Liverpool FC: Predictions for Liverpool's Near and Far Future

Liverpool head into their 2013/14 preseason training schedule revamped by the signings of Kolo Toure, Simon Mignolet, Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto, as well as news of Steven Gerrard's eligibility to join a full preseason program.

Liverpool have looked to get their business done early this season, and though it hasn't all been positive dealings thanks to Luis Suarez's continuous flirtation with the Spanish media, Brendan Rodgers seems to have learnt from past mistakes in the sense that last-minute panic deals seem much less likely as new signings arrive relatively early.

Liverpool fans will be looking ahead with a state of optimism which looks to be justified, given Liverpool's new transfer strategy.

Here are a few predictions for Liverpool's near and far future.

Liverpool Sell Luis Suarez

As much as Liverpool remain adamant that star striker Luis Suarez is not for sale, according to a report from the Telegraph, the Uruguayan has flirted with leaving, and given the amount of power footballers have these days, that provides Liverpool with a significant problem.

Suarez can't seem to go a day without reminding Liverpool fans how much respect he has for Real Madrid, as he told 890 Sport (h/t the Guardian), and though he probably feels he dilutes the blow with reminders that nothing has been agreed and he is still under contract, his intentions are clear, and the blow remains a hefty one.

Liverpool stood by Suarez in his times of difficulty (more often than not) and have now been stabbed in the back by the sheer manner of which Suarez looks likely to leave.

It's not the fact that Suarez is leaving the club that bothers fans for the most part, it's the fact that Suarez couldn't have made it clearer that he wants to, desperately.

After everything the club did for him, the least he could do would be to leave with respect.

One interview could be forgiven, two frowned upon. But after every game, he seems keen to actually force himself into the spotlight to try and get himself noticed by Madrid.

The epitome of disrespect.

If Suarez were to stay, I'd expect him to be booed heavily on his return. Oh, yes. Return. Because he bit someone.

He brought it upon himself, so there's no sympathy from anyone associated with Liverpool anymore.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Becomes a Liverpool Player

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, like Luis Suarez, looks keen to move this summer. The only question left is where, and with Borussia Dortmund having placed a bid for the Armenian, Liverpool face a considerable opponent in the race for the 24-year-old's signature.

Assuming Liverpool do sell Luis Suarez (for a price from £45-50 million), they should have no issues meeting the £25 million Shakhtar are demanding for their playmaker, according to a report from Public Radio of Armenia (h/t German newspaper Bild), and I expect them to do so.

Having seen Mkhitaryan play, I feel he would fit well with a young, dynamic Liverpool squad. Would he replace Luis Suarez? Not single-handedly, but thanks to the recent additions of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool have strengthened from a team reliant on Suarez to a team that looks top-class offensively without him.

With the oldest of the trio aforementioned being Mkhitaryan at 24, they'd only get better and thus, Liverpool could well become a force to be reckoned with.

Liverpool Win Their Opening Fixture

Liverpool host Stoke City in their opening fixture this season, and I expect Liverpool to come away with three points. Mark Hughes will be getting used to the Stoke squad he has adopted, whilst Brendan Rodger's side will have the benefit of one year's experience working together.

Will that make a huge difference? Probably not—there won't be a huge difference to the way Stoke play their football just because a new manager has come in. The transition will be a gradual one and will, in all likelihood, not be noticeable until later in the season.

However, I do expect Liverpool's new wave of dynamic players to make life difficult for a Stoke City side that is almost the polar opposite. Boosted by an Anfield crowd fresh and optimistic, I predict Liverpool to start strongly and exploit the immobility of the Stoke side.

Liverpool Make the Final of One of the Cups

Liverpool will be playing on Saturdays a lot this year due to the absence of European football on this year's schedule. 

As an added bonus (if you can call missing out on European football a bonus), Liverpool's squad will only have two competitions to prepare for at a given time (apart from January-March when the Capital One Cup and FA Cup overlap).

Given the amount of preparation time Liverpool will have and the new, bolstered squad they now sport, I expect Liverpool to have a successful year in the cups this year.

Top Four?

Now this one is tricky.

As a Liverpool fan, I believe Liverpool can challenge for the top four this year. That being said, the competition has never been stronger.

Assuming Manchester United, City and Chelsea finish in the top three, there is one spot left for Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool to fight for. I don't know who the strongest side is, and it would take a brave man to put money on next year's fourth-placed team.

For me, there is no favourite at the moment.

As I wouldn't feel comfortable making a declarative judgement, I'll leave it to the Bleacher Report community to comment and tell me what you think.

Thanks for reading.