Ex-Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper David James says that the Reds must aim for 90 points this season if they want to win the Premier League title.

Arne Slot’s side suffered a shock home defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend but, speaking to safestcasinosites.co.uk, James said he wouldn’t write off the Reds’ title chances after just one poor result:

“I don’t think the result against Nottingham Forest was a reality check for Liverpool’s title aspirations this season, but it was definitely a blip. To win the Premier League, you have to have 90 points. That’s what it takes to win the title and that will be the benchmark, so, in theory, you can afford to lose eight games, you just have to win the other thirty (laughs)! Nice and simple.”

James suggests that the Forest loss may have been due to players returning from international duty:

“I wonder if dealing with the international break and all of the disruption that brings is something that Arne has to learn from. That can be an issue because your best players are away from the club for ten days and they can lose that intensity from the training ground.

“I was so impressed with the way Liverpool started the season, but they were a little bit ponderous against Forest. I can only put that down to the international break. Slot’s had a good start and he’s clearly a talented coach and manager. Managing his players after the break will be something that he has to deal with and I’m sure he will.”

What are the odds of Liverpool winning the title this season?

While James has played down the defeat to Forest as being significant in the title race, some bookmakers have lengthened Slot’s team’s odds to 8/1.

Manchester City remain favourites, with bookies having them at evens to seal their 9th Premier League title, while Arsenal are second in the running at 2/1.

Fans will find out if it was a “blip” this weekend

Liverpool have historically struggled against defences who sit deep and, while Bournemouth won’t be as conservative as Forest, they will present many of the same challenges.

The Cherries have quick wingers, such as Antoine Semenyo, who can be a major threat on the counter-attack, while they have a striker in Evanilson who can punish any mistakes at the back.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here