It has been a see-saw ride for Liverpool in the league so far with three exciting wins combined with four frustrating draws and one humiliating defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The results have left them stranded on the eighth spot on the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp’s men need to get their act together soon if they are serious about challenging for the title.
On the Champions League front, things have improved after they followed up on the two frustrating scoring draws against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow with a 7-0 thrashing of Maribor. Klopp’s men played some relentless football to register the Reds’ first Champions League group stage win of the season.
They are currently in the first position in the table tied on points with Spartak Moscow but way ahead on goal difference after routing Maribor.
However, if we are to put aside the Maribor extravaganza, it has been most frustrating for Klopp and his boys this season when it has come to closing matches to pick up all three points. Despite playing entertaining football, his side has failed to capitalize on their chances and a combined effect of missing chances and substandard defending has seen Liverpool held to four frustrating draws in the league already.
With Sadio Mane’s injury, Liverpool will have to do without the winger for the big match but Klopp has enough attacking reinforcement to replace the Senegalese. Liverpool will also have to cope without long-term injury absentees in the form of Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne.
Predicted 4-3-3 line up against Tottenham Hotspur:
Defence:
Simon Mignolet is expected to return in goal for Liverpool after sitting out the midweek match.
Joel Matip is expected to team up with Dejan Lovren at the centre of the defence and the duo will have to be on their game from the first minute if they want to keep the hotshot Harry Kane quiet. While Alberto Moreno is expected to start at left back, Nathaniel Clyne’s injury has vacated the right back position and last week’s man of the match Joe Gomez will be expected to retain his spot down at right back.
Midfield:
A midfield trio of Jordan Henderson along with Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can is expected to man the Liverpool midfield and it will be down to them again to play in their highest tempo if they want to keep up with Pochettino’s men.
Attack:
Roberto Firmino will be expected to lead the line with Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho likely to flank the Brazilian forward. Here is how they might line up:
