFC and their fans, with a combined 18 triumphs in the domestic cups.
Record winners of the Carabao Cup, formerly the League Cup. With the added pressure of being the current holders of the League Cup more expectation to try to retain the trophy.
Young academy and deeper squad players will likely be used in the earlier rounds of this competition: Jones, Elliot, Bradley, Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Tyler Morton and Trey Nyoni. These players can make an impact against the perceived weaker opponents.
Every LFC fan will want to win a trophy this season, and with these two cups lies the best chance for Liverpool.
On the whole, this season is about Arne Slot establishing his play style and the club stabilizing after such a big change from the Jurgen Klopp era. Although, there is an importance to the fans and the club that trophies are won.