Liverpool's Tactical Struggles and Premier League Early Insights

Liverpool's Growing Pains Under Slot

There's a new sheriff in town at Anfield, and while Arne Slot's tactical pedigree is undeniable, Liverpool's transformation is going to take a little longer than fans might like. The Community Shield was a microcosm of both promise and problems. The new system—primarily a 4-2-3-1 formation with occasional shifts to a narrow 1-4-2-4—has its merits, but it also exposed a few worrying cracks.

First, Mo Salah looked like a man stranded on a desert island. The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold's pinpoint cross-field deliveries (following his £8.3m move to Real Madrid) has left Salah without that quick-release trigger. Jeremie Frimpong, Slot's £29.5m acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen, is more of a touchline hugger than a deep-lying playmaker, which is great for width but not ideal for feeding Salah's infield runs. Add to that Hugo Ekitike still finding his feet after his £69m move from Eintracht Frankfurt, and Liverpool's right flank quickly became a ghost town.

Defensively, the midfield double-pivot puts extra pressure on Van Dijk and Konaté, and without Gravenberch or a fully fit Endō to plug the gaps, Van Dijk was often seen wandering into midfield like a confused tourist. If either centre-back gets injured, Liverpool are in trouble—like, "let's play Andy Robertson at CB again" kind of trouble.

From a betting perspective, Liverpool may not be the sure-thing title contenders they appeared to be a few months ago. They'll win games, but expect some early-season value fading them against top-six opposition or backing goals in matches where their midfield isn't settled. Over 3.5 goals in Liverpool games might have legs early on.

Man City: Slicker, Slimmer, Still Scary

It wouldn't be a new Premier League season without a refreshed, retooled Manchester City side looking ominous. Pep Guardiola's squad might lack a blockbuster signing, but the quiet efficiency of their transfer window is classic City. The big question is: can they maintain the hunger with an aging core?

A lot rides on Phil Foden. Last year was a dip; this year needs to be his coming-of-age campaign. Also, James Trafford might challenge Ederson for the gloves, which adds an interesting subplot for bettors looking at clean sheet props.

City's early fixtures are spicy—Spurs, United, Arsenal—but if Rodri is fit and firing, they should be fine. Pep might be tired, but his tactical evolution continues. Expect more midfield overloads, more positional rotations, and yes, more wins.

They're still title favorites for a reason, but early value might be found in backing both teams to score in tough matchups or taking the over on City goals against lower-half opposition.

Tottenham: Thomas Frank's Tightrope

Thomas Frank is a manager with a toolbox full of tactical tricks, but he's walked into a Spurs job that could eat him alive if results don't come quickly. The 51-year-old Danish coach replaced Ange Postecoglou after the Australian secured Spurs' first trophy in 17 years with the Europa League, but also oversaw their worst Premier League finish since 1977. The vibes are cautiously optimistic, mainly because Spurs now have a coach who believes in defending set pieces. A radical concept in North London, apparently.

Frank's ability to improve players fits this Spurs squad like a glove. They've got talented youngsters and a fanbase desperate for some stability. But patience is thinner than a post-match handshake between Conte and Tuchel, and a few poor results could turn the mood sour fast.

Bettors should treat Spurs like a high-ceiling, high-variance stock. Back them as underdogs in big games—they'll rise to the occasion. But maybe steer clear of short home odds until we see consistency. Over 2.5 goals in most of their matches is a strong lean until Frank works out the kinks at the back.

Leeds Return with Firepower—and Championship Pedigree

Leeds United are back, and they've brought the chaos with them. Daniel Farke's men ripped up the Championship with 95 goals scored in their title-winning campaign, finishing with 100 points and a goal difference of 65. They achieved promotion with two games to spare after a dominant 6-0 win over Stoke City on Easter Monday, with Joel Piroe scoring four times. The Premier League is a different beast, but they'll attack, they'll entertain, and they'll probably leak goals like a rusty tap.

Their opener against Everton screams goals. Leeds are likely to control possession, while Everton's revamped attack could thrive on the counter. Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score is the way to go here.

Long-term, Leeds look like a team that could stay up—if they find defensive balance. Backing them in goal-heavy games or taking big odds on draws in mid-table matchups might be profitable. Just don't expect many clean sheets.

West Ham: A House Built on Sand?

If there's a club that screams "vibes-based project in crisis," it's West Ham. The signings haven't exactly lit up the group chats, and the fan sentiment is somewhere between apathy and existential dread. Lucas Paquetá's off-field issues, an aging strike force, and Graham Potter managing a squad that seems like he's already over it—none of it inspires much confidence.

Their opener against Sunderland (not Everton) at the Stadium of Light is already being labeled a six-pointer. That's not a great sign for a side facing a newly-promoted Black Cats team that earned their Premier League return via the Championship playoffs. Bettors should consider fading the Hammers early, especially away from home. Jarrod Bowen anytime scorer props are still worth a look—he's reliable and already scored 50 Premier League goals for the club, even if his foot injury earlier this year raised concerns.

They're a popular relegation pick among pundits, and it's hard to argue. West Ham to go down might be worth a speculative punt at juicy odds.

Villa Value and Newcastle Nosedive?

Villa to beat Newcastle at +120 is one of the week's tastiest bets. Emery's men have been flying in preseason, and Ollie Watkins is in red-hot form. Newcastle, meanwhile, are battling internal issues, a shaky transfer window, and a squad that lacks depth. On the road, they could struggle.

Back Villa at home early in the season—they're bullish, well-drilled, and carry serious attacking threat. Watkins to score and Villa to win is a classic combo bet that could pay off handsomely.

Key Takeaways

Liverpool may take time to click under Slot's new 4-2-3-1 system—expect goals but perhaps not points early on.

Manchester City are still the team to beat, but new faces may lead to some early wobbles.

Tottenham under Thomas Frank could be boom or bust after inheriting a Europa League-winning but Premier League-struggling squad—bet accordingly.

Leeds will bring the fun and the goals after scoring 95 times in their Championship title win—back overs and BTTS.

West Ham face Sunderland in their opener and look like relegation fodder—fade them while the odds are favorable.