Football Season Guide

Liverpool very much had a season of two halves last time out. After a hugely disappointing six-month tenure for Roy Hodgson, the Reds were only second to Chelsea in the second half of the season after club legend Kenny Dalglish took the reins. King Ken has been putting his stamp on the squad in the summer, with the arrival of young British talent in the shape of Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing. This adds to the signing of Andy Caroll in the January transfer window. With Luis Suarez looking like the finished article upfront, Liverpool present a potent threat coming forward. However, there is some uncertainty regarding the long term fitness of Steven Gerrard. Besides, the Reds’ defensive solidity might be tested if they fail to add some steel at the back. Jaimie Carragher is starting to feel the outrage of the years while the classy Agger has been prone to injury in the past two seasons. Martin Skrtel will be looking to recover from injury in time for the start of the season while Glenn Johnson and Aurelio should start the campaign at full backs. In midfield, stalwarts Lucas and Kuyt should return with Raul Meireilles expected to build on a good first season at the club. Pepe Reina should return in goal, though the signing of Doni could signal a move for the Spanish custodian.