We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his Liverpool side as they return to Premier League action against title hopefuls Tottenham at Anfield.
With the final international disruption of the season complete, Liverpool search for a key three points against Mauricio Pochettino’s title chasers on Saturday evening.
The Reds look to respond positively to ill-timed defeat prior to an international break for the third time this season, and it promises to be a tough task against a Spurs side boasting the Premier League’s best defensive and goal-scoring records.
A big performance is needed to secure a vital three points at Anfield, where Klopp has a strong squad at his disposal making for an interesting team lineup.
The Team News
- Strong squad available to Klopp for Spurs test
- Firmino “close” to return after hamstring injury and to be assessed ahead of the game
- Benteke missing due to knee injury sustained on international duty
- However Coutinho is fit and in contention to start
- Henderson also in line to return after being on the bench last time out vs. Southampton
- Origi available and “in a good way” after recovering from thigh problem with Belgium
- Moreno back fit and likely to return at left-back
- Milner available again after serving one-match ban
- Sturridge unscathed from international duty and available to start
- Flanagan and Allen hopeful of retaining starting shirts despite Saints loss
- Ojo hopeful of involvement again after making debut at St Mary’s
The Reds XI vs. Spurs
Klopp has a number of selections available for a tough game, with the strong squad likely to see the Reds boss switch back to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
In that, Moreno should come back in at left-back in place of Flanagan, with Henderson returning to re-form his midfield partnership with Emre Can, meaning Allen drops back to the bench.
With Firmino a possibility to miss out, Coutinho and the returning Milner should join PFA Player of the Month Lallana operating in support of Sturridge, who should be fresh to lead the line after playing only 57 minutes for England over the break.
Those changes to the team that started at Southampton 13-days ago would see a strong Reds XI lineup like this at Anfield:
However, should Firmino pass pre-match assessments Klopp could re-introduce the Brazilian to the starting team.
A key player for the Reds, the 24-year-old could enter straight back into his role supporting Sturridge to form Liverpool’s strongest attacking lineup alongside Lallana and compatriot Coutinho.
Keeping the rest of the side the same but introducing Firmino for Milner, Liverpool could look like this come 5:30pm kick-off time:
Bouncing back to winning ways against Spurs will be a hard challenge, but one Liverpool must complete if they are to keep the league season alive.
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