Predicted Liverpool Line-up To Face Tottenham Hotspur In The Premier League
Liverpool’s defensive frailty and lack of conversion rate were troubling them big time for the past few gameweeks. But they are now back in business following a monumental 7-0 away win against NK Maribor in midweek’s Champions League outing and will be upbeat ahead of their trip to Wembley to encounter Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial Premier League fixture.
Spurs, too, have lifted up their season despite a slow start and clinched a massive result (a 1-1 draw) against champions Real Madrid in their Champions League group stage fixture at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. They will be determined to keep the momentum going and close the gap with league leaders Manchester City.
Team News
Liverpool have a few significant injury absentees for their Wembley trip. Sadio Mane is ruled out with a hamstring strain that he sustained during the international break. Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne are recovering from their respective thigh and back injuries but are still a few weeks away from being available for selection.
Formation: 4-3-3
Klopp doesn’t experiment much with his formations and should stick to ‘4-3-3’ in order to press high up the pitch with his in-form ‘front-three’ Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Simon Mignolet (GK)
Mignolet should return to the line-up after being replaced by Loris Karius for their midweek Champions League outing against NK Maribor.
Joe Gomez (RB)
The Englishman was replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold against NK Maribor but his superlative display against Manchester United last Saturday makes him a favourite to return to the matchday squad against Spurs.
Joel Matip (CB)
Matip is Liverpool’s first-choice centre-back and will surely retain his place in the squad following two back-to-back clean-sheets.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
The Croatian has been highly inconsistent but his performance against Manchester United earned loads of acknowledgment and he will be determined to replicate the same against Spurs, more precisely against Harry Kane.
Alberto Moreno (LB)
The Spaniard impressed in pre-season and has earned back his place in the left-back slot. He should be preferred over Andrew Robertson, who is struggling for opportunities despite impressing in limited outings.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The skipper was rested against NK Maribor but is expected to return to the starting line-up against Tottenham Hotspur.
Emre Can (CM)
Can will be crucial in the Reds’ midfield to win back possession and control the game from the middle of the park. His physicality and runs down the middle will help the Reds to compete against the high-flying North Londoners.
James Milner (CM)
Milner was struggling to have first-team opportunities but his display against NK Maribor earned him good reviews and is now a favourite to start against Tottenham as well. His work rate and contribution in the attacking third will make it easy for the Reds’ front trio to open the game up and create space.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian wingman is in scintillating form for both club and country and scored a brace against NK Maribor on Tuesday night. He is probably the first name on the teamsheet and Klopp will rely on him for goal-scoring opportunities.
Roberto Firmino (CF)
The Brazilian international was struggling to find his form but is back in business, as he scored a a brace too on Tuesday night. He will be determined to continue his goal-scoring run, against a strong Tottenham side.
Philippe Coutinho (LW)
The Brazilian scored one and set up another two against Maribor and has been in firing form for the Reds despite his transfer conundrum. He will retain his place in the starting line-up for sure.