Predicted Liverpool XI to face Tottenham in the Premier League
Liverpool booked their seat in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday, thanks to a wonderful strike from Curtis Jones.
Having played a game less than defending champions Man City, the Reds are currently 14 points clear of the Citizens atop the Premier League standings. Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking to strengthen their title credentials when they make the trip to North London to face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Liverpool triumphed 2-1 over Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham at Anfield back in October and it remains to be seen whether Mourinho can spark an unlikely victory against the runaway leaders, having lost to Southampton in the Premier League last week.
Team News
Jurgen Klopp failed a weakened eleven comprising of several academy starlets in the Merseyside derby against Everton but he is expected to switch to his regular players for the Premier League clash against Spurs.
Dejan Lovren (thigh) and Joel Matip (knee) are still on the comeback trail from their respective injuries and their selection will be subject to late fitness tests.
Naby Keita (groin), Nathaniel Clyne (knee), James Milner (muscle) and Fabinho (ankle) are all ruled out while Xherdan Shaqiri is also doubtful to play a part due to a thigh problem.
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted XI
1. Alisson (GK)
Adrian did a wonderful job against Everton on Sunday but the Brazilian has always been the undisputed first-choice between the sticks for Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
The academy graduate has continued to impress this season and he is pretty much a sure starter every weekend in the Premier League.
3. Virgil van Dijk (CB)
The Dutchman remains a key cog in Liverpool’s backline and he should be fresh and up for it after being rested for the FA Cup tie against Everton.
4. Joe Gomez (CB)
The England international has done well to grab his opportunities in the absence of Matip and Lovren and he is expected to continue at the heart of the backline against Tottenham.
5. Andrew Robertson (LB)
The former Hull City star didn’t play a part in the FA Cup tie but he continues to be one of the first names on Klopp’s team sheet for the Premier League games.
6. Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The Englishman has stepped into the shoes of Fabinho brilliantly following the Brazilian’s injury and his leadership qualities could once again hold the key to Liverpool’s success on Saturday.
7. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)
Adam Lallana played in the FA Cup game but the former Arsenal man could add a lot more sharpness and goal threat to Liverpool’s midfield against Tottenham.
8. Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)
An indispensable component of Liverpool’s midfield trio, the Dutchman should be ready to start on Saturday after getting a break during the cup tie.
9. Sadio Mane (LW)
The Senegalese international has been a key weapon for the Reds in front of goal and a lot will depend on how he goes about things against Tottenham.
10. Mo Salah (RW)
The Egyptian wizard found the net against Sheffield United last week and few would back against him adding to his tally of 10 goals in the Premier League this season when Liverpool make the trip to North London.
11. Roberto Firmino (ST)
The Brazilian has failed to find the net against Sheffield United and Wolves after a brace against Leicester City on Boxing Day and he will be desperate to get his name on the scoresheet on Saturday.
