Liverpool are all set to kick-off their post-Jurgen Klopp era in the Premier League this weekend.
It has been a slightly frustrating period for Reds supporters following Klopp’s exit, with no movement in the transfer window so far.
Nevertheless, the signs under Arne Slot in pre-season have been very good indeed. The Liverpool squad may not have any new additions to it, but the players already at the club are adapting well.
That has given hope that Liverpool could be in for a very good season. A title challenge is hoped for rather than expected at this point, but Saturday’s game with Ipswich Town can set the tone for the campaign.
It is the first of many tests for Slot as he finally gets to the real business of replacing one of the best managers in Liverpool history. And pundits have been having their say on how they think the Dutchman will get on.
Michael Owen predicts Liverpool position
Liverpool were not able to crown Klopp’s time at the club with a second Premier League title in May.
The Reds had made an unlikely charge for the top of the table after a poor fifth placed finish the year before. In truth, though, the team looked some way behind Man City and Arsenal.
Without any new signings so far and having lost Klopp, it’s difficult to see how Liverpool improve on their eventual placing of third.
However, given that they’ve seen off Arsenal and Man United in pre-season, Slot has no reason to fear the rest of the giants of the division.
One man who appears to agree with that is Michael Owen. The former Liverpool striker has become a notable pundit since his retirement in 2013.
Owen has already predicted a difficult game for Liverpool against Ipswich on Saturday but has backed the Reds to come through that with a win.
And as seen on the Premier League’s Instagram page, the 44-year-old thinks Liverpool will go on to finish second in the table.
Remarkably, Owen thinks four-time-running champions Man City will drop off and finish fourth, with Arsenal claiming a first championship since 2004. Aston Villa make up the pundit’s imaginary top four.
Team news for Liverpool vs Ipswich
Here we go again, then. After three months away, the Premier League returns for Liverpool on Saturday.
As Owen has pointed out, it is not the easiest of starts. Ipswich will be looking to give Slot a bloody nose on their own big day.
It is 22 years since the Tractor Boys last tasted the top division and they’ll be desperate to get an early three points on the board and claim a huge scalp in the process.
But Liverpool should be confident. They have no injury issues at all heading into the game, meaning that Slot has a full squad to pick from. It will be interesting to see who he selects.
Nothing will be defined on Saturday, but a good first game can set the tone for the rest of the season. Let’s hope Owen’s prediction of a good year for the Reds comes to fruition.
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