With a full season under his belt, Liverpool fans have now raised their expectations for Jurgen Klopp.
A challenge for the Premier League title and a run at the Champions League are the hopes for Reds across the globe and the first step starts at Vicarage Road. An away fixture to Watford, who finished 17th last season, isn’t the toughest opener but one that would show whether or not Klopp’s side are up to the challenge.
Two weeks later, however, the first real test comes. Anfield welcomes an Arsenal side who will likely look pretty different than the one who fell 3-1 in the corresponding match last year.
Liverpool also host fellow title challengers Manchester United and Chelsea in the first half of the season, so Klopp could set the pace in the title race with a couple of victories.
The first Merseyside Derby of the season takes place at Anfield on 9 December with the return leg coming in early April. The Toffees haven’t won any of the past 14 derbies and the Reds will certainly be trying to continue that tradition as they go after every point possible.
Klopp will be looking to avenge two defeats this holiday season as Swansea comes to visit on Boxing Day before the Reds travel to Burnley on New Year’s Day. The Swans pulled off a shocking 3-2 victory at Anfield last season while the Clarets’ 2-0 home win was another stunning loss.
The Reds didn’t lose to any of the top eight teams last season but couldn’t finish higher than sixth. Taking maximum points against teams in the lower half will be vital to Liverpool’s campaign.
The club’s penultimate fixture is a trip to Stamford Bridge, one that could be a potential title-clincher for either side..
