After dropping for the first time in the Premier League this season at Old Trafford last weekend, Liverpool have another tricky fixture on Sunday, when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs arrested their dismal run of form with a thumping victory over Crvena Zvezda earlier in the week, while Liverpool dismantled Genk to end a curios form in Europe away from home.
The Reds have lost just once in the last 13 meetings between the sides, losing none of their last eight games at Anfield. But under pressure early this season at the top of the table, Liverpool are not outright favourites to take all three points from this game.
Liverpool Team News
Klopp revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold is still doubtful for this game. He missed the game against Genk with a virus but is expected to recover in time. Nathaniel Clyne and Xherdan Shaqiri remain sidelined, while Joel Matip is also doubtful and may not be risked even if fit for this weekend.
Here is the predicted lineup Jurgen Klopp might field to maintain or improve on their six-point lead at the top of the table:
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3)
Defence
Alisson Becker is yet to keep a clean sheet for Liverpool since coming back from injury. He will once again be tested by the likes of Harry Kane and Heung Min-Son this weekend. But they will have to get past Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch star will be partnered with Dejan Lovren, whose mistake gave Genk their only goal in that game. Andrew Robertson got some rest late in that game and should be back at left-back while Alexander-Arnold is also expected to be fit to claim his spot at right-back in the Liverpool lineup. James Milner should Alexander-Arnold miss out.
Midfield
Fabinho is one player Klopp cannot afford to drop from the first team for crunch matches likes these. The Brazilian will play in his usual defensive midfield role but will have more support that he did against Genk.
Skipper Jordan Henderson was not used in that game but should back in the Liverpool lineup against Spurs. Georginio Wijnaldum was effective coming off the bench in their Champions League game and should be back in the starting lineup, to complete Liverpool’s midfield.
Attack
Klopp’s side missed Mohamed Salah at Old Trafford. The Egyptian picked up a goal and an assist against Genk and will be the danger man for Spurs in this game. Sadio Mane has scored in three of Liverpool’s last four games, and will also be a threat, on the left flank.
Roberto Firmino enjoyed his time in Belgium but might have a tougher night against the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Spurs’ backline, who will surely keep an eye on him.
Here is how they might line up:
