Liverpool’s October 2024 Preview | OneFootball

Liverpool’s October 2024 Preview

Everyone wondered how Liverpool would adapt to life after Jurgen Klopp when the iconic manager announced his decision to leave at the halfway stage of last season.

There was a feeling the Reds took a massive gamble when they opted for Arne Slot despite the Dutchman’s impressive stint in his homeland with Feyenoord.

Switching from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is no small leap, yet the 46-year-old has handled the transition with remarkable composure, seamlessly adjusting to the new surroundings. International Liverpool fans have been encouraged enough to continue to redeem YouTuber codes and other offers to sign up to and renew their VPN deals in order to continue watching the Reds live from wherever they are on the planet.

Except for a bizarre 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest, Slot has been brilliant in his early days on Merseyside, guiding Liverpool to six multi-goal margin wins in his first seven games in charge.

West Ham United were on the receiving end of the Dutch coach’s eye-catching start at Anfield on Wednesday night as the Reds overhauled an early deficit in a thumping 5-1 win in midweek EFL Cup action.

A 3-0 demolition of eternal rivals Manchester United on Liverpool’s last Premier League travel remains the highlight of Slot’s early tenure.

But a come-from-behind 3-1 triumph at AC Milan in the Champions League was nothing less outstanding as the Merseyside giants gear up for another away game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Saturday’s clash at Molineux will drop the curtain on Liverpool’s action in September. Let’s look at the tasks awaiting them in October.

Bologna [Champions League, H] – 02/10/2024

Constant squad rotations were one of Klopp’s trademarks at Anfield, and Slot has seemingly recognised the importance of maintaining the German’s legacy.

According to the Liverpool Echo, fans and players enjoy the Dutchman’s frequent squad alterations, which enable his first-team stars to stay fit and avoid injuries.

There’s a chance he’ll mix things up when the Reds take on Champions League debutants Bologna on home turf in round two.

Whoever takes the field, the Reds should have three points in the bag every day of the week.

Crystal Palace [Premier League League, A] – 05/10/2024

Despite Crystal Palace’s wayward Premier League start, Liverpool would be naive to underestimate Oliver Glasner’s side after a 1-0 home loss against the Eagles in April halted their title pursuit last term.

Still winless after the opening five league matches (D3, L2), the London strugglers have massively stuttered in front of goal, averaging 0.8 per game.

Unless Glasner rekindles his frontline, devastated by Michael Olise’s summer departure, Liverpool’s rock-solid defence could have a field day at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea [Premier League, H] – 20/10/2024

Chelsea are on course to remove their scapegoat tag under new boss Enzo Maresca, stitching together a four-game unbeaten league streak (W3, D1) after a day-one home loss to Manchester City.

However, Anfield has been an impregnable fortress for the Blues in recent years, with Liverpool going undefeated in their last three home league encounters (W1, D2).

That lone victory came in this corresponding fixture last season as the Reds humbled the team from the capital 4-1.

RB Leipzig [Champions League, A] – 23/10/2024

With high-profile fixtures coming thick and fast, Liverpool may regret failing to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United during the summer transfer window to increase squad depth.

That deal is now dead in the water, as per the Daily Mail. Gordon is on the verge of penning a new long-term contract at St James’ Park, but the Reds can rely on in-form Luis Diaz to help them navigate this challenge.

Leipzig will be eager to curtail Liverpool’s momentum after a 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid in their Champions League curtain raiser and post their first-ever H2H win after three successive losses.

Arsenal [Premier League League, A] – 27/10/2024

Though this mouth-watering fixture comes relatively early in the season, it’s fair to say it has all the makings of a title ‘six-pointer,’ with Arsenal and Liverpool emerging as the likeliest candidates to dethrone Man City.

Mikel Arteta’s 10-man side nearly stunned the Etihad Stadium last weekend before John Stones’ last-gasp equaliser handed the Cityzens a 2-2 draw.

A sturdy defensive performance against the division’s most prolific attack proved the Gunners’ title credentials.

Liverpool must be wary of Arteta’s near-faultless defensive set-up if they’re to end a four-match winless league run against the North London powerhouse (D2, L2).

Brighton & Hove Albion [EFL Cup, A] – 30/10/2024

Coached by the joint-youngster manager in Premier League history, Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton look poised to return to the European mix after an underwhelming 2023/24 season under Roberto De Zerbi.

The Seagulls have gone from strength to strength in the opening five rounds (W2, D3), proving they mean business this season with a 2-1 win against Man United.

But it wouldn’t be surprising if Hurzeler sacrifices cup competitions to prioritise Brighton’s push for European qualification through the Premier League.