At first glance, Manchester City would appear legitimate favourites for this years Premier League title.

They have the best squad, the best first team core and the most experienced team in terms of winning trophies and competing at the sharp end of the league table.

With Chelsea almost completely out of the picture in terms of competing at the top end of the league, their local rivals Man United still not completely back to their attacking best, and Liverpool in a period of transition that may well last to the end of the season, this would appear to be a two-horse race at best, with Arsenal the only viable challengers to Pellegrini’s side.

Therefore, it might be easy for the side from the Etihad Stadium to become complacent, and assume that nothing can possibly stand between them and their third Premier League trophy in five years. However, I believe this kind of thinking could be dangerous for them.

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Firstly, it has become obvious in the games so far this season that City do not yet have the sort of totally ruthless streak that many title winning teams manage to acquire over the course of their successful campaigns.

While early on in the season they looked completely unplayable, and gave off an air of invincibility, in recent weeks cracks have begun to appear. The first of these came during their 2-1 home loss to West Ham, a game that many at the time dismissed as a blip.

The Hammers had already produced several excellent results at home, so plenty of pundits simply wrote this off as the sort of result that happens from time to time, even to the best teams.

What they found harder to dismiss as a mere aberration was the 4-1 defeat to a rampant Tottenham side at White Hart Lane, when Pochettino’s team found it all too easy to repeatedly penetrate a wobbly City defence.

It should also be noted that, apart from the game against Chelsea early in the season, City have only played two matches against sides riding high in the league. In the first of these games, the aforementioned North London debacle against Tottenham, they were blown away, through a combination of a rejuvenated, fresh-faced, attacking Spurs side, catastrophic defending from their backline, and terrible refereeing. It led to some serious questions about how good City are when lacking one or two of the core of their team, and queries regarding their overall defensive quality.

The second game was against their arch-rivals from across the city, and although they definitely acquitted themselves better, it was still not exactly a statement of ruthless, title-winning intent – rather, it was a pretty drab 0-0. While it was not a bad result, going to a potential title rival and coming away with a point, it still did not leave me with the feeling there was a side that would let nothing get in the way of their march to the title – in short, they have not yet entirely convinced me.

I believe this lack of a ruthless streak, unless properly addressed, could result in City dropping points in games that Champions just have to win. The game against Aston Villa, for example, was the sort of match that many title-winning teams would have found a late goal in.

Manuel Pellegrini’s team are top of the table for a reason, and have definitely been the best side in the league so far this year – it would be a shame if they let themselves down at the vital moments through a lack of clinical ruthlessness.

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Whilst the 2015/16 campaign may well have begun in rather unconvincing circumstances for the Swans this season, Andre Ayew has nonetheless proved somewhat of a revelation for Garry Monk’s side.

The Ghanaian international has already amounted an impressive six league goals thus far, whilst also providing the Liberty Stadium faithful with admirable levels off energy and determination inside the final third. In a season that has certainly proved rather testing for Swansea City up until now, the former Marseille man has definitely been a positive addition to the Premier League.

However, as the January transfer window looms ever closer for those competing within the English top-flight this year, the 25-year-old attacker seemingly hasn’t gone unnoticed among the league’s biggest transfer spenders. After a series of standout performances in 2015/16 so far, Liverpool have subsequently raised a supposed interest in landing Andre Ayew this January – if certain reports are to be believed.

So then, could the current Swansea favourite really be on his way to Anfield sooner rather than later, or would Jurgen Klopp ultimately be better served in looking elsewhere this winter?

Well, although the Ghanaian star may have only recently just emerged within the Premier League scene, it certainly hasn’t taken long for English fans to grow accustomed to Andre Ayew’s potential to make things happen out on the pitch. He currently goes down as Swansea’s top goal-scorer in all competitions and could easily develop his game even further in the not too distant future.

