There isn’t much respite for football fans right now as a highly anticipated league start looms ahead with the transfer rumour mill in full swing. It’s led many online bookmakers already setting their odds for outright bets.
First five come thick and fast
With the fixtures for the Premier League being released just last week ahead of a mid-September start to the new season, it gives the Reds very little time to coo over the latest addition to the trophy cabinet as they prepare for the defence of their title challenge.
Proceedings will get under way at Anfield on 12 September when newly promoted Leeds United come to town, the Yorkshire side rumoured to be in the market for both Brewster and Origi.
Arguably tougher challenges follow with Chelsea away and Arsenal at home on consecutive weekends after the opener. With two ties against the traditional top four teams, and last year’s FA Cup finalists, it should give us all an idea of how Klopp’s team will fare heading into the new season.
Not quite favourites
Most online bookmakers have already wheeled out a range of betting promotions but surprisingly enough they’re not backing the Reds to retain their title just yet. Across the board betting sites have set their odds for the coming season with last year’s runners up Manchester City currently listed as outright favourites.
City are currently priced at around 10/11 (1.90) while Liverpool are currently looking at much better value at 7/4 (2.75), perhaps representing a good chance to get top odds early on in the market.
Thiago Alcântara prime target
Unsurprisingly boss Jürgen Klopp is being linked with a number of high profile transfer targets. Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcântara who is fresh from lifting the Champions League with the Bavarians is looking to be at the top of that list.
A product of Barcelona’s legendary youth academy, Thiago would be a welcome and significant addition to Klopp’s central midfield operation. Able to sit tight and dictate from the centre of the pitch, the Spanish international is also instrumental in pushing the ball forward as well as in set pieces.
Consistency is key
Despite not being backed as current favourites to retain the title, you’d be remiss to write Klopp’s side off at any point during the next few months. Consistency has been key to the German’s modus operandi over the last couple of seasons.
With an outright romp to the title last season, which effectively saw it sealed before Christmas, and only narrowly missing out the season before, Liverpool are looking strong – especially if they navigate their first few fixtures with relative ease.
With the pick of signings, it shouldn’t be hard to strengthen a team that has already become accustomed to performing and winning at the highest level.
