European champions Liverpool are in pole position for that elusive Premier League title, and after going so close last year, they’ll be desperate to end their nearly 30-year drought.
They have won 10 out of 11 in the league, and more importantly perhaps, have shown a steely determination to win games when it’s seemed unlikely, a true sign of a champion team.

Last campaign, they registered 97 points in the Premier League which was the third highest total ever, and by far the most points scored by a team that didn’t win the league.
In some ways they were fortunate to exit both cup competitions at the very first hurdle, losing to Chelsea in the EFL Cup and Wolves in the FA Cup, as they racked up 13 games in winning their sixth Champions League title.
Progression in the EFL Cup this season - a win over MK Dons in the third round and then that dramatic penalty shootout win over Arsenal at Anfield after a 5-5 draw - has already caused a headache, as they will now have to play their quarter-final against Aston Villa the day before they are due to play in the Club World Cup.

Chuck in the Community Shield - a penalty defeat to Manchester City - and the UEFA Super Cup win over Chelsea on penalties, and they are already potentially five games over last season’s tally - that’s without further progress in the FA Cup, providing more opportunities for Liverpool tickets, and doesn’t include the Club World Cup in Doha.

The Reds will play two games in Doha, on the 18th December and then a final or third place play-off on the 21st December.
The challenge for Jurgen Klopp will be juggling the five competitions this winter and ensuring that they can keep up their incredible onslaught on the Premier League, safe in the knowledge that Manchester City are unlikely to allow them many slip ups.

Liverpool’s squad is a lot deeper than it has been, probably ever, in Premier League history. Even the blow of losing number one keeper Alisson wasn’t noticed too much, with Adrian proving a surprise and able deputy.
Divock Origi isn’t first choice, but has come up with some pivotal goals both this season and last, while the likes of Adam Lallana, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all more than capable, despite not having the minutes they would perhaps like.

The EFL Cup has seen the opportunity to blood the likes of Harvey Elliott, Pedro Chirivella, Sepp van den Berg and Neco Williams, and they may well find some further opportunities in other competitions this season - especially if Liverpool can secure an early safe passage in Europe.

The youngsters will no doubt get their chance to shine at Villa Park too, with the first team surely unable to play given their commitments in Doha the day after.

The culture that Klopp has developed over time has been key to the Reds’ success, and that will no doubt be at the forefront of his mind when scouring targets.

They didn’t sign any key players in the summer, with youngsters van den Berg and Elliott joined by the aforementioned Adrian and backup goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

There were no signings made last January, though that came after a window where they bought Naby Keita, Fabinho, Shaqiri and Alisson.
Once the Club World Cup, which Liverpool last participated in back in 2005 when they came runners-up, is out of the way, then attention will turn to whether Klopp will strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.