4 reasons why Liverpool are the team to beat this season

#2 A stacked bench

The former Stoke City man can provide much-needed air for Liverpool's starters

Among the teams who are picked to get their hands on the PL trophy this time, only Manchester City have a bench that is capable of matching this Liverpool squad. After a series of carefully placed investments, the Reds now have Shaqiri, Sturridge, Lallana, Milner, Moreno, Fabinho (once he is declared fit), Matip all available from the bench.

What this means is that Klopp can now rotate the lineup in the cup competitions, and not overwork the team as he did last season. While the front 3 of Mane, Salah and Firmino will still be played almost every time, the arrival of Shaqiri means that they can now be relieved of their duties earlier once the damage has been done.

With the midfield also having options to rely on, it is possible to add another direction to his heavily favoured heavy-metal football against teams that like to park the bus as well. Klopp has often been criticised for not having a backup plan when Plan A doesn't work, and he finally has the right cards in his hands.