Arne Slot will welcome two players back into his squad for the trip to Tottenham, but faces an important selection with several sidelined and one key player in doubt.
It is a rarity at this time of year for Liverpool to have a week between games, but it has afforded Slot the opportunity to work more closely with his squad.
There will be an expectation that it shows against Tottenham on Saturday, but Slot may need to make a late call on his lineup as he awaits the final verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai‘s availability.
The Hungarian has started all but two games this season, both in the League Cup, and is a key cog for Liverpool. So here is how the Reds could line up with and without him.
Liverpool team news vs. Spurs: Late Szoboszlai decision
Liverpool’s Predicted XI vs. Tottenham
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike (L) and Dominik Szoboszlai line-up before the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Dom has been a starter for me and he would be a starter tomorrow if he’s completely fit,” Slot told reporters on the eve of the match, thus he will start if fit.
On that proviso, he would then be expected to take up the position on the right, as he has done for the last two league games, with Florian Wirtz and Alexis Mac Allister to his left, and Hugo Ekitike leading the line.
That would leave Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones to continue at the base of the midfield, ahead of a back four that will have one enforced change.
Gomez is not fit to feature after his injury last time out and, thankfully, Bradley can come straight back in after serving a one-match suspension.
This would leave the likes of Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa, Frimpong, Andy Robertson and Rio Ngumoha as options off the bench:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike
The alternative, should Szoboszlai not be fit to start, could see Slot deploy a 4-4-2 diamond system with Isak and Ekitike both leading the line.
This would limit the choices off the bench and may be why Slot will not consider it his first option, but it would occupy Tottenham‘s defence.
A week between games means there is no need to make changes beyond injury issues, but Milos Kerkez‘s latest bout of cramp could see Robertson called up at left-back.
The tweaks would see Liverpool line up like this:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike, Isak
Liverpool ought to like their chances of bringing an early Christmas present back to Merseyside on Saturday after Tottenham‘s inconsistent showings of late.
But neither side have impressed for long stretches this season, and goals are to be expected with the two combining for 45 conceded across the first 16 league games.
Injuries will not afford Slot much flexibility once his lineup is named, but three points are a must after a week between games.