Season Preview: Liverpool
Last updated : 18 August 2009 By Gary Purvis
How did you fare last season?Second place, four points behind winners Man Utd and pushing them to the last few games? It's the closest we have been to the top since the last time we won in 89/90. If it hadn't been for a poor run of games at the start of the year we could have won it this time.
How do you expect you'll do this season?
Hopefully we will be able to continue where we left off in May. The team played positive, attacking football in the run-in and if we can do that this year then we are in with a good shout of the title.
What have you done in the transfer market this summer? Which of your
new signings are you expecting most from?
Glen Johnson is the biggest name..... so far, and should settle in well in Alvaro Arbeloa's former position.
Where do you think you'll need to strengthen in the January transfer window?
The summer one isn't closed yet and hopefully we will be able to bring in at least one more attacking midfielder by September. If not, then Rafa must look to strengthen in the New Year.
Have you any promising youngsters breaking into the team?
Jay Spearing had a couple of run-outs last season, most noteably in the 4-0 mauling of Real Madrid at Anfield, and should get more chances to shine this term.
Have you got the right man in charge of the team? Will he still be
there at the end of the season?
Definitely. Rafael Benitez has been accused of being over-cautious at times, but his tactical knowledge is second to none and if anyone can bring the League title back to Anfield it's Rafa.
Is the club being run well? Are you likely to be singing 'Sack the
board' any time soon?
Tom Hicks and George Gillett aren't the most popular men on Merseyside but hopefully there will be a change of ownership in the near future, more investment in the team and backing of the manager.
Which team do you most want to beat and why?
Man Utd every time. The rivalry is infamous and it's great to do the double over them.
Who do you think will win the league?
I think if we can strengthen the midfield before the transfer window closes then Liverpool can go one better. United are certainly weaker without Ronaldo. If Liverpool don't win the title then I would prefer it to be Arsenal.
Who do you think's going down?
Portsmouth's time in the Premier League is up I think. Newly-promoted Birmingham City and Burnley will probably go down with them.
How do you think Hull City will fare this season?
As last season, Hull know how to play against the top teams and should pick up points from the big four. Bottom half, but safe from relegation.
Gary Purvis is editor of LFC Online.Click here to read what Gary said at the end of last season about how Liverpool got on in 08/09.
