Guardian writers’ predicted position: 1st (NB: this is not necessarily Andy Hunter’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 1st
Prospects
Champions for a record-equalling 20th time, and by a comfortable margin, first-choice transfer targets secured in an ambitious recruitment drive and the possibility of Alexander Isak arriving too: Liverpool look in outstanding shape to celebrate their 21st title this season. A seventh Champions League triumph will also be considered a realistic target by Arne Slot.
Expectations are high at Anfield but any analysis of the club must consider the immeasurable impact of Diogo Jota’s tragic death on teammates and colleagues. It is the unknown factor in their title defence.
On paper Liverpool have upgraded the squad that won the Premier League with four matches to spare and handed Slot greater depth and versatility for his second season. The head coach rotated sparingly in the league and his approach was rewarded handsomely. Slot, however, felt that fatigue caught up with the team during a sequence of 30 matches between November and March and he should have made more changes for the Carabao Cup final defeat by Newcastle. Expect more rotation this season.
Liverpool have added pace in both full-back positions with the signings of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, two parts of a statement transfer window when they spent almost £300m. Hugo Ekitiké was signed from under Newcastle’s noses after a breakthrough season with Eintracht Frankfurt and the coveted Florian Wirtz arrived for a club record – and potentially British record – fee. Slot believes the Germany international will bring “a few extra weapons” to the side. Rich in attacking options, Liverpool by contrast appear light in central defence and will require another imperious campaign from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. The pair were a formidable unit last season. The defending champions appear the same.
The manager
There is a stark contrast between the character of the Liverpool head coach and the manager he succeeded last summer but, thanks to his tactical brilliance and calm, grounded manner, Slot exceeded expectations in evolving the squad built by Jürgen Klopp. History was made as a result. Slot made the best start by any Liverpool manager with 11 wins in his first 12 games, became the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League and joined the Anfield greats Joe Fagan and Sir Kenny Dalglish in winning the title in his first season. After the tragic events of the summer, the 46-year-old said: “To represent this club in this city now even means more to me and to my wife than it did before.”
Off-field picture
It has been a devastating summer for Liverpool after the deaths of Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident on 3 July. The Portugal international was one of the most…
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