The international break perhaps came at the wrong time for Liverpool who have had a stunning start to the season. The Reds have won their opening four games and have kept three clean sheets in the process as they have laid down an early marker as potential title challengers.
Jürgen Klopp’s side last faced Leicester City away from home and managed to beat the Foxes in what was a tricky game. They next travel to the Wembley to take on Tottenham Hotspur who will be itching to return to winning ways.
Tottenham looked set to keep their 100% record against Watford a fortnight ago before two late goals from the Hornets condemned the North Londoners to their first league defeat.
Liverpool will not have good memories of their last visit to the Wembley as they were smashed 4-1. Since that defeat, Klopp’s side have done pretty well, though, and the fans will hope the team will show its true colours this time.
Liverpool Team News
The Reds will be without Dejan Lovren who might not return till late October. Klopp will have to rotate his team with Cup games coming up, so expect to see a lot more of Joel Matip at centre-half. Adam Lallana picked up a groin injury recently and he too might be unavailable for selection. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains a long-term absentee and will only return next year.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup
Defence
It would be surprising if Klopp decides to make changes to the backline that has been pretty solid so far this season. The centre-half duo of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk has complemented each other really well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been consistent performers so far and have often mixed the attacking impetus with sound defending. They will have their hands full this weekend though as Lucas Moura is looking good and Heung-Min Son, if he starts.
Alisson Becker had a horror moment against Leicester as he was caught dwelling on the ball and he’ll have to cut the complacency out of his game. He will start in goal.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson had one of the worst games of his Liverpool career when Liverpool last faced Spurs at Wembley. Gini Wijnaldum has done well in the deeper role, so he could start there ahead of the Liverpool skipper.
Naby Keita and James Milner are likely to partner the Dutchman in a three-man midfield. Keita will need to have a big game and the biggest task will be dealing with the Tottenham midfield press.
Attack
Sadio Mane is the man in form and should start on the left. Mohamed Salah has had a bit of a slow start as teams have targeted him with an extra marker, but he is expected to start ahead of Xherdan Shaqiri.
Roberto Firmino scored his first goal of the season against Leicester and has improved with each passing game. He should lead the line. His work ethic will be key against the Tottenham midfield and defence.
