Liverpool FC: 5 Bold Predictions for Reds' Remaining Schedule in 2011-12

Compared to the start of last season with a poor display against Spurs, it's so far so good for Liverpool at the beginning of the new campaign. Spirits are high and the squad is deep. After such a promising start to the Premier League, let's get high off some of that sweet optimism and make some bold predictions for The Reds over the course of the next nine months.

As King Kenny continues his revitalization of Liverpool, this is certainly a season of possibilities. Without even the Talisman Gerrard, the squad looks formidable enough to be there until the end. So without further adieu, here are five bold predictions for the remainder of the season.   

Andy Carroll Will Be a Role Player for Liverpool

After the sometimes frustrating tactics of Benitez and the stifling organization Hodgson, it is great to see pass and move back at Liverpool under Dalglish. The only problem I see from this is the role that record breaking signing Andy Carroll plays in the first team.

After waiting for their big money signing to appear, Liverpool fans were treated to a taste of what was to come when Carroll put in a great performance alongside Suarez against Manchester City towards the end of last season.

It was supposed to be the new Rush-Dalglish strike partnership. Bringing in Downing and Enrique was welcomed as a way to provide service to the big man.

AC has a great low shot, is powerful in the air and draws defenders towards him creating space for other players. But his first touch leaves a bit to be desired and he is not the paciest player you've ever seen—both essential for the style that Kenny is trying to instill in his players.

Against Sunderland in the opener, Liverpool came out on a flyer and looked dangerous with every attack. But as the Black Cats got more of a grip on the game, Liverpool looked bereft of ideas and started looking to Carroll as the outlet.

Against most top teams in the league—and around Europe for that matter—these types of attacks are not going to cut it. Compare that to how Kuyt and Suarez pulled Bolton apart leaving all sorts of space to be exploited. After Carroll came on, the side didn't look the same.

We are talking about a 22-year-old player with a lot of upside, so no need for words like 'flop' just yet. Besides, the lad didn't set the price at £35 million. I just think this season it will take a while for Carroll to reach some of that potential. Meanwhile, we have an excellent attacking force to bust the net until then.  

Luis Suarez Will Win the EPL Golden Boot

When he scores a volley or scores one with his head I just can't get enough. This cheer will be ringing from the rafters of Premier League sides across the United Kingdom this season. When coming from the Dutch Eridivisie, there are always questions about your goal scoring ability. However, Suarez looked like a player from the moment he pulled on a Liverpool jersey and one can only expect him to get more menacing as the season wears on.

The only worry would be the one week of rest Luis has gotten over the last 12 months, but just recently he was quoted as saying "I don't want any rest at all." All signs point to goals.

His movement, vision and touch make him a threat from anywhere on the pitch. Last season's joint top scorer was Dimitar Berbatov. He did so on the back of several multiple goal games against poor sides—after spending most of the second half of the season playing second fiddle to Chicharito. Liverpool look a side that can expose the weaker sides of the Premier League and one would hope that results in bags of goals for El Pistolero.  

The Reds Will Do the Double over Manchester United

Although the Champions have looked the part at the beginning of the season, it is still early and their team is still very young.

They no longer have a great defensive martial in Van der Sar and their main center back pairing is ailing. They are dynamic and great to watch, but when the Old Enemies get together in the biggest derby match of them all, all bets are off. I would rather take a more experienced side in that regard.

Both the first match at Anfield and the corresponding one at Old Trafford come three days before a Champions League group match and one can only assume a round of 16 match for Manchester United.

I am not sure if there is anybody that wants to beat Liverpool more than Sir Alex and one would guess he would place greater emphasis on that, but he will have to consider the freshness of his side in either case. The first match being at Anfield gives Liverpool an advantage and is less of a concern for Ferguson because United will be in the group stages.

When Liverpool are away at Man U, Ferguson will definitely have an eye on the forthcoming CL fixture. He has been known in the past to favor the Champions League in his domestic team selection before an important knock out round. Liverpool could get a leg up from that. 

Even when Liverpool have faded in title races and not reached the expectations of fans in recent years, it is always a great consolation to take maximum points from Manchester United. I think they will do it again this year.  

Steven Gerrard, Super Sub

Stevie G has been the heart and soul of the club for a decade. He will go down as one of the all time great box to box midfielders. However, recently injury woes have me concerned about his long-term fitness.

How many times have we seen a great player, in any sport, cut down prematurely by a nagging injury? His groin has been a problem for several years, but hasn't stopped him playing well. This time around though—after surgery and an infection—it does have a different feel. He may even have lost a bit of pace. Never crucial to his game but it certainly doesn't hurt in modern football.

Frank Lampard is also a great midfielder, but has been recently labelled past his best due to just a little loss of pace. He was even dropped from the England squad. 

I do not anticipate a precipitous decline for my forever favorite player, but at his age you can't assume he will get back to prime playing condition. Seeing how competent Adam and Lucas are together in midfield and how well the wing play has become, Gerrard is almost not a shoe in for the side.

Dalglish will definitely take his time bringing back our best player and when he returns he could be seen as a Super Sub coming on to change the game late. This could be a great role for Stevie as he regains his fitness and touch.

He is Red through and through, so I think he would relish this role as long as the team is winning and that is what matters most. 

Liverpool Will Win the Barclay's Premier League Title

What?!? I said bold. Seriously, there are actually some really compelling reasons why this is totally on the cards.

First, while the rest of the title contenders are gallivanting across Europe for a match in Romania, Liverpool will be at Melwood training and focusing on domestic concerns. If Manchester United, Chelsea, or Manchester City (sorry Arsenal) make it to the quarter finals that is a minimum of ten extra matches.

Given the strain on English clubs during the busy holiday season, that number of matches does take its toll. Yes, they all have deep squads but sometimes when you swap a player to keep them fresh your side could end up dropping points on a cold night in the Northeast. Liverpool will not have any of these concerns and will be better prepared to grind out results.

Secondly, in recent years titles have not been won by the games you play against the Big Four or other top teams. Since the injection of cash into Manchester City in the '08-'09 season, the top six teams have gathered very similar point tallies against their title rivals.

Amongst themselves, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottentham have taken 14, 13, 14, 12, 16, and 13 points off each other last season respectively. The title has been won by beating the teams you are supposed to and not letting victories turn into draws. Without the strain of European football on Liverpool, they should be more equipped to handle those matches. Keeping them in the hunt right until the end.

Lastly, this is going to be one of the best, if not the best, seasons since the formation of the Premier League. Competitive right until the end for sure.

There isn't really a point here, I just have a feeling. But for a die hard fan, hope is good enough for me.