How can an eight timer be considered safe? FA Cup lottery, Salford unknown quantity, Man City will be run close this year (Scousers)
That's why I said "relatively safe". No 8-way is safe but if you told someone to pick 7 league winners and they went with the 7 favourites you wouldn't say they'd taken a big risk, especially when PSG/Bayern/Celtic/Juve are in a period of sustained dominance. I don't think Liverpool quite have enough for the league this year but can see Klopp prioritising a cup to show a return on investment.
You're definitely right about Salford, just because they've thrown money at it doesn't mean they'll have success again. They have brought in players way above conference level though so there's a chance, will be interesting to see how they do tomorrow v Leyton Orient who finished mid-table last season.
I'm probably going to keep an eye on the cash out option. If it gets to March and the first 7 are all in with a decent shout of the league and Liverpool get to the quarters, it might be worth it.