Whether you’re ready to admit it or not, Liverpool are on the verge of winning their first Premier League title. Jurgen Klopp’s side were leading the way for most of 2018/19 but had to settle for second place behind Manchester City.
Credit where credit is due, Pep Guardiola’s men were outstanding during the title race run-in, winning 14 Premier League games in a row to end the campaign. However, Liverpool will take great confidence from their 2018/19 bid for glory.
Fresh from winning the 2018/19 Champions League final, Liverpool can go one better in the Premier League this campaign. Here are five reasons why the Reds look destined to lift the English title for the first time in the Premier League era…
Last Season's Disappointment Will Fuel Hunger
It was a case of ‘close but no cigar’ for Liverpool in their pursuit of Premier League glory last season, with the Reds finishing just one point behind Manchester City at the top of the table.
However, Liverpool still recorded 97 points from 38 league games – the highest points tally NOT to win the title in Premier League history. With that in mind, it would be foolish to write Liverpool off.
Klopp’s side are priced at 9/4 in 888sport’s football betting odds and lots of Premier League followers will fancy the Reds to end their 30-year wait to lift the English title.
Salah, Firmino & Mane To Run Riot (Again)
Liverpool’s terrifying trio combined for an incredible 69 goals in all competitions last season and Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will take some stopping in 2019/20.
If all three players manage to stay fit for the entire campaign, Liverpool could be destined to lift the title. Salah and Mane, along with Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, were involved in a tie for the Premier League Golden Boot award last season.
It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see all three Liverpool strikers fighting for that individual accolade in 2019/20. Watch this space, Liverpool’s front three could wreak havoc.
Liverpool Have Premier League's Best Defence
With just 22 goals conceded in 38 Premier League games, Liverpool finished 2018/19 with the best defensive record in the top flight.
Alisson Becker kept an impressive 21 clean sheets in his first season in English football and his presence in the Anfield goal will give supporters reassurance. However, the back four also deserve plenty of credit – Liverpool’s defensive unit is now one of the best in world football.
Virgil van Dijk, a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or award, is a commanding presence alongside Joel Matip while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are maturing into world class full-backs.
Champions League Win Key For Momentum
Imagine if Liverpool had missed out on the Premier League title AND lost to fellow English outfit Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final.
Luckily for the Reds, they came out on top against Spurs in European football’s showpiece fixture and that victory could act as the catalyst for Premier League success to follow. 888sport’s early Champions League odds have Liverpool at 7/1 to retain the European Cup next season.
There is a certain affinity between Liverpool and the Champions League but if it comes down to picking European glory or the Premier League title, the domestic crown would probably be the pick.
Liverpool Will Learn From 2018/19 Crumble
Liverpool were six points clear on Boxing Day last season and the Reds should’ve took full advantage. There was nothing that Klopp’s side could do about Manchester City’s perfect run but Liverpool must ensure that their form does not tail off after the festive period.
If the Reds find themselves in a similar position, Klopp will not let Liverpool fall short. With one or two signings in the summer transfer window, Liverpool will cement their status as main Premier League rivals to Manchester City’s crown.
The Reds have an ideal opening weekend fixture against Norwich City and a convincing win could set the tone for the rest of the 2019/20 season. Watch this space, Liverpool will be right in the mix for the second season running…
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
