Let me be perfectly honest, I am not your biggest Rafa Benitez fan. In the past I have believed the Spaniard to excessively rotate his team, be pedantic about his tactics, invest in second rate footballers and deploy a one dimensional attack.
However, given that Liverpool amassed 86 points last season, 4 less than Manchester United, I have slowly begun to take the former Valencia boss seriously. With just over three weeks to the new season, I discuss here my reasons as to why Liverpool have become favourites for the title.
Manchester United Are Weaker
The champions have lost Cristiano Ronaldo, whose goals either blow teams away or make the difference in tight football matches. Valencia and Owen are good signings, but they are unlikely to be worth 66 league goals in 3 seasons.
The Midfield
Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard provide the perfect blend of strength, precision and penetration. Even though Liverpool seem ordinary down the flanks, this is more than compensated for by the work of these men. I challenge anyone to suggest a more balanced midfield in the world.
Fernando Torres
Goalscorers are needed by any team wishing to challenge for top honours. Drogba, Henry and Ronaldo have helped their respective teams win titles by regularly netting. Most managers are now in agreement that Torres is virtually unplayable.
Liverpool Are Unchanged
The most important observation to be made this summer is that amongst the clubs challenging for the title, Liverpool have experienced the least amount of changes. Chelsea have a new manager, Arsenal have lost Emmanuel Adebayor, United have lost Ronaldo and Manchester City have what can only be described as a face lift.
The factors mentioned above may have nudged Liverpool ahead of their rivals but the transfer window is still open and things can change overnight.
Some great points there. I wish I could share your optimism but I don’t believe Liverpool are favourites for the title. United may have lost Ronaldo, and on paper they may seem weaker, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will *be* weaker. As we have seen with Liverpool, great players leave (Keegan, Souness, Rush etc) but the success goes on.
Man U have recovered from the loss of great players in the recent past, including the likes of Beckham and Cantona. As a comparison to Ronaldo, look at Ruud Van Nistelrooy. He scored an insane amount of goals for United but they still prospered when he left.
I think people will be surprised how well United cope without Ronaldo. Of course, I hope they crash and burn with extreme prejudice, but Ferguson is (unfortunately) too good a manager to allow that to happen.
I have to say,i have disagree with u
The most significant factor is being decided in a courtroom. You can play it any way you like, whilst the top players are training up for the season ahead, Steven Gerrard is pleading his case. Imagine the scenario, Steven Gerrard gets 8 months, returns with Liverpool in a great position for the title.
only 4 points off last season is a convincing tally but i prefer to keep my predictions until the season actually kicks off ..
Well, nothing is certain, especially in Football, personally I think this is going to be a very open season.
Manchester United, even though they have lost 2 key players, will of course still be strong, they still have the strong defense and midfield. Some players such as Rooney could come up with important goals. Michael Owen could be the super sub and may push a starting place. I believe Mr. Ferguson has a few tricks up his sleeve.
Liverpool’s only problem is their strike force, its quite thin if Torres gets injured, of course David Villa would be the perfect second striker, but the dream is highly unlikely. What they need is Gerrard and Torres fit and healthy and keeping Xabi Alonso is key if they want to challenge.
Chelsea, have kept John Terry, which clearly states that they have still got their ambitions. But remember their ambitions lie with the owners desire for the champions league. This said, they will be stronger than Scolari’s Sloppy era. Essien’s return sparked life into Chelsea, Joe Cole coming back to the squad could help them as there was a gap on the wing, and of course keeping The Drog fit is priceless. Eyes will be on how Ancelotti starts the season.
Arsenal, have in my opinion lost the plot, selling Adebayor, and it seems like they are selling Kolo Toure, their strength and depth of their youngsters does not seem like they can survive the 38 game season, but Arshavin and Robin Van Persie could prove vital for Wenger.
Manchester City is clearly an example of what Real Madrid were in the previous seasons, all attack zero defense, what they need is a strong experienced centre-back, with that addition to the players they should be pushing for 5th place, but things might not go to plan.
Big Pool fan here… but I have to point out one small thing here.
Alonso is leaving.
That puts a small dent is your “The Midfield” and “Liverpool Are Unchanged” arguments.