Many of the sides who previously finished below have improved

This is another point that should make Liverpool fans even more concerned. Even though the transfer window is not yet shut, Everton, who finished above Liverpool last season, are fighting tooth and nail to keep their key players and have strengthened in a multitude of areas – especially with the rise and rise of young Ross Barkley – making it difficult again for Liverpool to finish above their nosy neighbours. Moreover, Big Sam’s West Ham, Laudrup’s Swansea and big- spending Southampton have all conducted impressive business during the summer, thus posing a threat to Liverpool’s potential return to European football.