Can they fight for the title?
The fact that Liverpool haven’t won a title since 1989/90 seems unreal. Precisely that is why Rafa Benitez and his players should have motivation for staying in the title race longer this season, since November has been catching them off-guard over the last few. Liverpool hold 18 champion titles in England, but not a single one since Premier League was established, while they have managed to get hold of the second place only once in 16 years.
Torres has a new partner
One of the main features of the transfer windows where Benitez bought for Liverpool was that Red jersey can wear only good but not excellent players whose individual quality can solve games. Last year Benitez has finally hit the jackpot by signing Fernando Torres who was a real revelation and who alongside Gerrard is practically the only irreplaceable player in the team. This season, Rafa decided to invest a lot of money in bringing experienced Robbie Keane from the Spurs considering that he is exactly the player who will agree best with fantastic Spaniard thus giving up the pursuit for EURO's top scorer David Villa. Whether this will be a good move or not, we will see very soon, and the only measure of success will be precisely Premiership. Aside form Keane, Benitez focused on signing Gareth Barry, Aston Villa captain who as he sees it, is just what Liverpool need in the midfield. Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, this transfer hasn’t yet been made, because Liverpool aren’t ready to pay the amount of money Aston Villa are asking for their captain
In
Robbie Keane (Tottenham), Phillip Degen (Dortmund), Dossena (Udinese), Cavalieri (Palmeiras), N’Gog (PSG)
Out
Riise (Roma), Le Tallec (Le Mans), Kewel (Galatasaray), Crouch (Portsmouth), Guthrie (Newcastle), Carson (WBA), Leto (Olympiacos - loan)
Rotation
Over the last few years Liverpool have always been the first out of big four to drop out of the title race, often even before November. This time they stand more chance, especially if they succeed in signing Barry. However, many things will depend on Benitez rotation tactics that has caused many weak results for Liverpool on the road last season, and the fact that the line-up was constantly changed didn't help much. This time Benitez will be under pressure to deliver results and after barely surviving the last season on Reds' bench, only a title can save his job. It will be very hard to get one, but Benitez should have enough quality players at his disposal to stay in the title race at least till the second part of the season. However in the end a second place would be a success and a step forward.
Our tip: Forecast: 1st: Man Utd, 2nd: Liverpool
Odds 9.50
Bookmaker: Bet365
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