PREVIEW SKYSPORTS TERHADAP LFC

Liverpool 2007/08 preview
Reds eye Premier League prize
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 8th August 2007


Liverpool will this season be looking to finally mount a sustained title challenge.
The Reds have been busy in the transfer market as they look to launch a serious bid for the Premier League crown.
Liverpool have progressed in the UEFA Champions League under Rafa Benitez, but the Spaniard's main aim this season will be to challenge the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.
Liverpool finished third last term for the second successive season and Benitez will be looking for his side to get closer to the top two in the forthcoming campaign.
Benitez, who is preparing for his fourth season at Anfield, has been backed in the transfer market by American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks to try and finally end Liverpool's 17-year wait for English football's top prize.
Record fee The Spaniard has moved to address Liverpool's goalscoring problems by laying out a club record fee of £20million to bring in Fernando Torres from Atletico Madrid.
Andrei Voronin and Ryan Babel have also been drafted in to add options to Benitez's attacking array with Robbie Fowler, Craig Bellamy and Djibril Cisse all leaving Merseyside for pastures new.

LIVERPOOL 2007/08
Predicted Position: 3rd
Star Man: Steven Gerrard - The Reds captain has again shown in pre-season he is the heartbeat of Rafa Benitez's side and his form will go a long way to deciding whether or not Liverpool can mount a serious title challenge to Manchester United and Chelsea..
One To Watch: Andrei Voronin - The Ukrainian has caught the eye during Liverpool's pre-season games and his versatility makes him a valuable addition to Benitez's options this season.
Manager: Rafa Benitez - The Spaniard is entering his fourth season at Anfield and the pressure is on to finally end Liverpool's long wait for the title.
INS: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Yossi Benayoun (West Ham), Ryan Babel (Ajax), Lucas Leiva (Gremio), Andrei Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen), Krisztian Nemeth & Andras Simon (both MTK Hungariam), Nikolay Mihaylov (Levski Sofia.)
OUTS: Robbie Fowler (Cardiff), Bolo Zenden (Marseille), Djibril Cisse (Marseille), Mark Gonzalez (Real Betis), Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva), Craig Bellamy (West Ham), Jerzy Dudek (Real Madrid), Danny Guthrie (Bolton season-long loan) Adam Hammill (Southampton season-long loan), Paul Anderson (Swansea season-long loan) Miki Roque (Xerez season-long loan).
Best signing: Andrei Voronin
Sky Bet Odds: 9-2
Likely top scorer: Fernando Torres
Possible best XI (Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Alonso, Kewell (Babel), Kuyt, Torres)

Last season's top scorer Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt are also battling to lead Liverpool's attack.
Midfield optionsA lot of pressure will be on Torres to live up to his hefty price tag and provide that something different in the Liverpool attack which has been missing over the last few seasons.
Yossi Benayoun has been snared from West Ham to provide a creative spark in midfield and help provide the ammunition for Liverpool's new strike-force.
Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva has been added to a midfield bursting with quality with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Mohamed Sissoko and Javier Mascherano all battling for a place in the engine room.
Harry Kewell's return from injury is almost like another signing for Benitez with the Australian having missed the majority of last season with a series of injuries.
Much will be expected of Jermaine Pennant now he has had time to come to terms with life at Anfield with the winger showing some promise in pre-season.
Benitez has tried to address any shortcomings in his defensive options by pursuing a move for Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze, although Sir Alex Ferguson has so far steadfastly refused to do business with their bitter rivals.
Key duoDespite the plethora of new arrivals, much of Liverpool's success will depend on key pair Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.
The talismanic duo have both voiced their desire for Liverpool to challenge for the title and they will give everything to ensure that a concerted effort for the championship is made.
With Liverpool setting their sights on an improvement on their league form this term Reds fans will be hoping this is finally the season Liverpool turn from pretenders into contenders for the Premier League title.