Liverpool have the longest odds of the three favourites and sit 3rd, 4 points shy of leaders Chelsea. They do, however, possess undisputedly the best attacking front three in the league, with the most goals both as a team (35) and for an individual via Mohammed Salah’s 11 goals. Salah is accompanied by the likes of Sadio Mané, currently second only to his team mate in the league on goals, Roberto Firmino, a key asset in linking play, and Diogo Jota, another great finisher. This lineup makes Liverpool a huge attacking threat; given half a chance they are ruthless in front of goal.
Liverpool have had their share of inconsistencies in their results so far, drawing to the likes of newly promoted Brentford, and failing to beat a 10-man Chelsea side at home. November also saw Liverpool’s unbeaten run end with a 3-2 loss to West Ham. Whilst manager Jürgen Klopp criticised officials over the first goal and a potential red card, these results betray Liverpool’s weaknesses. There is a lack of depth in certain key positions: central defensive midfield and centre back. The heavy reliance of Fabinho as the defensive-midfielder, with nobody to fill his place exposes the back four and allows space for players behind the midfield when he’s not playing. Then there is the looming departure of key men to the African Cup of Nations, and the loss of Firmino to injury until mid-December, which may create difficulties for Liverpool; he is a key and unique asset in his linkup play through midfield and forward lines.
Consistency is going to be key for Liverpool as the league continues. Having drawn far more than (and both home games against) their title-rivals, focusing on developing tactics when playing without core players will be crucial in Liverpool’s conversion of such draws to victories. Liverpool have a great chance at Premier League glory. With their full starting XI, they can be unstoppable, having poise in defence as well as relentless attacking and scoring ability from the front three.
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