Liverpool started the season on fire last season with pulsating attacking play that left teams worried to play against them, however, injury and AFCON affected Liverpool by taking the imposing threat of Sadio Mané away which seemed to trigger a loss in confidence that spread through the team. Despite the loss of form in mid-season, in his first full season in charge, Jürgen Klopp did still lead Liverpool to a top 4 spot but with added Champions League football to contend with, how will that affect the Liverpool team in the Premier League and more importantly, how will affect our choices for our draft teams?

Goalkeepers

Simon Mignolet, Lorius Karius and Danny Ward are all vying for the first-choice goalkeeper spot, Danny Ward is riding high from his phenomenal season with Huddersfield Town last season but I fear that his role would be reduced to League/FA Cup duties at best, with another loan move where he’ll get regular game time the most likely thing for him.

Lorius Karius was brought in to challenge Simon Mignolet for the number 1 spot last season and he was given his chance to shine when Mignolet’s form dipped but Karius failed to grasp his chance (or much else) with both hands leading to Mignolet reclaiming his starting place in the line-up.

There was a significant improvement in Simon Mignolet’s performances upon his return which has allayed some fears. Mignolet will start the season again as the main man between the sticks for Liverpool which should reflect well for him in where he’s drafted.

The keepers for last seasons top 8 will go in quick succession, Mignolet won’t be the first name to go but don’t expect to wait for the later rounds and still see him as available. If you’ve left picking your keepers late, like I did last season, Karius may be worth picking up. All it takes is for another dip in form for Mignolet and Karius will be back in goal, having him in your team will cancel out the chance of not being able to pick him up on the waiver wire.

Defenders

The last few years have seen Liverpool manage to shoot themselves in the foot better than any other team in the league when it comes to defending. Every set piece elicited fear of conceding in a Liverpool fan but, I feel this season this may finally improve. Joel Matip now has a season under his belt in the Premier League and has looked solid for the most parts, if they stay injury free then Matip and Lovren could prove to be a formidable partnership which should put both players high on your shortlists.

James Milner, what a player. The midfielder turned left back shouldn’t have been as good as he was last season. It’s a shame that he was listed as a midfielder in last season’s game because the additional points he would have received as a defender could have been crucial. This season, Milner is in as a defender but with a deal for Hull City left back Andrew Robertson seemingly about to be done, Milner could find himself as a utility man, filling in almost anywhere on the pitch as and when required. For now, though, Milner will surely be picked up quite early, even if he moves back into midfield, he’ll score bonus points being registered as a defender in-game.

Nathaniel Clyne may very well be looking over his shoulder more this season as well, a string of average performances last season and the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold means that Clyne’s position is far from secure.

Added Champions League football may mean some more rotation in the Premier League for Liverpool but that shouldn’t affect your thinking. Expect Matip, Lovren and Milner to go about rounds 4 or 5. Nathaniel Clyne may be a little later but not by much, if he’s still available after round 7 I’d be surprised.

Midfielders

Expect points from the Liverpool midfield this season. Philippe Coutinho moving more centrally could lead to a lot more goals and assists for the little magician. Mohamed Salah who can play down both wings will be looking to prove he’s no Premier League flop, then there’s Sadio Mané who will be eager to get going again after his injury at the tail end of last season. Adam Lallana who may very well be the most improved player at Liverpool since Klopp’s arrival will still be linking play between the midfield and forward(s). There’s also a returning Jordan Henderson who is eager to play regularly again, Henderson’s return though could spell less game time for Emre Can whose development stuttered somewhat despite claiming goal of the season.

I just touched upon it but I expect good things from Salah this season, he didn’t light the world on fire when at Chelsea but his performances for Roma have been exceptional, especially in a league known for great defences. Salah could hit the ground running for Liverpool, very much the same way as Sadio Mané did last season.

Speaking of Sadio Mané, he will probably be looking to improve on his excellent debut season with Liverpool providing he can come back as strong as he was before his injury last season.

As for when to draft these players, go in early. If any of Mané, Salah or Coutinho are still around come around 3 then you’re not drafting correctly. Lallana, you may get lucky with and still have available around round 4 or 5. Jordan Henderson is interesting, he’ll be drafted and could very well be one of the player to benefit from the Kante Rule but he may still be around in rounds 6 or 7.

Forwards

Daniel Sturridge just can’t be trusted to stay fit, Divock Origi is far from the finished article, for Danny Ings see Daniel Sturridge, Dominic Solanke will be on the bench at best for this season which leaves the newly promoted from midfielder to forward Roberto Firmino to lead the line. 11 goals and 11 assists for Firmino last season made him a great player to have in your team and he only looks to be improving the more he gets used to leading the line for Liverpool. Expect Firmino to be taken by round 2.

Daniel Sturridge however, won’t be drafted as highly. It looks like Jürgen Klopp just doesn’t trust Sturridge to consistently work hard enough up front to be the established starting striker. Sturridge is talented but also very injury prone, it looks like another season as an impact sub for him but I still wouldn’t be put off drafting him in, a late transfer may even happen and if you’ve gambled on him, that could work out very well for yourself.

I expect another season (barring the cups) on the bench for Origi. This is the season that he must really push on through and force his way into Liverpool’s starting line-up.

Wildcard

I’m finally breaking my run of midfielders here and picking Danny Ings! I really rate Ings and the last two years have just been horrible for him. Each time he started to get a run of games together for Liverpool he looked like a points scorer. His work rate as well must please Klopp and if he can stay fit, he could very well leapfrog Origi and Sturridge in the pecking order at Anfield.

Conclusion

It’s a big season ahead for Liverpool and I think their team offers up some exciting picks ahead of the coming season. Expect Coutinho, Firmino, Mané and Salah to go quickly with many others not far behind them.