Liverpool FC
Last Season Summary
League ranking: 6th (58 pts)
Points per game (home: away): 2.11: 0.95
Goals scored per game (home: away): 1.95: 1.16
Goals conceded per game (home: away): 0.74: 1.58
Goals conceded per game (home: away): 0.74: 1.58
Number of clean sheets: 14
Top league scorer: Dirk Kuyt (13 goals)
Top league assister: Dirk Kuyt (7 assists)
Transfers
In: Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni
Out: Paul Konchesky, Stephen Darby
Pre-Season Results
4-3 Guangdong
6-3 Malaysia XI
0-3 Hull City
0-3 Galatasary
3-3 Valerenga
2-0 Valencia
Predicted Season Finish: 4th
Another disappointing season for the Reds with only local fixtures available for this coming year, but it could be much worse if not for Kenny Dalglish's return. And thanks to the big money splashed by ambitious owner John Henry, the Reds are hopeful of regaining a Champions League spot, if not better.
Defence - 7/10
Recent pre-season results of Liverpool hardly made me believe that they actually got 14 clean sheets last season. Conceding 3 goals in all friendly matches barring Valencia so far is a worrying sign for Kenny Dalglish and Steven Clarke.
Midfield - 10/10
This is the department of Liverpool with extravagant flair and depth. To field a 0-10-0 formation with all recognizable midfielders is certainly not a problem for Liverpool. It remains intriguing to see how Dalglish is going to sort out the overpopulation of midfielders at Anfield.
Attack - 8/10
Undeniably Luis Suarez has been pivotal to Liverpool's offence. Unfortunately Carroll has showing little signs of promise so far - he will need to buck up to take the Reds to a better league position.
Fantasy Ace: Luis Suarez (£9.5m)
The fact that he's not priced at double-digit and is even cheaper than his teammate Andy Carroll made me laugh. The Uruguayan's performance last season was incredible. Although his fantasy points wasn't that good, but you can account a big portion of the reasons to luck. Added with the increased transparency of the new bonus point system, you can expect him to hit at least 150 fantasy points this season.
Powerhouse Picks: Charlie Adam (£9.0m), Stewart Downing (£8.5m)
It's hard to believe that Charlie Adam (pix) will score another whopping 192 fantasy points again this season. Nevertheless, just like how Sir Alex Ferguson suggested that the Scot's set pieces are worth £10m alone, I believe that Adam will give his opponents a hard time with his long range precision passes.
Also renowned for his quality crosses, Stewart Downing will provide the kind of promising wing play that Liverpool had long lost. With Carroll as high main receiver, you can expect a good amount of assists from him.
Solid Picks: Dirk Kuyt (£10.0m), Andy Carroll (£10.0m)
Kuyt has once again become the most consistent and reliable player of Liverpool last season. Unfortunately, several big name signings will foster intense competition in all his comfortable spots. He should become the subject of rotation.
Being the most expensive player bought by Liverpool currently, Dalglish will feel very hard to keep Carroll (pix) on the bench. However, his far from satisfying display during pre-season tour has made me doubt about his performance in the league despite last season's fantastic performance with Newcastle.
Worth Scouting: Glen Johnson (£7.0m), Daniel Agger (£6.0m), Raul Meireles (£7.5m), Alberto Aquilani (£7.0m), Jordan Henderson (£6.5m)
Despite of Johnson's strength in offence, the Englishman's weakness in defence makes his first choice right-back role rather unsecured, especially with the emergence of Martin Kelly and John Flanagan.
Agger is always the best centre-back available at Liverpool, but his frequent injuries has flawed his career at England thus far.
With so many central midfielders available, Meireles looks to be a surplus for Dalglish now, despite being one of the club's saviours last season with his entertaining volleys.
It's the same case like Meireles too for Aquilani, but the Italian's spectacular pre-season with the club might just be good enough to change Dalglish's mind. At the price of £7.0m, he's a wonderful buy if he starts and plays in the hole behind Carroll.
Bought for £16m in reality, it's still highly doubted whether Henderson is bought for immediate impact or future development. But being only £6.5m in fantasy, he also resembles good business if he is Dalglish's first choice right midfield.
Bought for £16m in reality, it's still highly doubted whether Henderson is bought for immediate impact or future development. But being only £6.5m in fantasy, he also resembles good business if he is Dalglish's first choice right midfield.
No Thanks: Steven Gerrard (£11.0m)
The skipper was once the unstoppable force of Anfield, but things have pretty much changed. Firstly, the captain marvel seems to lost his speed after continuous injuries. And secondly, the abundance of midfielders have made his time at Anfield tougher. Also, Liverpool is no longer a one-man or two-men team.
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