After arriving at the Liberty Stadium on highly coveted free transfer this summer, Garry Monk’s side seemingly completed one of the best deals of the entire transfer window. Ayew is particularly direct in his approach, his link-up play in front of goal often leads to favourable results – and when it comes to successfully doing the business in one-on-one situations – the current Swansea man rarely comes unstuck.

In all honesty, Andre Ayew always seemed like he’d turn out a pretty effective player on the back of his previous form in Ligue 1 – as well as on the international scene with the Ghana squad. The 25-year-old wide-man is also a very passionate character in the match-day scenario, and often looks to give his respective side an all-round boost when the situation requires.

Liverpool would therefore be greatly aided with someone like Ayew on board. Although Klopp’s current outfit does in-fact display a vast amount of technical ability across the attacking areas of the pitch, the Reds are arguably missing enough personnel to lift them out of trouble when the tough moments inevitably crop up. The former Marseille star would provide the Anfield faithful with their fair share of goals, whilst helping to maintain a certain mental strength throughout the core of the team.

Although the Ghanaian international couldn’t necessarily expect to go down as an out-in-out first team regular among Jurgen Klopp’s ever improving Liverpool squad, the step up to Anfield certainly wouldn’t be a task beyond Andre Ayew’s supposed capabilities.

However, the major stumbling block in the way of this particular deal would once again be the price. Although the widely experienced attacking star may well have arrived as a free transfer at Swansea City, Ayew is still reportedly enjoying a pretty sizeable wage packet week-in-week out. Liverpool would simply have to cough up the bucks this winter in order to secure the man’s signature, especially as the 25-year-old only joined up with his current employers less than six months ago.

In the end, it remains somewhat difficult to imagine this deal actually going ahead – at least not as early as the upcoming January transfer window. Ayew will likely maintain his loyalty at the Liberty Stadium until the end of the current campaign, perhaps looking to assess his next steps once 2015/16 is finally over and done with.

Should Liverpool’s reported interest in the front-man be genuine and to the point this January however, then Jurgen Klopp may as well look to involve Andre Ayew among the current Anfield set-up before another intrigued party eventually sticks their nose in.

Although he may not be playing for one of Europe’s elite clubs this season, that shouldn’t paint the current Swansea City favourite out in anything less than the reputation he honestly deserves.

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Manchester City, in typical Manchester City fashion, are making life extremely difficult for themselves in their attempts to win the Premier League. Despite a huge outlay in the summer, the Etihad outfit sit behind Arsenal and Leicester in the race.

Presumably, this will be Manuel Pellegrini’s last transfer window in charge of the club. Pep Guardiola is all but certain to takeover in the summer, though Pellegrini will no doubt be aiming to depart with a second Premier League crown in three years.

So, this month becomes vitally important for the Chilean coach. Much of the talk has revolved around how this season represents Arsenal’s best chance of winning the league, though the same argument could be made of City.

How often will their nearest challengers be as susceptible to a slip up than the Gunners? Can you really imagine the strongest Chelsea or Manchester United sides losing 4-0 to Southampton?

They have a raft of world class players, who simply have not yet gelled. They have resources beyond the wildest dreams of most teams in the world. They really should be winning this league.

Perhaps the January market can offer the chance to strengthen in certain areas. While they have quality all throughout the squad, certain areas can still be proved upon.

With that in mind, here’s Manchester City’s Dream XI at the end of January, using a 4-2-3-1 formation…

JOE HART

This one is pretty obvious. Joe Hart is among the best ‘keepers in the world, arguably just behind Manuel Neuer in the ranks. Aside from luring the World Cup winning stopper away from Bavaria, there is no really that will dislodge the England international between the posts at the Etihad.

The same can’t be said of his backup, Willy Caballero, however.

BACARY SAGNA

Pablo Zabaleta has been a stalwart of the City success since his arrival, but Bacary Sagna has been one of the club’s best performers this season. Despite having a relatively slow start to life in Manchester City following his switch from Arsenal, the French international is back to his best.

