Ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Alex Keble takes an in-depth look at each of the 20 clubs.
Liverpool
Liverpool supporters are used to this feeling of uncertainty. Wild oscillations have become the norm under Jurgen Klopp (their last four points tallies read: 67, 92, 69, 99) and yet even by their standards, the rising and falling through 2023 has been a lot to process.
The high of an 11-match unbeaten run at the end of the season, built on a new formation and a new role for Trent Alexander-Arnold, was tempered by the 14 goals conceded amid some chaotic defending.
If that wasn’t enough to cast doubt, no sooner had Klopp rebuilt his midfield, that it got knocked down again. The early signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were followed by the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
See: Why Szoboszlai is a high-risk addition for Klopp
It leaves Liverpool in the same position as two years ago: ready for another surge but with a nagging voice, however quiet, that questions whether Klopp can recover again.
One thing, at least, seems certain - with a forward line stronger than ever and a formation change still taking root, Liverpool and Klopp are returning to their heavy-metal beginnings.
Performance last season
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
Newcastle
NEW
|
38 | +35 | 71 |
| 5 |
Liverpool
LIV
|
38 | +28 | 67 |
| 6 |
Brighton
BHA
|
38 | +19 | 62 |
| Competition | Performance |
|---|---|
| FA Cup | Fourth Round |
| EFL Cup | Fourth round |
| UEFA Champions League | Round of 16 |
PL performance last five seasons
| 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | 1st | 3rd | 2nd | 5th |
How to improve on 2022/23
The 2022/23 season was the first full Klopp campaign in which Liverpool failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The similarities between their past two seasons are striking. Both were extended hangovers from the exhaustion of victories the year before. Both ended with a long unbeaten run that hinted at rebirth.
Now as then, the task is to build upon the foundations laid down in April and May, when Liverpool’s new formation showed promise but risked defensive frailty.
But losing Fabinho - resurgent in the spring - throws that into doubt, although with Klopp’s success so often seems to come down to momentum, to feeding off the Anfield crowd. Hit the ground running and Liverpool can ride another wave.
Key transfers
Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are fantastic signings, the former an urgent and slick creative midfielder, the latter a metronomic presence who will most likely fill the old Georginio Wijnaldum role.
But with Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Fabio Carvalho all departed, Klopp still needs midfield reinforcements. A deal for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has yet to be struck, leaving Liverpool scrambling to find a No 6 before the end of the transfer window.
See: What will Mac Allister bring to Liverpool's midfield?
Tactics
Taking inspiration from the newest "3-box-3" tactical trend – notably seen at Manchester City – Klopp has started pushing right-back Alexander-Arnold into central midfield, in turn allowing the two No 8s to push very high and wide.
It instantly inspired an upturn in form, but with one major problem. Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson isn’t shuffling across to make a back three, but instead continues to roam forward, leaving something more like a 2-3-5.
It’s as top-heavy as it sounds, hence Liverpool’s erratic pre-season results. In only four matches they have scored 15 goals and conceded 10. Learning to control matches, through graceful, press-evading midfield play, appears to be Klopp’s solution.
See: Every club's pre-season results
Reasons to cheer
No club in world football has a quintet of forwards as good, or as varied, as Liverpool’s. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have both looked sharp in pre-season following their injuries, while Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Diaz have all chipped in with goals.
Liverpool will be very entertaining, that’s for sure. Supporters will find hope, too, in the high turnover of players. A reset is just what was needed.
Reasons to fear
Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are still recovering from injuries, meaning Curtis Jones and Academy player James McConnell have been filling the Fabinho role during Liverpool’s tour in Singapore.
That is far from ideal, and frankly it’s hard to see Liverpool challenging for the Premier League title unless they can sign a new No 6.
TV Info - Broadcasters
Opening six matches
With Mauricio Pochettino making his debut, Chelsea away is a difficult way to start the new season, but should Liverpool survive that test, things start to get a bit easier. AFC Bournemouth (H), Newcastle United (A), Aston Villa (H), Wolverhampton Wanderers (A), and West Ham United (H) offer a chance to build a head of steam.
Predicted XI v Chelsea
4-3-3: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk Robertson; Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Jota.
