After back to back losses against Swansea and West Brom, Liverpool bounced back with a comfortable victory over Huddersfield Town earlier this week, helping themselves to the 3rd place in the points table. They will look to keep up their run, but will face a tough task this weekend, when they welcome Mauricio Pochettino’s side to Anfield on Sunday.
Spurs are fresh from a 2-0 victory over Manchester United and also beat Liverpool in the reverse fixture at Wembley but Liverpool are unbeaten at Anfield in the league this season and will look to improve on their record. Here is the predicted lineup Jurgen Klopp might field for this tie:
Team News:
The Reds are still without the services of Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana, both of who are back in training. Ragnar Klavan will return to training after the game and will miss this tie but defender Virgil van Dijk, who was on the bench at Kirklees, is expected to start this game. With a week before they are back in action, they are expected to field their strongest XI.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defense:
Loris Karius is now the first choice shot-stopper for Jurgen Klopp as Simon Mignolet will only find a place on the bench. The German will look to keep Harry Kane away from goal for most of the game. Joe Gomez put in a decent shift at RB earlier in the week and should keep his place in the side while Andrew Robertson should also retain his place in the first team at left-back.
Dejan Lovren put in a solid shift against Town on Tuesday but could drop to the bench, giving Van Dijk his second league start for Liverpool. He should partner Joel Matip, who remains the first choice CB for Klopp.
Midfield:
Jordan Henderson put in a superb performance earlier in the week and should start as the deepest of the midfielders against Spurs. German star Emre Can, who scored a screamer against The Terriers, should also start in the midfield, to add some mettle.
Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain came off the bench in that game but should get his chance to impress, against old rivals.
Attack:
Liverpool have no reason to fiddle with their front line for this game. Mohamed Salah will look to continue his goal scoring form, keeping the pressure on Harry Kane, who will also be in action at Anfield. Sadio Mane, who has not been at his best since returning from injury, is expected to keep his place on the left flank.
Roberto Firmino is fast becoming one of the most consistent players in the Premier League and should lead the line against Spurs.
Here is how they might line up:
