Liverpool were expected to compete for trophies last season, following a successful 2021/22 campaign where they added two titles to their collection.
Unfortunately, they ended the season without silverware and failed to qualify for the Champions League as they finished fifth in the Premier League standings.
Liverpool have been serious contenders for major titles in recent years, and they will be determined to prove that last season was just a fluke.
Considering their disappointing performance last term, it may prove difficult for them to mount a title challenge this season having fallen way behind familiar foes Manchester City.
However, they are unquestionably going to compete for trophies and have set their sights on achieving Europa League glory.
Here is our Liverpool season preview for 2023/24. You can also check out our detailed Premier League season previews for all 20 teams.
Liverpool Fixtures
Liverpool kick off the 2023/24 Premier League season with a trip to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 13. The first Merseyside derby of the campaign sees Everton visit Anfield on October 21.
Jurgen Klopp’s side take on champions Man City at the Etihad Stadium on November 25, before back-to-back home encounters against bitter rivals Manchester United and Arsenal on December 16 and 23.
The Reds also face tough fixtures against Chelsea (H) on January 31 and Arsenal (A) on February 3. Man City visit Anfield on March 9 before Liverpool travel across Stanley Park to play Everton the following week.
Klopp’s side renew hostilities with Man United at Old Trafford on April 6 before playing host to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the final day of the season.
Manager
Liverpool have become a major contender for the title every year since Klopp arrived at Anfield with the German tactician completely turning the club’s fortunes around.
Although they posed a significant challenge to Pep Guardiola’s Man City over the years, they have only beaten their Manchester counterparts once in the title race.
Nevertheless, Klopp has won several other trophies in the Liverpool dugout, including the Champions League and FA Cup.
He has won every major trophy available to him and will have his eye firmly set on the Europa League title, with the Premier League likely out of his reach for now.
That being said, it would be naive to underestimate Liverpool’s chances of winning the title, especially after reinforcing their midfield, which has been the driving force behind their success over the years.
Transfer Business
Alexis Mac Allister was Liverpool’s first recruit in the summer transfer window, with the Reds prioritising a midfield revamp.
They forked out £35 million for his signature, which is widely considered a bargain for a player who was vital to Brighton & Hove Alboin and recently contributed to his country’s World Cup triumph.
Mac Allister will undoubtedly prove a shrewd acquisition by the Liverpool recruitment team. But it remains to be seen if the same will be said about Dominik Szoboszlai, who arrived for a more lofty £60m price tag.
The Hungarian midfielder helped RB Leipzig to two titles during his one-and-a-half-year stay at the Red Bull Arena.
The 22-year-old is famous for his flair, trickery and ball-striking ability. He made 91 appearances for Leipzig, scoring 20 times and assisting 22 and will be expected to replicate his performances at Anfield.
Liverpool’s midfield revamp could still see one more player come in, with the Reds working on a deal to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton.
On the other hand, there have been several exits, with Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson headlining a summer exodus at Anfield.
Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also departed the club, and Fabinho could join them as he finalises a transfer to Al-Ittihad.
Several youngsters have been shipped out on loan to gain first-team experience, including Fabio Carvalho, who only arrived in Merseyside from Fulham last summer.
Starting XI
Liverpool’s summer signings are expected to headline their starting line up this season.
Alisson will continue in goal with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Roberton in defence.
With Fabinho set to depart, Lavia should replace him at the base of the midfield.
Mac Allister and Thiago Alcantara will complete the midfield three, although Szoboszlai could replace the injury-prone Spanish playmaker, whose future remains uncertain.
Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez are expected to slug it out for a chance to lead the line. But considering how they each ended last season, the Gakpo should get the nod with Luis Diaz and Mohammed Salah on the flanks.
Here is our prediction for Liverpool’s strongest starting XI next season:
4-3-3: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Lavia, Mac Allister, Thiago; Diaz, Gakpo, Salah.
Star Player
Liverpool have several high-profile players on their payroll, but if there’s one man they can rely on to provide the goods, it’s Salah.
The Egyptian winger registered 30 goals and 16 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions last season, although his contribution wasn’t enough to help them secure a top-four finish.
While we expect Salah to remain the Reds’ standout performer this season, Nunez and Gakpo could also prove to be aces for Klopp.
Nunez has struggled since he arrived from Portugal, but the Uruguayan is undoubtedly a talented goalscorer. He will back himself to prove his worth and repay the faith of the club and supporters.
Prediction
Many Liverpool fans have high hopes for Klopp’s team to compete for the Premier League title this season.
However, facing tough competition from teams like Man City, Arsenal, and possibly Man United, it may not be an easy feat for the newly revamped Red machines.
Liverpool’s priority will be to return to the Champions League, but their greatest opportunity to achieve this goal may come from winning the Europa League.
Having shaken off the disappointment of missing out on the top four places, Liverpool will undoubtedly fancy their chances of going all the way in Europe’s second-tier tournament.
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup also represent a decent chance of Klopp’s side ending the season with silverware in their coffers.
Predicted finish: 4th
Also Read: Detailed Premier League season previews for all 20 teams.
