After ending their two-game losing streak in all competitions, Liverpool will hope to make it two wins in two when they take on Tottenham tomorrow. The Reds weren’t at their best against Huddersfield this past midweek, but their clinical nature in front of goal saw them win by a three-goal margin.
Tottenham will be a tough clash tough. The Reds went through a chastening experience in their last outing at Wembley and will want to make a point when Pochettino’s side visit Anfield. The North Londoners beat Manchester United at home in their last game and surprised many with their domination in the second half.
With just two points separating the two sides, Liverpool need a win to ensure they strengthen their position in the top four.
Jürgen Klopp still have a few injury concerns as Adam Lallana won’t make it in time for the game. However, Virgil van Dijk could return for the all-important clash. Here’s how the Reds could line up against Spurs…
Defence
Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are expected to start at the heart of the defence. Matip had a decent outing against Huddersfield, but he was hardly tested by the Terriers who played a cautious game.
Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez could once again play as the two fullbacks and they’ll have their hands full with Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min in good form.
Loris Karius was relatively untested against Huddersfield but did well in a few set-piece situations. Against a team like Spurs, he could have a busy evening.
Midfield
Emre Can was back to his imperious best against Huddersfield and is expected to start alongside Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Henderson had a tough game against Spurs last time out but his pressing will be key to negating Spurs’ free-flowing attack. Of the three, the skipper is expected to play as the deepest midfielder.
Can will not only have to link the defence and the attack but will have to win the ball back when Spurs are in possession. The goal he scored against Huddersfield will give him a lot more confidence as well.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could get the nod ahead of Gini Wijnaldum simply because he is more of a goal threat than the Dutchman. Having settled in well in the midfield role, his pressing will be important, something he showed against Manchester City.
Attack
Expectations will be high for Liverpool’s front three. While Sadio Mane’s form has been patchy, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah have gone about their business with minimum fuss of late.
Firmino has managed three goals and two assists in his last four games, so the fans will be glad he is peaking at the right time, especially after Coutinho’s departure.