Perhaps a long-term heir for the right-back berth should be drafted in, though that can wait until the summer. Other areas are more pressing.

NICOLAS OTAMENDI

Vincent Kompany is obviously the ideal candidate to marshal the backline, but Pellegrini has revealed the slick City skipper could be out until the ‘last part of the season’. Summer singing Nicolas Otamendi has struggled for consistency this season, though remains a top class centre-back.

At his best, the Argentine is commanding and imposing. While that hasn’t been shown often enough, there has been glimpses. Paired next to a more capable partner, the former Valencia man can show exactly why £33m was shelled out to lure him to Manchester.

JOHN STONES

Everton are by no means pushovers in the transfer market and will make any deal for John Stones incredibly difficult to pull off. However, this is Manchester City and they are hell bent on world domination. If anyone’s got enough to prize him way from Goodison Park, it’s these guys.

An amazingly gifted ball-playing defender, the years of service the 21-year old could bring makes a reported £45m asking price surely worth it. It won’t be the easiest deal to complete, but it would be amazing to see the England international as the heart of the City project.

RICARDO RODRIGUEZ

Neither Gael Clichy nor Aleksandar Kolarov are good enough to compete at the sort of level Manchester City strive for. There’s been a dearth in top class left-backs over the last few years, though Wolfsburg’s Ricardo Rodriguez is proving himself to be one.

Linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, the Swiss international would be an ideal fit at the Etihad. A fine crosser of the ball, he’s an excellent attacker up the left wing, while having the physical attributes to remain an imposing defender. Still learning his trade, he’ll only become a stronger defender.

FERNANDINHO

One of the unsung heroes of this City side, Fernandinho is probably the best defensive midfielder City can hope to have outside of Sergio Busquets or an in-form Nemanja Matic.

Goes about his job quietly, winning possession back with tough tackling or calling on his astute ability to read the game in order to prevent opposition attacks. The Brazilian is comfortable on the ball and provides a decent enough shield to the defence.

Question marks remain over his ability in the Champions League, but however much of a Dream XI this is, Busquets is surely out of bounds right now.

MARCO VERRATTI

Yaya Toure is really becoming a burden. The Ivorian is still a truly incredible player, able to do things at the drop of a coin many players would dream about, but those exploits only serve to mask his drop in consistent form.

PSG’s Marco Verratti would be an ideal signing. The Italian is as tenacious as they come, though possesses the passing range you might expect of an Azzurri international. He may not be a like-for-like swap with Toure, but can provide a strong base at the heart of midfield.

Again, Paul Pogba may be a more obvious name, but the Juventus star seems to set to Barcelona in the summer.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE

Has been an excellent signing since his £55m move from Wolfsburg in the summer. The 24-year old has scored 11 goals and added a further twelve assists, proving what a good player he is. Question marks remain over his away form, though surely they will subside the more he gets to grips with life in England. He’s simply too good not to. (Yes I know he was at Chelsea, but he played three times!)

He’s not actually played with the trio I’m about to mention that much, due to the injuries suffered by some of them. However, if everyone can stay fit, De Bruyne will become more familiar with these three, a scary thought for Premier League defences.

DAVID SILVA

Does this one really need explaining? The Spaniard is truly mesmerising at times, drifting in spaces between the opponent’s defence and midfield that are invisible to the untrained eye.

Has struggled with injuries this season, missing eight games in a row at one point, but remains one of the best Number 10s in Europe. If City are going steamroll teams like we know they can, the 30-year old will no doubt be instrumental to it.

RAHEEM STERLING

Once Raheem Sterling sorts his finishing out, he will be one of the most feared attackers on the continent. While it’s improved somewhat this season, scoring 9 goals in all competitions, the 20-year old still needs to work on his end product.

However, he’s so far proved to be a good signing. Slotting into this side with ease, he looks at home at the Etihad. One of the best wingers in the league on his day, it’s amazing for England fans to think about just how good the former Liverpool man could become under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.

