The journey to protect the throne of Liverpool faces challenges at the beginning of the season with a fierce schedule.
Last season, Arne Slot was wet to Liverpool but had an impressive start in the Premier League. The Dutch coach's team seized the top of the chart from the 10th round until the end of the season. The convincing form in the first three months of the season created a springboard for the successful campaign of Liverpool.
Specifically, in the first 10 rounds last season, Liverpool earned 25/30 maximum points including 8 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss. Including important victories against MU (3-0), Chelsea (2-1) and Brighton (2-1). In the same period, Man City only earned 23 points and Arsenal started to start with only 18 points/10 rounds the first round last season.
Arne Slot understands the importance of a smooth start. Especially in this season, the opponents are significantly stronger after the arms race. However, Slot's second season in Liverpool faced a harsh challenge of schedule.
From the first 10 rounds, Liverpool is the team with the most difficult schedule in the Premier League. According to OPTA, the average strength of the first 10 opponents of Liverpool is up to 93.5, higher than any other team.
Specifically, in the first 10 rounds, Liverpool will have to encounter four opponents in the top 6 last season including Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa. There is also a fierce encounter with MU, the team is having strong strengthening in the attack.
And yet, Arne Slot's teachers and students also have to be a guest on the FA Cup champions, Crystal Palace. The Merseyside derby with Everton in the 5th round is also a trap for Liverpool. The remaining rivals are quite gentle including Bournemouth, Burnley, Brentford.
With the bravery and class of the Premier League champions, Liverpool can re -establish the outstanding achievements of the first 10 rounds last season. However, the trap is always lurking. Arne Slot teachers need to look at Liverpool's lesson in the 2022/23 season. At that time, the team under Jurgen Klopp had a bad start with only 3 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses in the first 10 rounds. Starting in fatigue and injury, Klopp's Liverpool finally only reached the 5th target in the Premier League.
Of course, Liverpool is currently a much better version. The additional forces in the summer helped Arne Slot strengthen the squad of the Premier League champions. The presence of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and the upcoming Hugo Ekitike has strengthened all three routes. However, the assembly of new old factors after a much disturbing summer can also affect the operation of the whole machine.
