Is Liverpool The Team to Beat?
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool has been sensational in recent months, losing just three of their previous 31 matches in all competitions. The Reds are now on the verge of finishing second in the Premier League table and could reach the Champions League semi-finals. In the first leg of their quarter-final clash with Manchester City, Liverpool were rampant – scoring three goals in a blistering first half.
But Liverpool are already focusing on next season. A top-four finish was the primary aim for the 2017/18 campaign and Reds supporters will be demanding further improvement in the coming months. On paper, Liverpool have a squad capable of winning the Premier League title and it would take a brave man to rule Klopp’s men out on the current form. Punters and football tipsters will be piling on Liverpool throughout the summer.
Anfield has been something of a fortress this year; Liverpool are yet to taste defeat in a top-flight fixture on home soil. In fact, the Reds have lost just one of their previous 25 Premier League games at Anfield and that record will stand Klopp’s side in good stead. Picking up as many points as possible at home is key to success – whether you are challenging at the top of the table or fighting to avoid relegation.
With the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in scintillating form, the Reds will be in the mix for domestic glory. A first top-flight title since 1990 beckons if Klopp’s men can maintain their offensive dominance and bring a couple of defensive-minded players into the squad. RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita will join the club this summer but Liverpool need more to prise the title from City’s grasp.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been a class above their domestic rivals for most of the campaign but they have been found out on a couple of occasions. City have conceded three goals on two separate occasions this campaign; both against Liverpool. Manchester United are just about hanging onto second spot but Klopp’s side could climb above their old rivals before the end of the 2017/18 campaign. On results in this calendar year alone, Liverpool would be level on points with City AND above United.
The Premier League table in 2018!
1st: Spurs – 27 points
2nd: Man City – 25 points
3rd: Liverpool – 25 points
4th: Manchester United – 24 points
15th: Chelsea – 11 points
Punters expecting a Liverpool collapse can back the Reds to miss out on the top four at 14/1 in the latest Premier League betting markets. It will take a minor miracle for Klopp’s side to fall short though; and even if they do, Champions League glory will secure automatic passage into the 2018/19 group stages. At their brilliant best, Liverpool are unstoppable and these relentless Reds won’t go away.
So, are Liverpool The Team to Beat…
Watch this space – Klopp will have Liverpool raring to go next season and a first Premier League crown is not too far away. The five-time European Cup winners will always have an affinity with the continent’s elite club competition but most supporters want to win the English title. With this Reds attack, anything is possible and it would be foolish to write Liverpool off. City and United will be wary of a potential onslaught next season.
