Liverpool Premier League Odds: Slot out to avoid post-Klopp slide at Anfield

Jurgen Klopp's final season at Liverpool ended in disappointment as the Reds were unable to last the course in the Premier League, Europa League or FA Cup, but the German did lift the League Cup in glorious circumstances at Wembley in February to add one last major title to the trophy cabinet.

The Merseyside club heads into the new campaign with a feeling of the unknown following the appointment of Arne Slot as Klopp's successor. Ahead of their season opener at Ipswich Town on Saturday, I've taken a look at the Liverpool Premier League odds 24/25 and offered my prediction on how the Dutchman will fare in his debut term.

Last Season: 3rd

Top Scorer: Mohamed Salah (18)

Transfers In: None

Transfers Out: Adrian - Real Betis (free), Joel Matip - Unattached, Thiago Alcantara - Retired, Billy Koumetio - Dundee FC (nominal fee), Calvin Ramsay - Wigan Athletic (loan), Luke Chambers - Wigan Athletic (loan), Lewis Koumas - Stoke City (loan)

First Game: Ipswich Town (A)

Prediction: 5th

Premier League Odds

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Life after Klopp was unimaginable for many Reds a few months ago, but here we are, less than a week before the start of a new Premier League season and with Slot already settled into life at Liverpool.

It was a positive pre-season for Slot and his coaching staff, who oversaw wins against Real Betis (1-0), Arsenal (2-1) and Manchester United (3-0) in their tour of the USA before ending preparations with back-to-back games against Sevilla (4-1) and Las Palmas (0-0) at Anfield on Sunday. Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz all made their summer returns against Sevilla, and likewise Andy Robertson, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez against Las Palmas.

Liverpool are now in the peculiar position of having no injured players heading into their season opener on Saturday, although the later arrivals are unlikely to be at full fitness yet, meaning the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch are in contention to start at Portman Road this weekend.

The Liverpool hierarchy, however, have drawn criticism for failing to add to the squad so far, though Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is said to be mulling over a move from his boyhood club. Klopp left Slot with a strong, youthful side at Anfield, but the Reds appear to be crying out for a number six, and possibly a defender and attacker.

Fabio Carvalho looks Brentford-bound despite a strong pre-season, while there are reports that Sepp van den Berg, Ben Doak and Bobby Clark could follow the Portuguese playmaker out the exit door. Their departures would further fuel the belief that Liverpool need to make moves in the transfer market, with Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara having both left in the summer, too.

Questions also remain over the long-term futures of Alisson, Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, who see their contracts at the club expire next year, but the trio appear ready to lead the post-Klopp era for the first season at least.

Slot certainly can't complain about a lack of quality at his disposal and he hasn't, in fairness. Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are marvellous midfielders and there is hope that the Dutchman can get more out of his compatriot Gakpo and the much-maligned Nunez.

Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah both made their breakthroughs in the Liverpool first-team last season and look ready to compete for starting spots this term, while Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are expected to thrive under Slot.

There's a lot to be excited about at Anfield, but it will probably take a few games, or a few signings, for supporters and outsiders to really buy into the new project.

Klopp inspired a title charge last season but the challenge fell away in April, leaving Liverpool to settle for third, and it won't get any easier this year with reigning champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal expected to compete for top honours again.

Pep Guardiola is looking for a fifth-straight Premier League title and if he can keep Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne fit, the Citizens will remain firm favourites to retain their crown. The Gunners, meanwhile, have splashed the cash in recent years and appear hell-bent on ending their league title drought.

So, what would a successful season look like for Liverpool and Slot?

Finishing as 'best of the rest,' that being top of the pile outside of Man City and Arsenal, is probably a realistic aim. A title challenge isn't outside the realms of possibilities, but it does appear unlikely at this stage.

Ensuring they keep ahead of the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea is critical for the Reds, and given the mess both of those clubs are in currently, on and off the field, they should be confident of finishing above both this season.

Offers

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