Liverpool FC

[TightEnd]

Everton will go backwards. Spurs will change manager again. Utd will change and need an overhaul.

Same top 4 IMHO.

United not being in Europe is huge though isn't it? don't need to rotate in league games, going to replace 3 of the ageing back 4, van persie fit, strengthen midfield. would say they will get top 4 and need to do a lot less than people think to have a better season

see no reason everton will go backwards either

Spurs, who knows. probably not a threat for top 4

[The Baron]

Why would Everton go backwards, other than the fact they are your rivals and it's nice to think our rivals will always get worse any year?

To keep Barry he must half his wages. I also can't see him this good at this age again. They cannot afford Lukaku. The Barca lad whom I can't spell goes back - or on loan to somewhere bigger. Distin is ancient. The club doesn't have big resources. Coleman possibly goes and a few like Stones already. It will be tough.

[The Baron]

Everton will go backwards. Spurs will change manager again. Utd will change and need an overhaul.

Same top 4 IMHO.

United not being in Europe is huge though isn't it? don't need to rotate in league games, going to replace 3 of the ageing back 4, van persie fit, strengthen midfield. would say they will get top 4 and need to do a lot less than people think to have a better season

see no reason everton will go backwards either

Spurs, who knows. probably not a threat for top 4

I agree on Europe. But a new manager no matter how good will struggle. Add new players into the mix and with a new style. 4 or 5 first teasers IMO. I know we came second by a whisker, but people seem to think we're suddenly going to go backwards. We have a stable manager, a good budget plus money from respectable sales, more than enough to sort out the defence, and a very young team (on average) that will get better. Far less variables to worry about.

I'd rather be us right at this minute, with a bit of daylight.

It's only opinion. I thought we'd be 5th this year so what do I know.

[Kmac84]

I think given the rigours of Europe Liverpool will regress, but to what extent I don't know.  I think they will still Finish in the top 4 but I think it may well be 4th this year. 

I think Man United wil struggle also. 

I think Spurs will improve if they appoint a strong manager. 

Man City will win the league again as they have the best squad, possibly the best manager and the most money. 

Arsenal will be Arsenal. 

Everton are the interesting one, much will depend on what happens in the summer if they can keep hole of Coleman/Barclay and bring in some new players who are at a similar level to Lukaku and Barry they will be fine if they lose the former and dont replace the latter they will struggle. 

I would expect Southampton will be the big losers, especially if they lose their manager and the spine of their squad. 

I would expect Leicester to do the best of the promoted sides, but I wouldn't rule out Derby having a good season.  I really rate McLaren as a manager.  Think he gets a rough ride from many. 

[Waz1892]

95 more sleeps.

[vegaslover]

I cant honestly see us getting close next season.
Need a far bigger squad and Europe to contend with. Whole team set up to defending has to change to win the league IMO and that wont happen overnight, if at all.
Man U will invest huge amounts into the squad, while City and Chelsea will also invest

[kinboshi]

When people say "regress" are they talking about the strength of the side and the performances that they'll display, or do they mean solely on league position?

With quarter of the season to go, it looked clear that Liverpool would be in a battle for third and fourth with Arsenal, with possibly Everton and Spurs being threats to nick one of those places.

So, are we talking regression over the whole season, or just the last quarter where they clearly over-performed in terms of expectation and what the squad proposed on paper?

If it's the latter, then off course they'll be regression. If we're talking overall, then I don't see why there'll be any substantial drop off. Rodgers is still building the team, and with the obvious weaknesses that need filling, along with CL football I don't see why the team won't improve. I can't see any of the teams outside the top four improving at a rate that'll take them past Liverpool. But like Aaron said, what do we know?

[aaron1867]

How much do Liverpool have to spend?

How long until Madrid, Barca, PSG & co have enough and decide money is no object and attempt to buy Suarez?

How long has Gerrard got left?

What are realistic predictions for next season?

I suspect looking in on Liverpool is quite interesting, as I would say Liverpool have little or no chance next year of winning the title and will finishing out of the top 4 next season see Brendan sacked? I would say weirdly at this point I can see more chance of United and Arsenal finishing in the top 4 than Liverpool. Saying that though I couldn't see them finishing top 4 this season and you lot deservedly finished second & I know I said it one hundreds time, but apart from the likes of Suarez, Strurridge & Gerrard, that teams looks awfully short on quality, so there must be a plan of some sort to improve and replace Gerrard.

Liverpool in the Champions League though which I am chuffed about!

[Nakor]

Liverpool bid for Lallana confirmed.

Villa up for sale.

Nice quiet first day to the close season.

[kinboshi]

Anyone in for Aspas?

[The Baron]

I think people underestimate just how much LVG might change when he comes in. The likes of Ferdinand and Van Persil may not have a clue what's hit them.

Genuinely hope he comes though. Best interviews ever. On another level to Moaninho.

[The Baron]

When people say "regress" are they talking about the strength of the side and the performances that they'll display, or do they mean solely on league position?

With quarter of the season to go, it looked clear that Liverpool would be in a battle for third and fourth with Arsenal, with possibly Everton and Spurs being threats to nick one of those places.

So, are we talking regression over the whole season, or just the last quarter where they clearly over-performed in terms of expectation and what the squad proposed on paper?

If it's the latter, then off course they'll be regression. If we're talking overall, then I don't see why there'll be any substantial drop off. Rodgers is still building the team, and with the obvious weaknesses that need filling, along with CL football I don't see why the team won't improve. I can't see any of the teams outside the top four improving at a rate that'll take them past Liverpool. But like Aaron said, what do we know?

Precisely.

Over achievers fo sho. But still light years ahead of 5th.

[Kmac84]

I think the Liverpool fans are underestimating how much strain playing in Europe will have on your squad.  I hope that I am wrong but your going to need at least 5 new players imo to challenge on both fronts.  You definitely ran well and above expectation for the last few months.  I like Brenda, think he's a top manager but he needs to learn horses for courses and realise that you can go all out attack in every game.

[The Baron]

Lucas looks like he's gone

[booder]

Lucas looks like he's gone

To where Aaron ?