Prediction for Liverpool ahead of the 2010-2011 Premier League season
A huge summer at Anfield has been handled brilliantly so far by all parties involved, and for once, things are looking to be on the brighter side.
Ever since Rafael Benitez’s troublesome reign ended, things have moved forward for the Merseyside club. Not to say that Rafa was a bad omen for the club; if anything, he was a great server to the club and it was a pity to see him go in the manner in which he left.
The appointment of Roy Hodgson was not greeted by huge fervour and enthusiasm, but given the circumstances and the tumultuous times at the club, he was the perfect candidate for the job. Since arriving at the club, he hasn’t put a foot wrong and his level-headed approach is finally making its way into the hearts of fans.
Since arriving at the club, Hodgson has bought Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen, and more importantly, he removed the clouds of gloom from over Anfield when after his meeting with Torres and Gerrard, he persuaded the duo to stay at the club.
Had Torres and Gerrard left Liverpool, it would have been a disaster for the Anfield club and they would have been found struggling to even finish in the top 10 of the Premier League, but now that they are staying, coupled with the new arrivals at the club, Liverpool will surely be gunning for the title.
Javier Mascherano appears certain to be heading out to Italy, but in the presence of Aquilani, Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and now Poulsen, one can be sure that Masch will not be missed in the midfield, and although it will be a big name exit from the club, Masch was no more than an overrated central defensive midfielder in the game.
He was at the World Cup with Argentina and failed to inspire his team, and the story was similar last season, where in the absence of a midfield partner, he had problems in controlling the pace of the game. Thus, where Liverpool could certainly have done with him in the team, his absence will surely not be sorely missed.
The resigning of Fabio Aurelio was also a good thing for Liverpool, as the back four now look settled with Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio looking set to be the first choice defenders for Hodgson. And if their performances in the last season are anything to go by, they are as good as any defence in the Premier League.
As far as their midfield is concerned, on home games, Liverpool look set to play a 4-1-3-2 formation with Christian Poulsen acting as the protective shield in front of the back 4, while Gerrard, Cole, Kuyt, Jovanovic and Torres will the front five.
The midfield is packed with goal-scorers, and all 5 players are capable of scoring any given day, so Liverpool this season is surely not lacking in the goal-scoring department.
In Pepe Reina, they have one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and with a defence as formidable as theirs, their opponents will hardly find any goal-scoring opportunities.
The only problem with the Liverpool squad is their depth; apart from the first choice 11, Liverpool do not have any apt player to call as a cover for anybody, as David N'Gog and Ryan Babel are the best they have on the bench. Therefore, it will be a big question mark whether Hodgson can keep all his players fit throughout the season.
If he somehow manages to do so, Liverpool will surely be one of the title contenders, but should he fail, it will be another season of doom and gloom at Anfield.
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