Jurgen Klopp names five teams he expects to fight Liverpool for the 2020/21 Premier League title with it set to be the most open season for quite some time.
His side well and truly smashed their way to win their first ever PL trophy last term, picking up a total of 99 points, which was incredibly 18 clear of second place Manchester City in second.
They look set to certain contenders once again having come away with three points against Arsenal on Monday with 3-1 win, then confidently beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last weekend, and won 4-3 against Leeds on the opening day.
It was Arsenal that opened the scoring through Alexandre Lacazette, however the reigning champions came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory, Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota all getting a goal each.
Player ratings
Liverpool: Alisson (8), Alexander-Arnold (8), Gomez (7), Van Dijk (7), Robertson (7), Fabinho (6), Wijnaldum (6), Keita (6), Mane (8), Salah (7), Firmino (6).
Subs: Milner (5), Jota (7), Minamino (n/a).
Arsenal: Leno (7), Holding (6), Luiz (7), Tierney (6), Bellerin (5), Elneny (6), Xhaka (6), Maitland-Niles (6), Willian (5), Lacazette (6), Aubameyang (5).
Subs: Ceballos (6), Pepe (5), Nketiah (5).
Man of the Match: Sadio Mane.
Prior to their victory over the Gunners, Klopp was asked if the unusual conditions of no fans in the stands – give teams such as Arsenal more chance of winning the title.
“I don’t think Arsenal are a very good example because last year they came eighth but didn’t have enough time to sort out the situation but, in my opinion, they were not the eighth best team in the league,” he replied.
“I think they would have qualified easily for a Europa League spot, if not, pip Chelsea.
“That is good news they have the midweek European games as well because otherwise with the quality they have would have an advantage with different situations.
“The Premier League and these teams with what they do is too much and too good that the season isn’t decided before it is started, so it doesn’t just work like this.
“People thought Man City would have some struggles at Wolves because Wolves are really good but you watch the game and the first half looked like always but the second half was obviously better and could have got a point if you want so these things.
“Nobody is safe of these kinds of things and so we have to work incredibly hard to sort it out, but the other teams have no influence.
“When we face them we want to beat them, that’s all we can do, but, yes often it is an open race.
“Chelsea will be there 100 percent, United will be there, Arsenal and Tottenham will always be there.
“And there will be tough moments for us from other teams as well and it is about how you react. Can you react the right way.
“The season is not a sprint, it is a marathon obviously and you have to go through a lot of difficult moments.
“I don’t know why today we speak about winning the league after two matchdays and I have no idea who will win the league but I know a lot of teams will try and we are one of them.”
Before the season started, it was Manchester City that were favourites to win the Premier League, Sky Bet having them down at 10/11 to lift the trophy. At the time, Liverpool were second favourite with 15/8 odds.
That has now changed three games into the season, with Klopp’s men leading at 5/6 whilst Pep Guardiola’s side at 11/8.
Current Premier League Winner 20/21 odds according to Sky Bet
Liverpool – 5/6
Manchester City – 11/8
Chelsea – 20/1
Arsenal – 33/1
Manchester United – 33/1
Leicester – 40/1
Everton – 50/1
Tottenham – 66/1
Leeds – 150/1
Wolves – 250/1
Southampton – 500/1
Brighton – 750/1
West Ham – 750/1
Aston Villa – 1000/1
Burnley – 1000/1
Crystal Palace – 1000/1
Newcastle – 1000/1
Sheffield United – 1500/1
West Brom – 1500/1
Fulham – 2500/1
Now that you have seen Jurgen Klopp names five teams he expects to fight Liverpool for Premier League title, along with the odds, who do you think will lift the trophy?
Let us know your thoughts by commenting on our Facebook page or Twitter account!
You must be logged in to post a comment Login