There could be some big decisions for Jurgen Klopp to make, but injuries may make his selection straight forward at Tottenham.
After responding to defeat at Burnley with a strong League Cup showing in midweek, the Reds look to translate that winning form to the Premier League in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Klopp leads a much changed Liverpool back to the scene of his debut as Reds boss 10 months ago, and he will look to mark the occasion with a better result than the hard-fought goalless draw played out on his maiden outing.
A tough task awaits his side as they search for what would be a big three points against a Spurs team who have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season – and Klopp has some key selection decision to make from his depleted squad.
Team News
• Klopp facing injury concerns and key decisions for tough White Hart Lane visit
• Emre Can likely to miss out due to ankle knock sustained in Burton win
• Divock Origi doubt after suffering cramp in midweek
• Philippe Coutinho also touch-and-go due to hamstring issue
• Loris Karius still missing, Mamadou Sakho unavailable
• Selection decisions at centre-back with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan available
• James Milner to continue at left-back ahead of Alberto Moreno
• Jordan Henderson likely to return to defensive midfield duties
• Daniel Sturridge pushing for starting berth after midweek brace
• Danny Ings hopeful of inclusion in squad after being named on the bench in midweek
Liverpool’s XI
Ill-timed injuries to Can and Origi make Klopp’s selection more straightforward, but the German faces decisions throughout his team in the now preferred 4-3-3 formation.
Impressing in their first competitive outing as a partnership at Burton, Klopp could deploy Matip and Lovren as the central pairing for the first time in the Premier League, in the same back four.
Henderson is likely to drop to his unsuited role at the base of midfield again, with Wijnaldum and Lallana occupying box-to-box positions, but Klopp has a couple of ways he could shape his attack.
That includes re-forming the pacy and technically gifted trio that dismantled the Red half of north London, with Coutinho – should he prove his fitness – and Mane supporting Firmino.
This would see the Reds XI look like this:
Playing twice in five days could prove too much for recently returned Matip, which could see Klavan partner Lovren.
Changes could also materialise in midfield and attack, should Coutinho not recover in time and Klopp decide against risking the 24-year-old.
The Brazilian’s potential absence would likely see Henderson, Wijnaldum and Lallana again form a central trio that leaves you worrying about presence and physicality against a powerful Spurs side.
That would leave Firmino and Mane to support striker Sturridge, who could be handed a start after his sharp brace at the Pirelli Stadium.
Those adjustments would see Liverpool start like this at White Hart Lane:
The Reds responded positively to the Burnley loss in midweek, but Klopp’s men must prove they’ve well and truly put it behind them by claiming a three big points in the capital.
Fan Comments