Liverpool will be welcoming an in-form Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield as they look to stem a flow of atrocious results in 2017 which has seen them win a single match out of 10 since the turn of the year. The solitary win came in an FA Cup replay against Plymouth which shows the extent to which they have regressed in recent months.
The Reds started the season off with a bang scoring 4 goals past a hapless Arsenal side and then carried the momentum in the next couple of months, emerging as a bona fide title contender. But their usual deficiencies and their propensity to drop points against the so-called smaller teams saw their momentum whittle away and their recent form has now raised doubts about their ability to finish in the Top 4.
Jürgen Klopp decided against making any January additions and he will have a lot to answer if Liverpool fail to make the Top 4, which after the start they had looked a formality. Spurs are up next and the Lilywhites will look to keep the pressure on Chelsea. Pochettino has been brilliant and has again got the best out of his young team and the match between the two high-intensity football-preaching managers will be a treat to watch.
PREDICTED LIVERPOOL VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Simon Mignolet is likely to continue between the sticks and he will have a job on his hands as he will look to keep out the likes of Alli and Kane out, which has been near impossible till now. Clyne will line up at right-back and has to match the energy levels of his counterparts to keep up with them. Lovren is likely to make a return from injury and will line-up alongside Matip at the heart of the defence. At left-back, Milner will look to bring all his experience to the table and thwart the Spurs attack.
MIDFIELD
Emre Can might finally be axed after his calamitous displays over the last couple of games and Wijnaldum might take his place. Henderson will sit in the holding position and will look to dictate the pace of the game. Lallana might make up the midfield 3, sitting on the right side in a slightly withdrawn role.
ATTACK
Klopp will look to go back to his basics with the frontline which performed exceedingly well at the start of the season. Coutinho will be on the left-wing while Sadio Mane is likely to be on the right-wing with Firmino playing in a false 9 position.
