Paul Merson makes Liverpool prediction that'll be music to Reds fans' ears

Paul Merson has predicted that Liverpool will be a “different animal” this coming Premier League season.

The Reds won the Champions League in 2019 and followed it up with the Premier League title in 2020.

However, Liverpool struggled during the 2020-21 season amid a spate of injuries to key players.

The Reds finished the season empty-handed, but managed to get over the line in terms of Champions League qualification.

Liverpool have a “point to prove”

But with Virgil van Dijk and other key players now back to fitness, plus transfer activity, Merson is sure they’ll be back to their best.

“Liverpool will be a different animal with Virgil Van Dijk back,” he wrote in the Daily Star.

“He gets them pushed up and playing on the halfway line.

“Last season was a wake-up call for them and they will be massive contenders this time around.

“I think they will sign players too, and the front three will be fresher. They will have a point to prove.”

Liverpool ran out 1-0 winners over Mainz in Friday’s pre-season friendly in Austria.

The Reds will face Hertha Berlin, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna ahead of their return to Premier League action.

The Anfield outfit will get their 2021-22 campaign underway away at newly-promoted Norwich City.