Expectation is growing here in the Transfer Tavern among the Liverpool fans ahead of the new Premier League season.

Although Reds fans know that winning the league would be huge step from finishing eighth, last season they saw signs that things could be about to improve.

Jurgen Klopp got the team playing some great football at times, wins away at Manchester City and Chelsea as well as in Europe against Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have boosted confidence in the German, but performances like this need to happen more consistently for the side to challenge.

Klopp will feel though, that he has got a chance now he’s going through his first pre-season at the club.

If his team can adopt his playing style quickly the Reds could be the team to fear and with no European football to distract them, the sole focus will be on the league.

Our landlord fancies the Reds’ chances and thinks this line up could keep the opposition up at night…..

Loris Karius

Karius has helped the Reds keep clean sheets in every pre-season game they’ve played so far this year, and whilst too much shouldn’t be read into that just yet, it suggests he’s already fitting in at the club.

Karius signed from Mainz with a reputation for being both a good shot-stopper and aerial presence, and this trumps Simon Mignolet meaning Karius should surely be number one this season coming.

Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne had a good season last year and looks like he’ll be a dependable right back for the club for seasons to come.

If the former Southampton man is both an attacking threat as well as solid defensively and this gives him a perfect mix of attributes to be a Premier League defender.

Liverpool’s defence looked shaky at times last season, but Clyne was one of the main reasons it improved towards the end of the campaign.

Dejan Lovren

The Croatian defender is now arguably the best centre half at the club, and this highlights just how much he has improved under Jurgen Klopp.

With Brendan Rodgers his manager, Lovren looked completely shot of confidence, and as though he’d never reach the level he did that saw him join the Reds in the first place.

The former Southampton man now looks at home though and could be key to the Reds fortunes next season.

Joel Matip

Matip looks like a calming presence at the back and this will only help the Reds’ defence.

The former Schalke centre-half is big and strong making him useful in the air in both boxes and he’ll probably get the nod in the Liverpool line up ahead of Mamadou Sakho.

Liverpool’s defence is gradually improving and the signing of Matip will surely help them tighten up further.

Jonas Hector

Liverpool’s left side of defence is a real worry for the Anfield outfit.

Jon Flanagan has been placed there but is stronger on the right, whereas Alberto Moreno can be a real liability at times and needs to improve.

If the Spaniard doesn’t get better quickly the Reds should go into the market before the window shuts, and get someone more dependable in, Jonas Hector would be the perfect buy.

Emre Can

A lot is expected of Emre Can this season coming as he looks to be playing in his favoured midfield position under Jurgen Klopp.

Brendan Rodgers often got him to play as part of a three man defence, but in central midfield with Klopp he looks like he could be a key player.

The young German breaks play up well and can carry the ball forward well too.

Jordan Henderson

It’s a big season for the captain.

Henderson suffered a number of injuries last year, and will need to show Klopp he is fit enough to play more if he is to keep the armband.

When fit, the former Sunderland man is a good asset with his running and passing help dictate the pace Liverpool play, and if he can add some more goals to his game Liverpool will have a good chance of challenging.

Philippe Coutinho

Big things are expected of Coutinho this season.

The former Inter Milan man has gradually improved over the last few years to now become one of Liverpool’s most vital parts with his quick feet and long range shooting.

The Brazilian just needs to perform more consistently next season to realise his potential and perhaps lead Liverpool to glory.

Roberto Firmino

Firmino was Liverpool’s best summer signing last season and looked to fit in in the Premier League quickly.

The Brazilian is good on the ball and puts in a shift every time he’s on the pitch, whilst his relationship with compatriot Coutinho looked increasingly telepathic last year.

If the two can combine from the off this season Liverpool could blow other teams away.

Sadio Mane

Mane will surely start for the Reds, it just remains to be seen in what role.

He may play out wide to give Liverpool some much needed power and pace down the flanks or he could play through the middle with his goal threat.

Our landlord thinks he’ll be out wide given the Anfield side’s opposition nightmares, as they also try to deal with Daniel Sturridge.

Daniel Sturridge

The former Chelsea front man is massively significant to anything the Reds want to accomplish this year.

On form he is a world class forward with devastatingly good finishing and lightning pace but with the fitness question mark still hanging over him he may feel he has a point to prove.

That can only be a good thing for Reds fans though, as if he’s playing to prove he’s still got it there’s bound to be goals.