Liverpool 2014/15 title chances – Reds unlikely to improve on last years efforts

Liverpool had one hand on the Barclays Premier League trophy last campaign –  falling at the final hurdle and gifting it to Manchester City. They surpassed expectations for the season but were left with a bitter taste in their mouth – will Liverpool ever have a better chance of winning the league in the near future? I don’t think so.

Liverpool didn’t have the distractions of Champions league football, so when their direct competition were away on European duty competing for arguably the most prestigious trophy in football, Liverpool were readying themselves for their upcoming fixture. They looked lively and fit whilst others were struggling to juggle their squad with the congested fixture schedule.

This of course will not be the case in the 2014/15 season. Liverpool finished 2^nd in the league last term and therefore gained automatic qualification for the Champions League bypassing the preliminary stages.

This cup competition has great memories for the Liverpool faithful of whom have a cemented place in the history; they will not be taking their responsibilities lightly with the added pressure to win and bring back the success they once treasured so greatly.

Not only will the distraction of Champions League football adversely affect their chances of Premier League Glory –  the inevitable loss of Luis Suarez will be a blow hard to take.

The sale of Suarez to Barcelona looks a certainty with Sanchez likely to make way with a proposed move to Arsenal.

The reported fee of £75 Million will go some way to replacing him but can a player of his quality ever be truly replaced?

His on the field relationship with Sturridge was frightening at times, great movement and chemistry and clinical in front of goal. Luis Suarez bagged an impressive 31 goals in the premier league alone whilst Sturridge scored 21 to claim 1^st and 2^nd top goal scorer accolades.

Liverpool look set to sign Benfica Winger Markovic and Lille Forward Divock Origi for a combined amount of £29.6 Million. Whether these acquisitions will have what it takes to fill the void left by the Uruguay forward is yet to be seen but it seems highly unlikely.

Liverpool could end up in the same situation Tottenham did when they sold Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for £85.3 Million. Signing a lot of middle of the range players instead of replacing like for like.

I can see Liverpool having a real uphill task to perform as they did last season and predict a fight to stay in the top 4 will be more likely than a fight for the title.