As we head into what promises to be another exciting Premier League campaign, it’s time to focus on the past, present and future, looking for indications regarding what to expect from the 2021-22 campaign. Liverpool will certainly be aiming to make a genuine challenge for the title, although if the early predictions are correct, this might be one of the most competitive seasons in living memory.
Two Contrasting Liverpool Campaigns
Nobody will forget the amazing Premier League title triumph of 2019-20, as Liverpool finally ended the top-flight championship drought that had stretched back to the 1989-90 season. 29 years of painful waiting had finally come to an end, thanks to the magnificent leadership of Klopp and the wonderful performances of his team.
Liverpool proved to be utterly untouchable throughout the 2019-20 campaign, embarking upon a remarkable unbeaten run stretching 27 games, winning 26 of those and only drawing once against Manchester United. Although form dipped in the final months, the title was already in the bag with 7 games to spare, then concluded with an 18-point advantage above Manchester City.
The biggest challenge was always going to be defending that league title, which Liverpool were strongly tipped to do heading into the 2020-21 campaign. Unfortunately, the team suffered one setback after another, starting with the irreplaceable loss of Virgil van Dijk in October 2020, suffering an ACL injury against Everton that ended his season prematurely.
The Reds found it hard to recover from that blow, especially when Joe Gomez injured knee tendons on duty for England in November 2020, then Joel Matip suffered an ankle ligament injury that ended his campaign. With the three main centre-backs injured, the Liverpool defence was decimated. However, the team rallied admirably in the final months, ending the campaign third in the Premier League behind Manchester City and Manchester United.
Also Read – Our Exclusive Analysis: Liverpool’s 2020-21 Premier League Season Review
2021-22 Premier League Predictions
Thanks to their status as the reigning champions, accompanied by dominant form last season, Manchester City head into the 2021-22 campaign as outright Premier League title favourites. Depending on which online betting sites you look at, Chelsea and Liverpool are then regarded as the biggest challengers, with both teams tipped at 5/1 odds with many of the leading bookies.
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Considering the latest outright odds for Liverpool, that would suggest there’s plenty of confidence in Klopp and his team, even if matching those of Chelsea with Thomas Tuchel heading into his first full season at the helm. The Blues also ended the season in spectacular form, which culminated in beating Manchester City in the Champions League final.
Even more interestingly, Liverpool are also tipped ahead of Manchester United, who finished second last season and have spent heavily on reinforcements during the summer. Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane will undoubtedly be a big boost for the Red Devils, yet oddsmakers are still hesitant about their Premier League title chances.
Balancing the Books at Anfield
Thus far during the summer transfer window, Liverpool has achieved an almost perfect financial balance, working the market well to ensure financial stability. Since the start of July 2021, only one player has been signed, although the cost of that arrival has almost been covered by income from player sales.
Already receiving rave reviews from coaching staff via the official liverpoolfc.com website, Ibrahima Konate joined from RB Leipzig for £36 million, after the Reds triggered his release clause at the German club. The towering 22-year-old centre-back has also been favourably compared to Virgil van Dijk, which also indicates his price-tag could be an absolute bargain.
Also Read – Jurgen Klopp excited over working with new Liverpool signing Ibrahima Konate
Following the arrival of Konate at Liverpool, a number of players considered surplus to requirements have moved elsewhere. Kamil Grabara moved to Copenhagen for £3 million, Liam Millar joined Basel for £1.3 million, while Taiwo Awoniyi went to Union Berlin for £6.5 million. The biggest sales have seen Marko Grujic switch to Porto for £10.5 million, before Fulham paid £12 million for Harry Wilson.
Additional sales are also expected, as Liverpool consider offers for Xherdan Shaqiri and Ben Davies. If either or both of those players be sold, that will make additional funds available for any further purchases Klopp may have in mind. Needless to say, given that contract renewals have been the priority focus, the club appears to be content to be patient for now, waiting for suitable targets to become available at the right prices.
Neighbours Competing for Premier League Supremacy
As locals in the North-West of England will already know, travelling between the neighboring cities of Liverpool and Manchester doesn’t take too long, just a relatively short drive down the East Lancashire Road or the M62 motorway. Such close proximity is what makes the great rivalry between teams all the more enticing to fans.
While the riches of Manchester City point at them regaining the Premier League crown, Manchester United are also harboring ambitions of usurping the throne of their cross-town rivals. Yet always ready to pounce, Liverpool will be doing their utmost to put both in their place this season, hopefully, capable of reclaiming their rightful place at the top of the table.
