Owen sets top four target

While the England striker would accept Champions League qualification as a satisfactory achievement in the forthcoming campaign, he feels this he and his fellow Reds are capable of achieving more in the Premiership despite the obvious threat posed by Manchester United, Arsenal and an expensively-assembled Chelsea outfit.

Owen said: "I hope we do well this season. Everyone's stance at Liverpool is the same. We all want to qualify for the Champions League. Unfortunately, this year we're not in it but we've got to put that right this season. That's one of the aims of the season. In fact, the Champions League is probably the bare minimum for the team.

"Obviously, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are three of the teams to beat. I suppose you could say the better teams are at the top at the moment but I'm sure there are teams like ourselves and Newcastle who will come out of the pack as well. It's early days yet."

Can Liverpool finish in the top four this season?