Liverpool will head into the 2023/24 season with one primary objective – to force their way back into the top four in the Premier League.
While winning one of the domestic cups or the Europa League would be welcome, the Reds can ill-afford not to qualify for the Champions League again.
After a thoroughly underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, a late season rally saw Liverpool’s odds to nab a top four finish cut significantly by online bookmakers.
They looked out of contention after a 4-1 defeat at Manchester City, but pieced together a seven-game winning run to reignite their hopes.
Punters who took advantage of the Premier League live betting markets to back Liverpool were suddenly dreaming of a bumper payday, but they ultimately ended the season in fifth place.
While the bookies rate Liverpool at a best-priced 4/6 to finish in the top four next season, it would be foolish to think it will be a foregone conclusion.
With that in mind, we look at which teams will be in contention to rival Liverpool for a top four finish next season.
Top Four Battle Will be Fierce
Reigning champions Manchester City look nailed on certainties to mount a strong defence of their title and it would be a shock of seismic proportions if they failed to grab a top four spot.
Arsenal will be confident of building making further progress after challenging Man City last season before fading away on the run-in to finish second.
They appear to hell-bent on strengthening their squad this summer and it is difficult to imagine them not ending the season inside the top four.
Manchester United will fancy their chances of improving on their third-placed finish, although the ongoing uncertainty over their ownership complicates matters.
Manager Erik ten Hag is desperate to splash the cash this summer, but has been handed a limited transfer budget to work with by the club.
Despite this, even a couple of quality additions would make the Red Devils a tough nut to crack in the race to qualify for the Champions League.
On that basis, Liverpool will effectively be battling with a handful of other clubs for the one remaining place in the top four.
They include Newcastle United, whose impending signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan highlights their intention to mount another serious top four challenge.
Aston Villa can also been thrown into the mix given the progress they made after Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as the club’s manager.
Ange Postecoglou’s appoint as Tottenham Hotspur boss should improve their fortunes, while Chelsea are guaranteed to be better under Mauricio Pochettino.
Liverpool’s chances of breaking back into the top four undoubtedly rest on whether they can add more quality to their squad.
Their midfield is a major area of concern, although Alexis Mac Allister’s arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion is a positive move.
However, the World Cup-winner cannot be expected to solely carry the burden of improving Liverpool’s fortunes next season.
The Reds have been linked with numerous other players during the summer transfer window and need to get a handful of those deals over the line.
Liverpool’s best starting XI is good enough to finish in the top four, but injuries to key players would significantly hinder their chances.
The next few weeks will tell us much about whether Liverpool’s owners are serious about keeping the club amongst the Premier League elite.
