Liverpool's Jay Spearing, foreground right, gets past the tackle of Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart, left, during their Champions League second round, second leg, soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Tuesday, March 10, 2009. AP Photo/Paul Thomas
As the kick-off of the 209/10 EPL season approaches, once again the Liverpool faithful dare to dream that this will be the year that the club’s title drought is broken.
In recent times, Liverpool have had their fair share of success, notably the breathtaking 2005 Champions League final and the equally dramatic 2006 FA Cup triumph.
But ask any Red Half Merseysider which trophy they would want the most and the answer will invariably be the league.
The romantics will tell you that it has been twenty years since their last Championship and that this year, the title is their destiny. After coming within four points of United last season, and with no notable player departures, Liverpool may have the formula to take the crown come May next year.
The talent is undeniably there.
As it stands, with the likes of Reina, Carragher, Alonso (if he stays), Mascherano, Gerrard and Torres, Liverpool have arguably the most formidable spine in England. The question is: who else in the squad is going to step up and make a title defining contribution?
Glen Johnson is a smart signing and will provide some attacking impetuous down the flanks, but for the most part it will need to be contributions from the wider squad to get them over the line.
Ryan Babel is one who needs to stand up and be counted.
Benitez has thrown his support behind him this summer in attempt to build his confidence. Babel needs to repay this faith and develop into a 15 goal a season winger.
Dirk Kuyt’s and Yossi Benayoun’s commitment and application can’t be disputed, but the key question is can they give you anymore? Can someone like Ngog have a breakout year and become a reliable partner for Torres?
If it all comes down to how herculean Steven Gerrard is and how many goals Fernando Torres needs to score, then it could be another year of heartache on The Kop.
If they are ever going to win a maiden Premier League title, this is the year to do it.
United are searching for a fourth consecutive title, which would be a record, but they will need to do it without the most gifted player of the last decade in Ronaldo. His departure cannot be underestimated. There is no player United can buy to fill that void.
They still have all the characteristics to push for the Championship, but they may not replicate the 90 points from last year. This is Liverpool’s opening, if they can push past 85 points, it may just be enough.
Arsenal can challenge Liverpool on the day, but over the year it is hard to see the Gunners’ young paper thin squad consistently winning enough to be a realistic title challenger. Manchester City continues to flex their financial muscle and they will have a bigger impact this term, but it looks to be a case of too much too soon.
Chelsea oozes class and confidence and will believe that they can win everything this year. And they can.
The question mark lies with Carlo Ancelotti. Can he get the team gelled and firing on all cylinders as Guus Hiddink did?
Like most sports, there is a window of opportunity for clubs to reach the pinnacle. Chelsea and City have unlimited funds and if United aren’t winning, they won’t keep their cheque books hidden for long.
Liverpool has been knocking on the door for the past few seasons and if they can find that extra ingredient, the Reds may finally clinch that elusive title and reclaim the record as England’s most successful team.
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