By Sam McGuire
Huge summer time, huge expectations
The Reds head into the season as title favourites for the primary time in a very long time. Arne Slot’s aspect coasted to title success final time period, ending 10 factors clear regardless of failing to win a recreation in Could.
Liverpool made only one signing final summer time with Federico Chiesa becoming a member of from Juventus late on within the window. The Dutch tactician wished to see what he had at his disposal and has little question labored intently with Richard Hughes, the membership’s Sporting Director, to handle what he thought-about to be weaknesses.
The outcome? The champions have spent over £200million to carry Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to Anfield. Extra signings are imminent, too, if experiences are to be believed.
There’s now an expectation that the Reds retain their title. The actual fact there could possibly be 5 new faces within the beginning XI gained’t be taken into consideration or thought-about a suitable purpose if Liverpool fail to problem for high spot.
How will this group of gamers deal with that stress?
Defensive worries
Liverpool have appeared removed from assured throughout their pre-season friendlies. The champions conceded two objectives in video games towards Milan, Athletic Membership and Crystal Palace. The Reds misplaced the Non-Penalty xG battle towards the Eagles on Sunday at Wembley.
The brand new system leaves them a bit uncovered. What hasn’t helped issues for Slot is that the workforce has appeared light-weight in that space of the pitch. No alternative has been signed following Jarell Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen whereas Joe Gomez was injured early on in the summertime.
It has meant the Reds have been utilizing random gamers there to fill in with Kostas Tsimikas, Andrew Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch and Trey Nyoni all getting minutes at centre-back. In reality, it’s the excellent storm for the opposition. Liverpool are attempting to strike a stability with their new type whereas being woefully brief on the again, and groups are taking benefit.
All change for Bournemouth
The Cherries have been raided this summer time. Kepa’s mortgage spell from Chelsea was not became a everlasting deal, Dean Huijsen moved to Actual Madrid, Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool and Illia Zabarnyi was snapped up by European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Which means 4 of Andoni Iraola’s first selection again 5 from final time period have departed.
Thus far, simply two new faces have arrived. Djordje Petrovic signed from Chelsea and Adrien Truffert moved from Rennes. Iraola instructed the media that two centre-backs are wanted however it’s uncertain they’ll be in situ earlier than the journey to Merseyside: “We are attempting to signal centre-backs after we misplaced Dean [Huijsen] and Zabarnyi. I can’t discuss gamers that aren’t ours. We want two new centre-backs. It will likely be unattainable to interchange those which have left however the perfect centre-backs we will discover, the membership is engaged on it”.
Historical past favours Liverpool
Bournemouth have gained simply two of their earlier 20 clashes with Liverpool. The final draw between the 2 groups was in the course of the 2016/17 marketing campaign when the Cherries salvaged some extent late on at Anfield.
Within the 13 video games since then, the Reds have claimed 12 wins, scoring 42 objectives within the course of.
This match-up is about as one-sided as they arrive. However, dropping streaks do have to return to an finish in some unspecified time in the future.
Rating prediction
We’re going to go together with a 3-1 win for Liverpool. The Reds haven’t been too sturdy defensively however have the firepower to blitz Bournemouth at Anfield. Their remaining third high quality must be sufficient to ensure all three factors in what could possibly be a tough opening fixture.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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