Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have failed to take maximum points in any league game since the turn of the year and their recent result at the KCOM has highlighted their weakness yet again. The manager will be disappointed with the way his side have been playing recently and will hope that they can improve when they welcome an inform Tottenham side to Anfield this weekend.
Spurs are fresh from a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the previous round and are expected to match Liverpool’s intensity and the hosts will have to be at their best to get anything from this game. They have not won a game at home this year yet and Klopp is expected to field his strongest side in search of all three points this weekend.
Here is the predicted lineup that he might play for this game.
Team News:
The Reds missed the services of Dejan Lovren in the previous game but he is expected to be back in action this week for this clash. Ragnar Klavan is also just back from an injury and will be assessed before the game. Danny Ings, Ovie Ejaria and Marko Grujic remain the only other absentees for the side for this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Simon Mignolet:
Though cost the side a few points in the last few games, Mignolet is the first choice shot-stopper for Liverpool and should start this clash.
Nathaniel Clyne:
The English defender has stuck to his task well recently and will be up against the likes of Son and Eriksen on the night.
Joel Matip:
The Cameroon international is the backbone of the Liverpool defense and he will hope to have a decent night to help his side to a victory.
Dejan Lovren:
Missed the last game through injury but is back fit for this game and should partner Matip at the back to improve the Liverpool defense.
James Milner:
The make-shift full-back for Liverpool, Milner was lethargic in the previous game but will hope to put in a better performance this weekend.
Jordan Henderson:
The skipper of the side, Henderson, will have to play an important role, controlling the midfield of the side, to keep Liverpool in the hunt for a victory.
Georginio Wijnaldum:
The Dutch international was named the player of the month for January for Liverpool and is expected retain his place in the midfield after being dropped in the previous game.
Emre Can:
The German midfielder has been criticized heavily for the lack of performances recently but he should start this game in the absence of key player for Liverpool.
Sadio Mane:
The Senegalese winger failed to make a difference in the previous game against Hull but he will be the danger man in this game and will be up against Ben Davies on the night.
Roberto Firmino:
Though he was hardly effective in the last few games, Firmino is an important part of the squad and will hope to get the better of Dier and Alderweireld in this tie.
Philippe Coutinho:
The Brazilian play maker is yet to influence games for Liverpool since coming back from an injury and this game is as good an opportunity for him to get back to form for Liverpool.