Liverpool

Following a disastrous start to last season, it looked as though Liverpool could well be in the mire. However following the dismissal of Roy Hodgson and the welcoming back of Kenny Dalglish, their fortunes soon turned around. A terrific end to the season saw them come 6th, and with a mjor rebuilding plan in operation the Champions League is on the mind once again.

Goalkeeper

Jose Reina has broke records galore during his stint on Merseyside, if it wasn't for Iker Casillas he would be the Spanish number one and renowned worldwide as the one the finest around. Following doubts about his future towards the end of the season he confirmed he would stay, giving the side a major boost. Alexander Doni has also just arrived from Roma, providing a very good and solid deputy.

Defence

It is no secret that this Liverpool rearguard could do with a touch of TLC. A new left back is definitely is desperate need, while a central defender would also be welcomed with open arms. Jamie Carragher is getting no younger and Daniel Agger continues to be pestered by injuries, Martin Skrtel continues to perform however after completing every Premier League game last season.

Midfield

There is certainly no shortage of central midfielders at the club, but the more pressing concern is in the right wing berth. Dirk Kuyt could continue to operate there, but a more natural wide man would be the ideal solution. Stewart Downing has brought it for the opposite flank, while Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have added strength to the middle.

Forwards


It is hoped the £50+ partnership will really flourish at Anfield this season. While Luis Suarez had an immediate impact in England, racking up countless man of the match awards, Andy Carroll spent much of the time on the sidelines after arriving with an injury. David Ngog seems like he could be on the way out, so at least one more front man will need to be signed.

Manager

Dalglish has really united the club since his return, extinguishing the anguish and negativity that surrounded the previous brief regime. End of season form has really raised expectations, as has the lavish spending spree that is currently being enjoyed.

Areas to Strengthen

Despite the money already spent in this window and January, there is still plenty of improvements to be made. A left back must be the priority, while a centre back, right winger and striker would also be desired.

Expectations

Ignore all the talk of the title that is simply way out of reach, a return to the Champions League would be a huge coup for this side. It is still a rebuilding process at Liverpool, and they must first take small steps back into Europe's club competition before getting ahead of themselves in true style.

Odds

9/1 (Sky Bet)


Players in

Alexander Doni free (Roma) Stewart Downing £20m (Aston Villa) Jordan Henderson £16m (Sunderland) Charlie Adam £7m (Blackpool) Jose Enrique undisclosed (Newcastle United) Sebastian Coates undisclosed (Nacional) Craig Bellamy free (Manchester City) Villyan Bijev undisclosed (California Odyssey)

Players out

Sotirios Kyrgiakos undisclosed (Wolfsburg) Emiliano Insua undisclosed (Sporting Lisbon) Christian Poulsen undisclosed (Evian) David Ngog undisclosed (Bolton Wanderers) Raul Meireles (Chelsea, undisclosed) Paul Konchesky £1.5m (Leicester City) Tom Ince undisclosed (Blackpool) Gerardo Bruna undisclosed (Blackpool) Daniel Ayala undisclosed (Norwich City) Chris Mavinga undisclosed (Rennes) Tom Ince free (Blackpool) Jason Banton, Deale Chamberlain, Alex Cooper, Sean Highdale, Stephen Irwin, Nikola Saric (all released) Peter Gulacsi loan (Hull City) Stephen Darby loan (Rochdale) Martin Hansen loan (Bradford City) Daniel Pacheco loan (Atletico Madrid) Joe Cole loan (Lille) Villyan Bijev loan (Fortuna Dusseldorf) Alberto Aquilani loan (AC Milan)