SERGIO AGUERO

When fit, he’s by far and away the best striker in the league. Perhaps only Robert Lewandowski and Luis Suarez can rival him in the battle to be considered the best out and out centre forward in the world.

He’s scored 11 goals in all competitions this season while battling injuries as usual. The Argentine truly is a world-class finisher and absolutely must remain fit in order for City to win the Premier League.

Everton made the most of their mini-break due to Liverpool’s exploits in the League Cup final by announcing the imminent financial backing of a new wealthy shareholder based in the Middle East.It’s news that has truly captured the Toffees faithful, who can now realistically add to their already pretty stellar squad without shifting on big names.Refreshed from their 10 day break, manager Roberto Martinez welcomes back striker Arouna Kone to the squad, having missed out during the FA Cup win over Bournemouth.In stark contrast to the excitement emanating out of Merseyside, their hosts today are in danger of slipping from the top tier of English football without a trace.Aston Villa are eight points from safety with just ten games left to play and show little signs of sparking the unlikeliest of unlikely great escapes.The return of Jordan Ayew, who’s been one of the few (relatively) bright sparks of their torrid season, is good news at the very least.Remi Garde will need his forward, who returns from a three game suspension, to be at his best after watching side record the fewest amount of shots in Premier League on the weekend.A loss today would all but condemn this once proud titan of England to a meek relegation. Or utter capitulation. Depending how harsh you want to be.Still, there’s plenty left to play for. Pride at the very least, or cars if you’re Joleon Lescott.So, here are the confirmed starting XIs for Aston Villa’s clash with Everton.

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Betting on football can be an exciting and lucrative venture. For this reason, people should be ready to put the work in and avoid the common mistakes that starters make when betting. The following are the top five mistakes to avoid in football betting…

Greed to Acquire Instant Wealth

Most punters seek the thrill of making a life-changing bets with huge gains for a very small outlay. Most bookmakers play on the punters’ natural desire for wealth. Often, they go out of their way to encourage punters to bet on multiple selection bets, which can turn small stakes into large sums. Professional punters rarely bet in multiple selections. Most professionals bet on singles and steer away from multiple selection bets.

Placing Emotions in the Bets

Betting is considered a lonely game. It is also an immensely skilled game. To numerous punters, emotions undermine success. A punter must accept the fact that a bet can result in a gain or loss. Emotions neutralise gambling discipline. They also compromise long proven successful betting practices. Professional punters can control their emotions. This boosts their confidence in placing high-stake bets. Emotions also prevent punters from advanced betting strategies like arbitrages, laying and hedging.

Trusting the Experts Blindly

Football is one of the most popular sports around the world and, as such, there is never a shortage of people ready to give their opinions on different football matches. Some of these people are worth listening to, but some are not. Most punters tend to rely heavily on the opinions offered by the experts when placing their bets. They allow the experts to influence their betting decision. Football is a game of odds. This means that the outcome of a match can differ with an expert’s opinion.

Failure to Consider Starting Line-ups

Some people fail to consider the starting line-ups of both teams before making a bet. The line-ups are released an hour before a match starts. This gives punters time to include the line-ups as part of their betting research.

Lack of Patience

There is no quick fix when it comes to being a lucrative football punter. It is possible for a person to get lucky with a 50/1 accumulator bet but this may not always be the case. To attain success in betting, a person must have some patience.

With all of this in mind, why not try your hand at betting on a big event? Euro 2016 is a perfect opportunity for rookies to get started. It might seem a long way off, but odds for the final are already out and betting that far ahead can prove pretty lucrative.

May the betting force be with you.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has claimed that Arsenal were lucky to escape with a point after their 0-0 draw on Sunday.

The Black Cats faced a tough task to get out of the relegation zone when they took on the Gunners, with Arsene Wenger’s men unbeaten in their last six and pushing to keep hold of their top four position.

