Liverpool go in search of all three points in the Premier League on Sunday when they travel to north London to face Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds grasped their first chance to bounce back from the disappointing 1-2 defeat to Leeds United last weekend, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez scoring late goals to defeat Napoli at Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The victory ended the Serie A leaders’ unbeaten record in the ongoing campaign, although Jurgen Klopp and co. failed to meet the four-goal margin needed to finish as Group A winners. Nonetheless, the latest win in the Champions League should give Klopp’s side some confidence heading into the last few games before the World Cup hiatus.
Liverpool Team News
Jordan Henderson missed the win over Napoli in the Champions League but has been passed fit for Sunday’s clash.
James Milner was forced off in the 48th minute of the Reds’ Champions League clash with Napoli after taking a blow to the head and will be absent following concussion protocols.
Diogo Jota, Arthur Melo and Luis Diaz are long-term absentees for Liverpool, while the game against Tottenham will come too soon for Joel Matip.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker is regarded as one of, if not the best, shot-stoppers in world football. The Brazilian should come up big for his side on Sunday when called upon.
Defence
Jurgen Klopp has been tinkering with Liverpool’s formation during this term due to inconsistent performances and results. He reverted to a tried and tested 4-3-3 formation against Napoli and won 2-0, so there is a big possibility that the German tactician will stick to it against Tottenham.
Ibrahima Konate returned to the Liverpool lineup in midweek after recovering from a thigh injury and added stability to a shaky backline. With Konate in central defence, Virgil van Dijk looked a lot more assured and calm against Napoli.
Klopp is likely to retain the centre-back pairing of Van Dijk and Konate on Sunday, with Trent Alexander-Arnold starting at right-back again. Kostas Tsimikas played the full 90 minutes against Napoli, so he could drop down to the bench for Andrew Robertson to start at left-back in the Liverpool lineup.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson wasn’t risked against Napoli after recent knee issues, but he should be fine to start in the Liverpool lineup against Spurs. The England international will form a midfield trio alongside Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara, as the Reds aim to dominate Antonio Conte’s side in the centre of the pitch.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot will offer cover from the bench in midfield positions.
Attack
Since Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are out of action until after the World Cup, Klopp could consider using Darwin Nunez on the left flank in the Liverpool lineup. This should allow Roberto Firmino to go through the middle, with Mohamed Salah adding flair and pace down the right flank.
If the trio of Nunez, Salah and Firmino can combine well and create openings in the final third, Spurs may endure a long night in north London.