Halfway through the 2023-2024 season, Liverpool are well-positioned for all four major competitions they play, and they are theoretically on track to achieve a quadruple title.
Liverpool have been in this situation before, delaying their pursuit of a quadruple trophy until the final weeks of that season.
At the end of that season, Jurgen Klopp's side lifted two titles (the League Cup and FA Cup) but suffered defeat in the Premier League and Champions League. The Premier League (which ended up one point behind champions Manchester City) and the Champions League (which lost 1-0 to Real Madrid in the final, whose goalkeeper was named Man of the Match after setting a record of nine saves).
So, they know how difficult it will be to achieve that feat – and it's still relatively early, because as things stand, they're only in the last 16 of the FA Cup and Europa League, but that shouldn't stop the fans from dreaming. Jurgen Klopp has already announced his bid farewell to Liverpool at the end of the season, which has made the title race interesting again, for which our experts (TA) have assessed their chances.
Are Liverpool more capable of winning the quadruple this year than in 2022?
Pierce:The squad is definitely deeper, and the impact of the young players has increased so far this season.
Another big positive is that the injury situation is improving, with Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominic Szobosloy all returning.
Playing in the Europa League instead of the Champions League also helps: because the opponents are not the same.
They reach the final in Dublin on May 22 and should not have as difficult as they did when they traveled to Paris two years ago. Jurgen Klopp has rotated more times this season than any other top-flight manager, and playing in Europe's second-tier fixtures has helped in that regard.
O'Neill:Did you see Thiago and Jurgen Klopp training together last Friday? That ** looks very energetic.
Although Thiago will be crucial for Liverpool's 2021-22 season, his presence this time will be an added benefit for the team rather than a necessity.
Go ahead and ......Yes, maybe they can make it happen.
Buckingham:Liverpool no longer have Sadio Mane or Fabinho, while some players remain there. But I'm not sure you're going to say that things have gotten worse for this group.
The current squad is showing their progress and the depth of the squad. Winning the Europa League, one of the quadruple this time – will definitely be easier.
How will Klopp's announcement of his departure affect the team?
Pierce:Speaking to the players and staff, they were convinced that Klopp's exit would motivate them. They spoke of a collective desire to end this extraordinary era with a climax.
Sunday's 5-2 win over Norwich City in the FA Cup was a good response to that news, but a tougher test is yet to come, which could be a distraction as Klopp's departure date approaches.
Virgil van Dijk has spoken about the importance of 'ignoring outside noise' as the players await clarity on the future. After pouring out his emotions for Jurgen Klopp at the weekend, I fully hope that the fans will heed the manager's plea and focus their support on motivating the players on the pitch.
O'Neill:Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool are already a hard-blooded team, but imagine how much effort everyone will have to put in now to accomplish the final feat. It's like Bruce Springsteen's tour, three hours of shows, night after night, stadium after stadium.
Liverpool fans and players alike know that this is Jurgen Klopp's last glory years and they will give it their all.
Buckingham:This is a huge unknown. Klopp came to the conclusion that now making his decision public would motivate the whole team: one last hurrah before separation.
This statement leaves the door open for instability to spread, but with so many opportunities still to fight for it, it's hard to see this group becoming unstable.
Which team will be the biggest challenge in the second half of the season?
Pierce:Speaking about the fixtures, Jurgen Klopp mentioned that the fifth round of the FA Cup will be played in midweek, just days after the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
However, drawing a Championship opponent at home, whether Watford or Southampton, in that round should help in that regard. Sunday's Premier League away to Arsenal is tricky, especially as the Londoners need revenge after their recent FA Cup defeat.
Liverpool will also have to face Manchester United, West Ham United and Aston Villa. But there is no doubt that the biggest threat to them is Manchester City.
O'Neill:I've seen this happen before, so the answer is simple: against Manchester City.
I'll also be following away games against Everton (16 March) and Manchester United (6 April). Despite Jurgen Klopp's excellent results against both teams, I still remember a season in which Goodison Park and Old Trafford were scoreless.
It has been suggested that these drops could be a defeat for Liverpool as they end up one point behind Manchester City.
Buckingham:City have been a bit of a rough run over the past few months and once Pep Guardiola's side get back on track, trying to stop them could become challenging.
Should Liverpool do more to bolster their squad this winter?
Pierce:No, I don't think so. After Joel Matip suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament before Christmas, you could argue over signing a centre-back.
However, the young Jarrell Kwasa has done an excellent job of filling the void. Now that Robertson is ready, Joe Gomez can play at centre-back and excel at left-back.
O'Neill:Have you seen the transfer window? It was surprisingly quiet all the time. Every team needs to improve, but right now I think Liverpool are in a good position.
After Matip was sidelined for the season due to injury, Kwasa played a huge role in complementing the centre-backs. Gomez has become the new Mr. Reliable. Conor Bradley provided cover for right-back Alexander-Arnold and is now also a tight contender.
The midfield is strong and the attack is just as good.
Buckingham:Any manager wants more, but the dormancy of the transfer window suggests it's not a favourable market for buyers. Manchester City didn't bother to strengthen in the second half of the season, and neither did Arsenal and Villa.
Liverpool could have increased their squad but with injuries easing and young players coming in, I'm not sure it was worth spending money in January.
If Liverpool can only win one title, which one would be better?
Pierce:Must be a Premier League champion.
Although the 2019-20 season ended a 30-year title drought, Liverpool were deprived of all the rights they deserved to achieve such an achievement due to special reasons.
I was one of the lucky few at Anfield that night when Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy, but it was a strange experience, with no supporters, no parade.
Winning the second title of Jurgen Klopp's reign will set up some memorable scenes.
O'Neill:Obviously the Premier League.
It has been a major victory, and winning it would equal Manchester United's record of 20 league titles. Also, I tend to be an honorable substitute in that hallowed Europa League final in Dublin. The FA Cup feels a bit of a concession, although this could be the ...... of Klopp's final game (25 May).
Buckingham:It has to be the Premier League.
If Jurgen Klopp leaves English football after winning only one Premier League title in years, there will be some who doubt his influence, so adding a second title would go a long way towards cementing his legacy.
Note that the Europa League could also be sweet – the final will be played in Dublin.
What game are you most looking forward to in the second half of the season?
Pierce:Jurgen Klopp's Anfield bid farewell to Wolves on Sunday 19 May for the Europa League final in Dublin on Wednesday night, followed by the FA Cup final three days later.
Imagine that in terms of choosing a game, it has to be Manchester City's home stadium in March, and Anfield will be full of energy.
O'Neill:After Arsenal this weekend, it's all about Manchester City – it was the last meeting between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola in the Premier League.
There's always something great to come out of this game, and as before, it's likely to decide the winner.
Buckingham:The obvious answer is a visit from Manchester City, right?
This has the potential to have a huge impact on the title race and could end up being the last meeting between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola in English football, as well as the end of an era.