- Liverpool have to adjust to life under new manager Arne Slot
- The Reds have finished in the top three in four of the last five seasons
- Recommended bet: Back Liverpool in winner without Manchester City

Liverpool are taking a step into the unknown this season as Dutchman Arne Slot takes over the Anfield reins from Jurgen Klopp, who spent nine years on the red half of Merseyside.

However, Slot arrives after great success in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord and his favoured attacking style should go down well with the fans and could help the Reds enjoy another good season after finishing third last term.

Last season

Liverpool had to get used to the idea of life without Klopp after the German announced his decision to leave at the end of the campaign in January, but it was an improved effort after they had finished fifth the previous season.

The Reds ended up third, nine points behind winners Manchester City and lost only four times, but two of those defeats were in key matches in the home straight, a 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace and a 2-0 reverse across Stanley Park at Everton.

They won the League Cup with a late Virgil van Dijk goal against Chelsea, but there was disappointment elsewhere as a shock 3-0 home defeat saw them knocked out of the Europa League by Serie A Atalanta, and they lost 4-3 to Manchester United in an FA Cup quarter-final thriller

Manager

Klopp will be a difficult act to follow but the signs are that the transition to life under Slot could be smooth, especially as the pair share a similar football philosophy.

Slot likes his teams to play on the front foot, just as his predecessor did, and three successful seasons at Feyenoord, where he won the title in 2022-23 before finishing second behind PSV last term, suggests he is ready to step up for this higher-profile test.

Transfers

Slot has so far been unable to make his mark in the transfer market with no additions having been announced by the Reds at this stage.

Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip have both left after their contracts expired while back-up goalkeeper Adrian has re-joined Real Betis. Meanwhile, Calvin Ramsey has joined League One Wigan on loan.

Strengths and weaknesses

Liverpool have been one of the most potent attacking forces in recent Premier League seasons and scored 86 goals in finishing third last season.

That looks set to continue, although the pressure will remain on Mohamed Salah to lead the charge if Darwin Nunez continues to need plenty of chances to make his mark.

Defensively, there is still a big dependence on Van Dijk, who is now 33 and maybe not the dominant force he was a couple of years ago.

However, youngsters such as Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have established themselves and the future looks bright.

Best outright bet

Liverpool will hope to hit the ground running under their new manager and there looks a strong possibility that they will enjoy another strong season.

Arsenal are regarded as Manchester City's chief rivals for the title, but the last couple of seasons have been gruelling for the Gunners as they have attempted to chase down the all-conquering Citizens.

The expectation is perhaps lower at Anfield, but they can re-establish themselves as the closest challengers to Pep Guardiola's side.

With promising youngsters set to be utilised even more and a strong attacking philosophy, they can give the four-time champions a run for their money.

Back Liverpool without Manchester City at 9/4 with LiveScore Bet