Last season ended in disappointment for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp’s men lost two finals and ended at a disappointing 8^th in the league. Despite showing signs of hitting top gear against the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Dortmund, they failed to achieve anything great.

Having bought players of his choice, unlike last season and getting a lot of time for preparation, there’d be no room for excuses this season.

The season starts for Liverpool with a very stern test away from home against Arsenal.

Performance in the transfer market

Liverpool have been very active in the summer transfer window. They have been swift in getting all their targets. Sadio Mané is the marquee signing this summer with an initial fee of £30m fetching the services of the ex-Southampton ace.

Addition of Joël Matip in central defence for free sounds like a real coup. Experienced centre-back Ragnar Klavan, who has looked impressive in pre-season also looks like a smart buy by Klopp for a meagre £4.2m from Augsburg.

Liverpool have also added two goalkeepers to the squad. Highly rated 23-year old German, Loris Karius for a bargain £4.7m will aim to oust Simon Mignolet from goal this coming season. Whereas Alex Manninger joins the team as third choice goalkeeper from Augsburg for free.

Klopp has also signed Gini Wijnaldum from Newcastle for an initial fee of £23m, hoping that the Dutchman brings goals from midfield. Marko Grujic will also hope to do the same after impressing in preseason since joining from Red Star Belgrade.

With so much investment in attack-minded players it’s surprising that Klopp hasn’t added a much needed left-back, a backup right-back and a defensive midfielder this season.

How will they line up?

Liverpool are set to play either in a 4-2-3-1 or in a 4-3-3 formation.

Loris Karius is out with a broken hand, so Mignolet is expected to start in goal on opening day. The error-prone Belgian will have to do quite a lot to keep his place when Karius returns from injury.

The ever improving Lovren and Matip are expected to be Klopp’s first choice pair in central defence.

Moreno’s shoddy defending has left Liverpool open many times in the past. Having failed to sign a left-back this season, Klopp has shown faith in Milner’s versatility. His performances in preseason have been decent enough to warrant him a place in the XI.

Coutinho is the star of the team and is a definite starter on the left. Firmino after his fine start to life in England is set to play as the #10 behind Sturridge or Origi. He may also play in the false 9 role in some of the games.

New signing Sadio Mané is set to start on the right.

Two out of Sturridge, Origi and Lallana will have to make do with a place on the bench.

Who are the key men?

Liverpool’s strengths lie with their attackers. They would be hoping that Coutinho and Sturridge stay free from injuries this season. The former’s creativity to unlock defences and the latter’s expertise at scoring goals would be heavily relied upon this season.

New signing Mané will provide the pace that Liverpool lacked last season.

Young players to watch out for

English teenager Sheyi Ojo is expected to break into the first team this year. The winger has terrific pace and strength and is the kind of player Klopp really likes.

17 year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold is another highly rated youngster. Although a midfielder by trade, he can play as right-back if needed. Liverpool have high hopes from this young scouser.

Fans’ expectations

Liverpool fans would be disappointed with anything worse than a 4^th placed finish given that they have no European commitments this season. Klopp having had time to get his players and having a good preseason needs to deliver.

At a club as massive as Liverpool, you are always expected to win trophies. Surely Klopp would be targeting one of the two domestic cup competitions for silverware.

Image Courtesy: Liverpool Echo