BBC pundits never learn as predictions backfire and Liverpool proves them wrong.

Few predicted Liverpool would be in a title race this season.

Last season, the Reds had a forgettable season, missing out on the Champions League despite a late rally and failing to win any silverware. Jurgen Klopp was then faced with a rebuilding job this summer after a number of key figures left, particularly in the midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo were brought in to give this section of the pitch new life. A deal for Jude Bellingham, regarded as the ideal midfield signing, proved too difficult, and Real Madrid pounced.

The 27 BBC pundits who shared their thoughts on how the Reds would fare in 2023/24 did not hold out much hope for Klopp and co to have a successful season ahead. Only former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given predicted Liverpool to finish higher than third, with the 47-year-old picking second place.

The Reds were picked by 21 people to finish in the top four, with only one person picking them to finish second (Given). Third place received ten votes, while fourth place received ten votes. Manchester City were unsurprisingly the overwhelming favourites to win the title, with only Ellen White (Arsenal) going against Pep Guardiola’s side to win the title.

Liverpool received a total of 33 points from the 26 pundits, based on a system of four points for finishing first, three points for finishing second, two points for finishing third, and one point for finishing fourth. Manchester United, on the other hand, earned 36 points and was thus predicted to finish third based on their average score. The two sides are already separated by ten points in the Premier League table, which could be increased when they meet at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Chris Waddle and Ellen White were two of the five pundits who had Liverpool outside their top four and were not optimistic about a successful season. “They look a little thin on experience in the middle of the park,” the former observed. The way they play, they will score a lot of goals but also concede a lot – I can see them being the top scorers in the Premier League, but they will probably have the worst defense of the top five.” Meanwhile, White stated, “I’m not convinced by Liverpool.” Everyone seemed to have figured them out.”

“Liverpool are going to make a serious comeback this season,” said Given, who had the Reds in second place and was most confident of the team’s chances of challenging. They’ve changed things up in the midfield, of course, but I think they’ll be stronger all over and eager to get back to the top of the table.”

Of course, there is still a long way to go in the race for first place, but Liverpool currently leads the Premier League after 16 games. The Reds lead Arsenal by one point and are four points ahead of the title favorites, Manchester City.

A crucial match in this battle will take place on December 23, when Klopp’s side hosts Arsenal at Anfield, giving Liverpool the opportunity to send a strong message to the rest of the division.