LIVERPOOL VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host top four chasing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield tonight. The Reds’ chase for the Premier League title continues as Jürgen Klopp’s side seek to heap pressure on Manchester City by beating Spurs to go two points clear at the top of the table. Here’s the predicted lineup for the match.

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It is almost a fully fit squad available to the manager, with only Roberto Firmino a doubt. The Brazilian returned to training yesterday after overcoming a foot injury. The manager however suggested it may be better if Bobby trained throughout the weekend.

With a four day break between tonight’s clash and the last outing against Villarreal, Klopp will once again go strong. Rotation will be limited to two or three changes at most. Conte’s side will pose a real threat tonight with their counter attacking prowess against Liverpool’s high line.

In goal will be Alisson Becker. The Brazilian is one clean sheet clear of counterpart Ederson in the race for the Golden Glove. He hasn’t won that accolade since his very first season at the club. A clean sheet tonight will have to be earned though, with Tottenham’s front three in fine form.

In defence, there’s likely to be just the one change with Joel Matip coming in for Ibou Konaté. The Cameroonian will have Kane to deal with and will also be required on the cover for Trent, with Son sure to target the space the right back leaves when he ventures forward to create.

Van Dijk and Robertson will complete the backline, with responsibility on the big man’s shoulders to keep the defence in line when trying to set offside traps. Robbo will also look to keep impressive loan signing Dejan Kulusevski quiet. There will be lots of interesting personal battles tonight.

Trent vs Son is almost a dress rehearsal for Trent vs Vinicius in the Champions League final. Both forwards love to spin in behind and rely on their pace. Trent is a very capable defender no matter what lazy pundits will tell you. He will have to prove it tonight, and indeed in the Champions League final (again).

We can expect one change in midfield as well. Skipper Jordan Henderson will likely come in for Naby Keita after being limited to a brief cameo on Tuesday night. Fabinho and Thiago meanwhile will continue in midfield and look to build on their impressive record of 26 wins from 30 (just the one defeat) when starting together.

Upfront, the manager could make one more alteration. Luis Diaz has dazzled his way into the team after that showing off the bench in midweek. Alongside the Colombian could be Mané through the middle and Salah on the right but I have a sneaky suspicion the manager will go in a different direction.

In the aftermath of the comeback win over Unai Emery’s outfit, he was keen to stress that Diogo Jota was not the problem. The Portuguese international was taken off at the break after a woeful performance (to be fair, none in a red shirt played well).

With Jürgen Klopp being a world class man manager, I suspect he will hand Jota a start here. Heading into the most crucial phase of the season, the last thing he needs is for Diogo’s confidence to be knocked. A start tonight and an improved display will put events in midweek firmly in the rearview mirror.

It also helps that the 25 year old scored against Spurs in the reverse fixture. A breather for Sadio will be no bad thing as well. I could be wrong but whichever attack the manager picks will be strong enough to get the job done. What a wonderful situation to be in.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Jota, Diaz.

Subs: Kelleher, Gomez, Konaté, Tsimikas, Milner, Keita, Jones, Mané, Origi.