Given that they finished eighth last season, it might seem like a bit of a jump to suggest that Liverpool can win the title this season – but they have a serious chance.
Look at what Jurgen Klopp’s side have going for them. For a start, the German manager has had a full pre-season with his squad, was able to make his own recruits and now has, in theory, a bunch of players that he is completely happy with.
Klopp’s impact on Liverpool was evident in improved performances in the second half of last season but they were not consistent enough. Surely that will improve for 2016/17.
Look at the personnel at his disposal. Liverpool’s front four could be the most exciting in the league. Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and new boy Sadio Mane ooze class, pace and a major goal threat.
Back that up with the likes of Adam Lallana, Divock Origi, fit-again Danny Ings, Georginio Wijnaldum and Klopp has a load of options.
Some of the one-touch attacking football Liverpool put together last season was sensational – the 4-1 destruction of Manchester City in November stands out – and showed what this side can be capable of.
Whether key players, Sturridge in particular, can stay fit for the season is one matter, but Liverpool’s best attacking displays in 2015/16 brought back memories of the Luis Suarez-led side that nearly won the 2013/14 title.
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However, there is one major area holding Liverpool back from being serious challengers and it is a pretty important one – the defence.
It has been the same story for the last three seasons. In 2015/16, Liverpool conceded 50 goals. That is 15 more than the league’s best defences – Tottenham and Manchester United – while Arsenal and champions Leicester only conceded 36.
Liverpool’s goal tally (63) was nearly top-four standard, but they didn’t defend well enough.
It was not a one-off season either.
In 14/15 they let in 48, 10 more than any side in the top four. They finished sixth.
Even during their spectacular title challenge in 13/14, when both they and City scored more than 100 goals, Liverpool let in 50 goals which was almost twice as many as Chelsea in third.
It ultimately cost them the trophy as they came second by two points.
So how do Liverpool improve defensively? Klopp has made some changes in personnel. Martin Skrtel, a common factor during those three seasons, is gone as is Kolo Toure.
The arrival of Estonia captain Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg and Germany international Joel Matip from Schalke have given Liverpool options at centre-back.
Klopp is also looking for a new left-back, or at least some competition for Alberto Moreno, who is fantastic going forward but has consistently made crucial errors in the biggest games, such as the Europa League final.
German keeper Loris Karius was signed from Mainz and could well have replaced Simon Mignolet as No 1 until he broke his hand.
Fans might have hoped for a star-name arrival to replace Skrtel but, if you look around Europe, ready-made world-class centre-backs do not exist.
Manchester City went down the big-money root last season, signing two of Europe’s most highly-rated defenders in Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi for more than £70 million (Dh337m) and it did not exactly work out. Neither player was “Premier League ready” although their second seasons should see them improve markedly.
What it shows is that consistency at centre-back is usually the most important factor in building a strong defence and Liverpool fans should back Klopp to be able to coach his side to better defensive performances.
Liverpool did not have much consistency at centre-back in 15/16. None of their centre-backs started more than 22 games in the league, so it is unsurprising that they conceded so many goals.
Look over at rivals Manchester United, who scored 14 fewer goals than Liverpool. They finished higher than Liverpool because their season was built on their defensive record – the joint-best along with Tottenham – with Chris Smalling and Daley Blind starting 35 games each at centre-back.
It appears that Sakho and Matip would be Klopp’s first-choice partnership – an enforcer and a ball player – but the pair are both injured and unlikely to start the season.
It is hardly ideal as Liverpool have a ridiculously tough first five games. Arsenal, Burnley, Tottenham (all away), Leicester at home, Chelsea away.
Based on last season’s form, Klopp’s side could conceivably come away from those games with a point or less and could nearly ruin their season.
But get past that run of games somewhat unscathed, get their injured players back and you have to think Klopp will be able to improve Liverpool’s defensive record.
If he can, then the rest of his team is clearly good enough to make a run for the title. A lot rests on the early performances of Klavan and Lovren.
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