This coming Premier League season will usher in a brand new era for Liverpool FC as they will parade a new captain for the first time in 12 years. With Steven Gerrard completing a summer move to LA Galaxy, the responsibility of leading this proud and storied franchise now lies in the shoulders of England midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Can Henderson finally lead Liverpool to that elusive Premier League title? Read on below as we break down the Reds’ chances this upcoming season. While you’re at it, you can also check out our team previews of Arsenal and Chelsea.
[sc:Soccer ]Liverpool 2015-2016 Premier League Preview
Overview
With just a few weeks remaining before the start of the new Premier League season, there’s still plenty of uncertainty surrounding Liverpool Football Club. With the departures of their star players Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling this past offseason, many fans are wondering whether the Reds can mount a serious title bid this campaign.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]For manager Brendan Rodgers, the answer is a definite yes. He overhauled his squad after missing out on Champions League qualification last season, with Christian Benteke’s recent £32.5M deal taking his tally of signings this summer to seven. The Belgian international is central to Rodgers’ plans as he looks to shore up a Liverpool attack that scored just 52 goals last season, seventh-best in the Premier League.
Benteke, who became the Reds’ second most-expensive signing ever, scored 49 goals in 101 games for Aston Villa after signing from Genk for £7m back in 2012. Another player who’s expected to thrill for Liverpool this season is Roberto Firmino. The £29M signing scored 47 goals in 151 games for Hoffenheim.
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Key Player – Jordan Henderson
There’s a new captain in town and his name is Jordan Henderson. With Kop legend Steven Gerrard now plying his trade in the United States, the pressure is on the England international to provide leadership and bring immediate success to the Liverpool squad. Replacing the multi-titled Gerrard will definitely be a tough act for Henderson but he has already vowed that he will be his own man now that he is the captain of the 18-time English champions. Since joining Liverpool back in 2011, the 25-year-old has scored 17 goals in 118 league appearances for the club.
Key Game – @ Chelsea (October 31)
Expect fireworks to erupt on October 31 as Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge to face the defending champions Chelsea. There’s certainly no love lost between Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea and Liverpool ever since that infamous phantom goal incident in the Champions League back in 2005. A lot had changed between the two sides since that match but the intensity of this fixture remains fiercer than ever.
This contest provides this new-look Liverpool squad a grand opportunity to test their mettle against the four-time Premier League champions. If the Reds can manage to beat the Blues in their own backyard, it’s definitely game on for Liverpool this season.
Best Case/Worst Case Scenario
Best Case Scenario
Liverpool’s best case scenario for this season is a top-four finish that will guarantee them a spot in next year’s Champions League. For them to achieve this goal, it’s crucial that Benteke and Firmino quickly adapt to their surroundings in the Merseyside club. If they combine for at least 40 goals this season, the Reds stand a good chance of earning that lucrative Champions League place.
Worst Case Scenario
Of course, the worst case scenario for Liverpool is that their two big-money signings prove to be major duds once again. Rodgers’ recent transfer dealings has been disappointing to say the least so it won’t be a complete shock if these two players fail to deliver once again. If that turns out to be the case, the Reds will definitely miss out on the Champions League once again.
Complete Schedule
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Aug 9 | @ Stoke City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Monday, Aug 17 | Bournemouth | 3:00 PM ET |
| Monday, Aug 24 | @ Arsenal | 3:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, Aug 29 | West Ham | 10:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Sep 12 | @ Manchester United | 12:30 PM ET |
| Sunday, Sep 20 | Norwich City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Sep 26 | Aston Villa | 10:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Oct 3 | @ Everton | 10:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Oct 17 | @ Tottenham | 10:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Oct 24 | Southampton | 10:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Oct 31 | @ Chelsea | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Nov 7 | Crystal Palace | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Nov 21 | @ Manchester City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | Swansea City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Dec 5 | @ Newcastle | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Dec 12 | West Bromwich Albion | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Dec 19 | @ Watford | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Dec 26 | Leicester City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Monday, Dec 28 | @ Sunderland | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Jan 2 | @ West Ham | 11:00 AM ET |
| Tuesday, Jan 12 | Arsenal | 4:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, Jan 16 | Manchester United | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Jan 23 | @ Norwich City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Tuesday, Feb 2 | @ Leicester City | 3:45 PM ET |
| Saturday, Feb 6 | Sunderland | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Feb 13 | @ Aston Villa | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Feb 27 | Everton | 11:00 AM ET |
| Tuesday, Mar 1 | Manchester City | 4:00 PM ET |
| Saturday, Mar 5 | @ Crystal Palace | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Mar 12 | Chelsea | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Mar 19 | @ Southampton | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Apr 2 | Tottenham | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Apr 9 | Stoke City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Apr 16 | @ Bournemouth | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Apr 23 | Newcastle | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, Apr 30 | @ Swansea City | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, May 7 | Watford | 11:00 AM ET |
| Saturday, May 15 | @ West Bromwich Albion | 11:00 AM ET |
Writer’s Prediction
Liverpool (+1,800) finishes outside the top 4 and misses out on the Champions League.
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