Fantasy Planning - Liverpool

[Guilbert53]

Another of my pre-season introductions to each of the major Premier clubs.

After asking "questions" about the teams that finished first, second and third last season (Chelsea, Spurs and Man C) - here is an update about the team that finished fourth - Liverpool.

Because they finished fourth then this year Liverpool are playing in the Champions League.

Liverpool had a decent defence last year, fifth best behind Spurs, Man U, Chelsea and Man City. Having said that I was never convinced by the Liverpool defence, even though they finished last season with 4 clean sheets.

They have a fair number of defenders - Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Matip, Milner, Gomez, Moreno and Robertson, and a few youngsters coming through.

Note however wing back Clyne is injured and has not played any pre-season games.

I think Liverpool's success last year was based on some excellent midfield players - Henderson, Lallana, Firmino, Couitinho, Wijnaldum, Origi (now and again) and Mane (till he got injured).

However there is talk of maybe Coutinho going to Barcelona (Liverpool may not be able to resist 100 million pounds) so we will have to wait and see.

Only one major player has been sold, Lucas Leiva.

Manager Klopp has bought three new players, with Salah looking the best of the bunch:

Salah - Winger / Midfield from Roma for about £40 million
Solanke - Striker from Chelsea for about £3 million
Robertson - Defender from Hull for about £8 million

They do have some injuries though.

As stated wing back Clyne is injured, he has played no pre season games, and Lallana has just announced he will be out for more than a month (maybe 2 months). Sturridge always seems to be injured, and Ings has a long standing injury.

Any success Liverpool have this season may depend on if they can keep Coutinho, and who else they bring in before the transfer window close at the end of August.

However players like Salah, Mane, Firminho and Coutinho (if he stays) are excellent fantasy selections. Of the defenders probably Milner is the best choice and Clyne when he gets fit.