Liverpool proved once again that they are serious title contenders on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s men sealed all three points with a stoppage-time penalty against Leicester at Anfield. The Reds have secured maximum points so far and are already eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Dozens of top football betting sites are tipping Liverpool to win their first title since 1990. However, Liverpool fans know that it won’t be plain sailing. There’s still plenty of time left for teams like Man City and Chelsea to catch up. Today, we’ll analyse Liverpool’s strengths and weaknesses and take a closer look at their title credentials.
Winning mentality
This Liverpool squad has a winning mentality. We watched them turn Barcelona over at Anfield during last season’s Champions League campaign. They will not lie down and quit. Leicester looked destined to steal a point at Anfield until James Milner stepped up and dispatched a penalty in the 93rd minute of the game.
If the Reds want to lift their first Premier League title, they’ll need to continue in this ruthless fashion. It can be easy for dominant teams to get complacent. Especially, when they’re coming up against newly-promoted teams. Liverpool can’t afford to slip up this season. If they do, Man City will be waiting to pounce.
Squad depth
One potential weakness for the European champions is the depth of their squad. Their starting eleven is one of the best in the world, but if a handful of key players get injured, Liverpool could be in trouble. Players like Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Virgil van Dijk are irreplaceable.
Having said that, goalkeeper Alisson Becker suffered an injury at the start of the season, and Adrian has deputised well. However, Klopp will need his strongest team available if he wants to pip Man City to the post this time around. Big players decide big games, and the Reds have plenty on the horizon. They’ll entertain Man Utd, Man City, and Spurs over the next six weeks.
Clean sheets
Liverpool had a rock-solid defence last season, but they look shaky at the back this year. Klopp’s team has only kept two clean sheets against Burnley and Sheffield United. They’ll need to improve on that if they want to lift their first league title in almost three decades. The Reds boast some of the best defenders in world football, so they should be able to tighten up over the coming weeks and months.
Front three
Liverpool’s biggest strength is their front three. Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane are among the best finishers in world football. The trio have notched up 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League so far.
Finally, super-sub Divock Origi offers another option from the bench. He was formidable in front of goal last season. If the Belgian chips in with a handful of goals, Klopp will be quietly confident that he can lead Liverpool towards the Premier League title.
