Former Liverpool fullback Glen Johnson believes manager Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with their opening Premier League fixtures.
Liverpool take on newly-promoted Norwich on the opening weekend before a pair of home games against Burnley and Chelsea, an away trip to Leeds and an Anfield clash with Crystal Palace.
Johnson said: "I think Klopp will be very happy with those first five or six games.
"If they come flying out the blocks then they could be in a really strong position come game four or five."
Asked about Liverpool's defensive situation, given the number of high-profile injuries they suffered last season, Johnson added: "Hopefully (Virgil) Van Dijk will be ready to start the season.
"Obviously (Ibrahima) Konate is a young guy but if he does well in pre-season and impresses enough then he can get that second slot.
"Hopefully Joe Gomez will be back as well so there will be some familiar faces back there and they can be more solid in defence.
"We saw last season they had to change it far too many times to try and challenge for the title."
