Paul Merson says it is possible that Liverpool could beat Arsenal to the Premier League title this season, with the Sky Sports pundit offering his take on Andoni Iraola's side
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Paul Merson believes Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title this season if Andoni Iraola can ensure that his stars are consistent.
Lacking the same volume of players as Arsenal, however, there are major concerns about a lack of squad depth currently. Liverpool still has work to do in the transfer market with less than 13 days remaining of the summer window.
In terms of its starting XI, Merson says there should be no concerns for Iraola. Beyond that, though, a small number of injuries on top of those already being managed or treated at Liverpool at the moment could cause a big issue.
"I look at their squad and I don't see them having the same depth as Arsenal," Merson told Sky Sports.
"Liverpool's players would have to stay fit for them to have any chance of the title — the key players would have to play 36 or 37 games in the season.
"They still haven't replaced Mohamed Salah. A lot of goals have gone missing. He wasn't on it last season but he was still a threat, and Andoni Iraola still needs someone to come in and fill that gap.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.
"I thought it would take time for him to get settled in this league, but he's had a season now. If he doesn't get going this season, you start worrying.
"But Alexander Isak was so up and down with injury last season, they couldn't really get him on the pitch. I don't know if he's going to need to take a bit more time, so I don't know about his levels this season."
Bradley Barcola is the number one transfer target for Liverpool from here. But in addition to the PSG forward, others including his club teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye, are being assessed.
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Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones are among those who have interest from elsewhere, but Liverpool cannot afford to leave itself light of options. Iraola has already admitted that he needs more senior stars, not fewer.
Liverpool.com says: If the Reds are to compete on multiple fronts this season, then adding more bodies to the squad is a must. Injuries will happen, and they have to be prepared.
As Merson says, Liverpool's first-choice starting XI can challenge anyone. The chances of that team being able to play every game, though, are almost zero.