However, Sunderland were able to match their more illustrious opponents, creating several chances, but were unable to put the ball into the back of the net.

But, the result lifted the Wearside club out of the bottom three for the first time in months, boosting their chances of surviving the drop for another season.

Yet Allardyce was adamant that his side deserved three points instead of a draw, citing the high number of missed chances as the reason they didn’t pull away even further from the bottom three.

“All in all I am just a tinge disappointed we haven’t converted that performance into three very, very precious points.” he is quoted by talkSPORT.

“It would have been our biggest victory of the season and in all honesty after the second half performance I think we did enough to just win it by that odd goal. We didn’t but we played extremely well against a top side.

“Defensively we were extremely solid and when they broke the defence our goalkeeper was very good again when we needed him.

“When we got in amongst them in the second half and stopped them playing and controlled the tempo of the game we started to get a little bit of panic in the Arsenal defence and with some of the chances we created we are perhaps a little disappointed we haven’t converted one of those today.”

Sunderland will face Stoke City in their next league fixture on Saturday April 30th.

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The summer transfer merry-go-round is in full swing north and south of the border.

With Celtic installing Brendan Rodgers as boss, speculation around who will come and who will go at Celtic Park has rarely been more fervent.

One of the attributes Rodgers brings to the Bhoys is his in depth knowledge of English football. Having worked in the English game for 12 years at all age levels, there aren’t many who will know the available talent more this summer.

Alongside the lure of a top name manager, Celtic are also in the mix for a slot in the Champions League, albeit they have a few qualifying rounds to negotiate, while Scottish football hasn’t been as exciting as it is now for a few years, with Rangers back in the big time and Aberdeen a genuine force.

Here are FIVE English Premier League stars sure to be on on Celtic’s transfer radar…

James Wilson

James Wilson was heavily linked with a loan move to Celtic before he headed to Brighton in November. The only stumbling block preventing him from joining the Bhoys was said to be his contract situation at Man United, but he’s now signed up until 2019.

The Bhoys have a proven track record of developing talent before they go on to make an impact in the Premier League and that reputation is only enhanced by the arrival of Rodgers.

With Mourinho likely to be looking at big name signings up top at Old Trafford, another season out on loan could be the ideal situation for the young striker. The new Man Utd boss is of course well aware of Rodgers, with the two having worked together for years at Chelsea.

Celtic would be getting an exciting young striker hoping to prove himself at the highest level.

Bersant Celina

Celtic have had a curious link-up with Man City in recent years with Jason Denayer, Patrick Roberts and Dedryck Boyata all coming north from the Citizens.

The Hoops reportedly wanted Celina in January, but the young midfielder went on to make his Premier League debut, appearing against Leicester in February.

With Roberts developing nicely so far in his loan spell, Celtic could have another opportunity to take advantage of City’s young talent and pick up their third loan signing from the club in three seasons.

Steven Fletcher

Steven Fletcher continues to be a name that Celtic are reported to have an interest in. The Sunderland Echo reckons the Bhoys are favourites to sign Fletcher, whose contract at Sunderland runs out this summer.

With Colin Kazim-Richards said to be on his way to Brazil and the likes of Ciftci and Scepovic unlikely to have a bright future at Celtic, Fletcher offers the Bhoys plenty of experience in a position they need more bodies for.

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Eunan O’Kane

Republic of Ireland cap Eunan O’Kane has seen first team appearances limited at Bournemouth in their fairytale debut campaign in the English Premier League.

He does, however, have over 100 appearances for the Cherries over the last four seasons to his name and would offer the Celtic midfield plenty of heart and tenacity. He broke through to Martin O’Neill’s Irish team this year but has just missed out on EURO 2016 selection despite being named in the provisional squad.

Both Celtic and Rangers are reported to be interested in his services.

