Liverpool are six points clear at the top of the Premier League table and fans are starting to believe that this genuinely could be their year to finally lift the English crown. With no top-flight title in the Premier League era, supporters have had to wait almost 30 years since Liverpool’s last league success in English football – Jurgen Klopp’s side will be tough to stop in 2018/19 though.
The Reds have conceded just seven goals through 19 Premier League fixtures, an impressive feat at the halfway stage of the campaign. Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker have exceeded expectations this season and Liverpool’s defensive improvement is largely down to those two men. An injury to Van Dijk could prove costly in the Premier League title race; he is Liverpool’s man mountain.
In years gone by, Liverpool’s main area of strength has been in the final third. Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have been solid once again in 2018/19 but Liverpool haven’t been as proficient in attack. Despite a slight decrease in goals per game, the Reds are still averaging over two goals per game and only Manchester City (51) have scored more Premier League goals so far this season.
Despite a slow start to the campaign, Salah has hit top form in recent weeks. The Egyptian has been directly involved in 18 goals (12 scored, six assisted) and he is now back at the top of the Golden Boot charts. With six goals and three assists in his last six Premier League outings, Salah has been in fine form during the festive period and his goals could make the difference for Liverpool in the title race.
Georginio Wijnaldum has been Liverpool’s unsung hero in 2018/19. The Dutchman has made 18 Premier League appearances this season; only Firmino, Salah, Van Dijk and Alisson have featured more times for the Reds. The latest WhoScored statistics show Wijnaldum’s passing accuracy at an incredible 91.8% – making him one of the most consistent passers in the top flight.
Gini Wijnaldum: “When you’re older, you want to be able to look back and feel that you were really part of Liverpool’s great history. Win something here and they will always remember you. I want to be remembered as a Liverpool player who was part of something special.â€
— Oliver Bond (@Oliver__Bond) December 25, 2018
According to the latest odds online at William Hill, Liverpool are priced at 4/5 to go on and win the 2018/19 Premier League title. Klopp’s men have dropped just six points in their 19 top flight games this campaign and it would take a brave man to back against the Reds on current form. Liverpool are on the verge of something special and the Anfield faithful know it; a first title in the Premier League era beckons.
With a double header against Arsenal and Manchester City fast approaching, Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table is under threat. The Reds have enough quality to put their rivals to the sword but defeat at the Etihad Stadium could prove decisive. Klopp will have his side fired up and ready to go against the defending champions and a positive result will give the Reds the impetus to push on.
Watch this space, the next few weeks will be crucial in the destiny of the 2018/19 Premier League title race.
