Liverpool FC: 8 Reasons for Fans to Be Optimistic for 2012

Liverpool FC are a team used to success.

Perhaps I should say they were.

Too long has passed since Liverpool won England's top division and fans are desperate to bring back the glory days when Liverpool would sweep aside all before them.

2011 brought new owners, new investment and the return of the King, but is it enough to keep Kopites happy?

Probably not for long.

Fans all want better and they all expect better, but maybe they've been spoiled over the years with the likes of John Barnes, Ian Rush, Steve Heighway and Kevin Keegan to name but a few.

Whatever your expectations for the club, and no matter what you think of the revolution thus far, here are a few reasons I think Liverpool fans should be optimistic for 2012.

Still in Both Cups

Liverpool should be fighting for the title, but fighting for cups shouldn't be dismissed as a waste of time.

January brings about some very important games as Liverpool face Manchester City in the Carling Cup semifinal over a two-legged affair.

With the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool will be hoping that they can reach the final in order to face what would be guaranteed Championship opposition in the form of either Crystal Palace or Cardiff.

If the Carling Cup isn't good enough for you, then how about Liverpool now facing Manchester United in the FA Cup for a place in the fifth round?

Win that game and Liverpool will be another team shy of some quarterfinal action—then it's anybody's trophy to win.

Those are two realistic outcomes that Liverpool could find themselves facing come the end of January, surely something to be pleased about.

Return of Steven Gerrard

If you're worried about the squad, then take solace in the fact that 2012 should bring the return to fitness and form of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.

It really does seem like Gerrard returning is like signing a new player due to the amount of time he's been on the sidelines.

Kenny Dalglish thinks he's in his best shape for years, so let's hope that's true.

If Gerrard can guide Liverpool through the period without Suarez and keep them in the hunt for fourth, there's a real chance of qualifying when Suarez returns.

Plus, they now might score a few penalties!

There Might Be New Faces

The January transfer window is here and that's always cause for smiles as Liverpool get linked with players left, right and centre.

They rarely sign any of them, but that's not the point.

New owners FSG will surely give Kenny Dalglish some spending money for January, and with Suarez out for eight games following his ban, I am hoping that KD will be bringing in some fresh attacking faces.

As long as they don't overspend on mediocre talent, there are bargains to be had.

Demba Ba's release clause of less than £7 million sounds too good to be true.

Still in with a Champions League Chance

Liverpool's league form has been patchy, and the games at Anfield are the ones costing them this season.

However, after 20 games they are only three points off the coveted fourth spot for Champions League qualification.

Chelsea are very hit-and-miss and Arsenal have just lost some attacking potency with Gervinho off to play in the African Cup of Nations.

Who knows if Thierry Henry can still cut it in the Premier League?!

Liverpool just got Gerrard back, the window is open for signings and there's three points in it.

It's achievable in my book.

Andy Carroll Couldn't Do Any Worse

I'm not Andy Carroll's harshest critic by any stretch of the imagination.

I do believe that strikers need 90 minutes week in, week out in order to build form and confidence, particularly when their game is based on strength and power rather than trickery and skill.

That aside, Carroll couldn't do much worse for Liverpool in 2012 than he did in 2011, so Kopites should be looking forward to seeing the big Geordie on the score sheet a lot more this season.

Liverpool's motto is "You'll Never Walk Alone," so why not make sure Andy Carroll doesn't either.

Manchester City Will Make Sure It Stays at 19

No one wanted to see Manchester United go ahead of Liverpool in the title stakes—except Manchester United fans, of course.

Clearly Liverpool aren't going to win the league this season, but rest assured that Roberto Mancini's men look primed to take the Premier League title to the Etihad this season, therefore ensuring that Liverpool don't lose any ground on Fergie's boys.

Transition takes time, and City will hopefully buy it for Liverpool.

The Emergence of Youth

Liverpool have some talented youngsters on their books, perhaps none more so than Raheem Sterling and Suso.

Sterling is a pacy winger who may finally get some first-team action this year after having some excellent displays in the youth team over the last 12 months.

Suso, whilst not blessed with Sterling's pace, certainly makes up for it in technical ability.

Couple those starlets with the already-impressive Martin Kelly and John Flanagan, and Liverpool look set for some great future players.

Stadium Answer Gets Ever Closer

With every day that passes, we're another step closer to discovering the fate of Anfield.

Will we move to Stanley Park or will we redevelop our mighty Anfield stadium and all its history within?

Whatever the answer may be, the increased revenue the stadium will eventually produce should help ensure the long-term stability and success of the club.

This year sees that dream closer than ever.

Summary

So there you have my thoughts on why Liverpool fans should look on the brighter side of life at Anfield this season.

All too often fans can get dragged into talking about the problems at the club and where things are going wrong instead of looking at the positives.

Sometimes a little positive energy can go a long way and I'm certainly feeling that way for Liverpool in 2012.

The transitional period the club is going through is showing improvement but is still a long way from the finished article.

Rome wasn't built in a day and Liverpool's successful years didn't come about after a season either.

Hope you enjoyed the slideshow and are now feeling a little better because of it.

Follow me on Twitter @petercwebster and click here to see some Miroslav Klose goals.