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Fankaty Dabo

According to The Sun, Brendan Rodgers is already leveraging his contacts at former employers Chelsea in order to bolster his backline by signing young full-back Fankaty Dabo on loan for the season.

20-year-old Dabo has been at Chelsea since the age of 12 and has been a mainstay for their U-21 side since 2013. He’s also an England youth internationalist and is thought to have a bright future in the game. Having not yet to make a first-team appearance at Chelsea, a move to Celtic would offer him the chance of making his senior professional debut.

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New Everton boss Ronald Koeman will undoubtedly have an eye on what’s happening over in France this summer.

The Dutchman will target something of a squad overhaul over the next couple of months as he begins to stamp his own authority on a club that had stagnated both on and off the pitch over the last couple of years.

But spirits will be high at Goodison Park this summer; a takeover, promise of huge transfer funds and the installation of an exciting, Premier League proven manager tends to do that.

Koeman’s first objective, no doubt, will be to improve on Roberto Martinez’ 11th place finish last term, as well as improve the style of football on show to the Goodison faithful.

And what better place to look for new additions to help achieve those targets than the European Championships?

So here are FIVE players Koeman could target to help get his Everton revolution underway…

Jonny Evans

Fans and pundits can say what they want about Evans’ ultra aggressive style of defending, but he won a Premier League title with Manchester United.

John Stones is a prize asset, of course, but is the subject of transfer speculation and is expected to leave in the summer – and the experienced Evans could replace him at centre back.

Karol Linetty

A physical, perpetually working centre midfielder, Linetty is only 21-years-old and has fared well internationally.

Everton need reinforcements at the position with Leon Osman and Darren Gibson departing.

Kamil Glik

The former Real Madrid product returned to form this season with Torino, and a potential move away this summer is possible.

Glik is a dominant aerial threat who ventures forward on set pieces. He is another candidate to replace the highly sought after John Stones.

Kyle Lafferty

Lafferty’s seven goals in qualifying for the EUROs came as a pleasant surprise for Northern Ireland.

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has hinted that he wants out of Everton this summer, after scoring 18 goals for the side this season.

Could Lafferty be a cost-effective replacement?

Shkodran Mustafa

He produced for Valencia this season, and he finds himself competing with a slew of top defenders on the German national squad.

Everton need to tighten up their defence after conceding 55 goals this season— sixth worst in the Premier League.

So Mustafa should be high on Koeman’s wishlist this summer.

So the transfer window has been wrapped up and for some sides, it has been more successful than others.

Chelsea shocked the world with a deal to bring David Luiz back to England whilst Bournemouth secured the unbelievable season-long capture of Jack Wilshire. It’s always an interesting couple of months but now the teams need to sort themselves out on the pitch.

It’s going to be a long season ahead and as for some teams, we’ve already seen worrying signs. Whilst Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Watford and Stoke City are all yet to win, we think they’ve shown enough so far to steer clear of the trap door.

It’s actually teams above them that have shown some concerning signs and as they come up against the better sides, could it get even worse?

So with that in mind, we’re going to try and ambitiously predict five teams that could face a relegation scrap at the end of the Premier League this season…

Sunderland

If there’s a team that has been in and around the trap door over the past few seasons, it’s been Sunderland.

They’ve been through a fair few managers in that time too but this season, David Moyes is at the helm and some believe they’ve got a better chance of survival this time round.

They’ve have only picked up one point from their opening three games and goals still look like they might be a problem this season.

Jermain Defoe is getting no younger and they might be in for a scrap this season, yet again.

Burnley

Steven Defour and Jeff Hendrick have both been brought in this summer at great expense to try and keep relegation a thought rather than reality, but some still fear for the Clarets this season.

They picked up a fantastic win against Liverpool but were put to the sword by Chelsea last week. They’ll be relying on Andre Gray and Patrick Bamford to get the goals but with both relatively unproven in the top flight, we’re tipping them to struggle too.

