Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge scored 11 goals after joining Liverpool in January.

Last season

Premier League: 7th

Europa League: Round of 32

FA Cup: Fourth Round

League Cup: Fourth Round

Top scorer: Luis Suarez (30)

Summer work

You would be forgiven for thinking that Liverpool's work in the transfer window had been non-existent what with the furore regarding the future of Luis Suarez. Brendan Rodgers has brought in four new faces and is in rapid pursuit of further signings. The pre-season form of Iago Aspas suggests he could be the man to fill Suarez's shoes in the early weeks of the season but Simon Mignolet's showings last season points towards greater reliability between the sticks. Pepe Reina and Stewart Downing are among the departures.

Manager - Brendan Rodgers

After overseeing a period of transition at Anfield, Rodgers is under pressure to produce in his second season on Merseyside and the signs at the end of last campaign suggest challenging for the top four is realistic. The Northern Irishman's philosophy struggled to have an impact in the opening weeks of the season but after bringing in Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge during January there was a significant upturn in the club's fortunes. Has kept face amid the Suarez controversy.

Key Player - Daniel Sturridge

Without Suarez for the first six games of the season and possibly beyond, Sturridge will be keen to prove there is life after the Uruguayan. After scoring 11 goals in 13 starts, including an impressive hat-trick on the final day against Fulham, Sturridge has taken to leading the Liverpool attack like a liver bird to water. After living on the periphery at Chelsea and Manchester City, questions remain whether Sturridge has the capacity to lead a single cause.

Expectations

While Liverpool are anything but contenders for a top three place, excuses over a lack of progression won't be as acceptable this season. Just one win came again sides who finished above them in the league and that must improve if the gap to the top four is to be bridged. The stream of investment is showing no sign of letting up but the club's support will want evidence their spell out of limelight is coming to an end.

Prediction

Equipped to close the gap to the top four but a genuine challenge comes a season too soon. 6th