I think our expectations could change if we manage to attain a game-changing signing. But I'm not really convinced that we will, unfortunately...
What are your expectations for the coming season?
My expectation is to finish in the top six with one domestic cup run as a bare minimum. We are generally the 5th highest spenders in terms of wages and net transfer fees and as such, 5th place is par; but we have to accept that the likes of Leicester, West Ham, Southampton and, in particular, Tottenham have all massively progressed as football clubs over the last few years and frankly are probably being run better off the pitch, too.
However, they will all have European football to contend with, and we arguably have a bigger and better squad than all of them as things stand. To finish behind one of them plus the usual suspects would be no disgrace, providing there is tangible progress on the pitch, but to finish below them all again would be.
What would make it a good season for the club?
I want to see us replicate our best performances against the bigger sides last season more consistently against weaker sides, chiefly so that we can attain a better points haul but also enjoy football more again.
In the last two seasons, without checking the stats, I feel we have gone back to being a bit of a big game club again, with complacency and a general lack of creativity stifling us against the weaker sides (although it should be stressed that the weaker sides are getting stronger & more organised, something which The Anfield Wrap don't seem to acknowledge all too often). Rodgers had made great progress on this front.
If we are to move forward as a club, this needs to change; a couple of key additions in midfield/attacking midfield will be crucial to help us dictate the tempo of football matches and beat defenders in tight areas.
Is a trophy realistic? Is top 4 realistic?
Winning the League Cup or FA Cup is always realistic for a club of our size, particularly with no European football on the cards. It's a nonsense to suggest otherwise - Man Utd last season, for example, only had to beat West Ham from within the top half to lift the FA Cup.
I'd be looking to play the kids and back-ups in one of the two, and play full-strength in the other. Fixture congestion generally seems to be worse in the second half of the season, while league momentum seems more achievable then, too, so I'd be well up for another League Cup run myself. Our first-team squad should be more than able to handle 45 games.
As for top four, if Leicester can win the league, then there's no reason we can't sustain a top four push. However, I know this is said most summers, but I genuinely think the big clubs will mostly be stronger next season. Mourinho, Guardiola and Conte are all exceptional managers and I can't see the complacency and mediocrity which has set in at those financial powerhouses lasting for long. It will be tough. I'd consider City & Arsenal pretty much top four shoe-in's again, so it leaves us fighting for two places, and we have no idea how good Chelsea & United will be at this stage.
Will no Europa League be a blessing or a void?
Definite blessing, if only so we don't play Sunday every bloody week. I love some Saturday football, me.