Swansea City

Perhaps one of the biggest sides in this list, we really think the Swans will struggle this season. There’s is nothing about them that is going to set the league on fire and in seasons past they’ve had the likes of Michu to lead their line.

They squeezed past Burnley in their only win of the season so far but again, it was a scrappy affair that could have ended in a stalemate. This could be Swansea’s year to go down.

West Brom

The deadline day signings of Nyom and Robson-Kanu were decent additions but Tony Pulis wanted five signings and he only got four.

They’ve managed to keep hold of Saido Berahino but it’s a move that still has a bitter taste and you have to wonder whether he really wants to be there. In a league where you all need to come together, it’s tough if there are outsiders and Berahino seems that way inclined.

They’re a team we’ll be keeping an eye on but we reckon Pulis’ record of keeping teams in the league might be over.

Hull City

Out of everyone in this list, it may surprise you that we think the Tigers will be the furthest away from the trap door.

Caretaker boss Mike Phelan seems to have instilled a real sense of belief in a side that had only thirteen fully-fit players at the start of the campaign.

They’ve signed the likes of Will Keane, Dieumerci Mbokani, James Weir & Markus Henriksen this window and they’re looking a whole lot better than when the season started.

They will be okay, but only just.

This summer represents Jurgen Klopp’s first real opportunity to develop his Liverpool side in his own image, and it appears that he has had a busy summer, with no less than 7 new players part of the first team fold.

The Anfield fan favourite has already endeared himself to the Liverpool fans, and with a successful development season behind him, he will no doubt be looking to push his side up the table in the 2016/17 campaign.

Bringing in new talent is of course a vitally important part of the process, but Jurgen Klopp still has a lot to do in order to make Liverpool great again.

With the Premier League season less than two weeks away, time is running out for the Liverpool boss.

With that, here are THREE things that Jurgen Klopp MUST do to turn Liverpool in to title contenders

Defensive Improvements

Jurgen Klopp has already gone a long way to solving this issue, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Loris Karius is a great signing, and he could find himself between the sticks for Liverpool for the best part of a decade if things work out.

Similarly, Joel Matip looks a good player, and he will likely step into the shoes of Martin Skrtel without too many issues. However, issues still lie in the form of the left back slot, and the other central defender in the Liverpool back line.

Much has been made about the defensive frailty of Alberto Moreno, and if reports are to be believed, Klopp is working on signing a new left back. Joel Matip’s centre back partner however has a less clear future however, with both Sakho and Lovren not reliable enough for a sustained title challenge.

In short, Klopp MUST look to sign a left back and at least one new reliable defender, otherwise Liverpool will continue to concede far too many goals.

Defensive Aerial Frailty

Last season in particular this was a real weak spot for Liverpool, and it ended up costing them a number of goals and in turn lead to the side dropping a number of points.

Liverpool fans could hardly watch every time a corner or a threatening free kick was put into the box, as there was always a pretty decent change that the side would concede.

This does, in large part, have a lot to do with their defensive frailties, but it goes even further than that.

Set piece defence must be a priority for Klopp in training and he must place an emphasis on how important it is, otherwise the side will continue to fall to late goals and defeats – and that will cost them a title challenge.

Quality Strike Force

Defence is very important; but Liverpool also have a number of issues going forward.

A major part of Liverpool’s title challenge in 2014 came from the front, with both Daniel Sturbridge and Luis Suarez dominating opposition defences and scoring goals almost every game.

Since Luis Suarez’s departure, the side have failed to replace him adequately. Numerous stars including Balotelli and Benteke have been brought in – but both are now set for the exit door this summer.

Having a great strike force is the difference between a good side and a great side, and Liverpool MUST be great to have any chance of competing for the title this season.

Daniel Sturridge must stay fit first and foremost, and then Liverpool must look to find his Suarez. Sadio Mane has the explosive pace and quality technical that is necessary, but Klopp must find a solution to Liverpool’s goal draught.