Liverpool boss Arne Slot. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Liverpool boss Arne Slot. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool team predicted to face Spurs in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Liverpool look to stretch their unbeaten run to six matches when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur (17.30 GMT).
The Reds are hoping to show that they have truly turned a corner, with their Premier League title defence over before Christmas. Liverpool find themselves 10 points behind Arsenal, a gap that is too big to bridge.
Arne Slot’s side’s main aim is to continue the recent progress they have made, having earned a 2-0 win over Brighton last weekend, with their chief aim to finish in the top four. That was also Spurs’ ambition at the beginning of the campaign but they have had their struggles, with Thomas Frank coming under pressure despite only becoming head coach in the summer.
But Liverpool will not be underestimating Tottenham, while Slot looks set to be short of senior players. Mo Salah is now representing Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, while Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni unavailable.
With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool team predicted.
GK - Alisson Becker
The Liverpool No.1 made one crucial save against Brighton to keep a clean sheet and he will be aiming for three successive shutouts.
RB - Conor Bradley
The Northern Ireland international is back from a one-match suspension. His return is timely given Gomez’s absent and Bradley will be aiming to nail down a starting spot.
CB - Ibrahima Konate
Looked much more like his usual self in the past couple of games. That needs to continue as he has made too many mistakes this season.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Will be pleased with the recent defensive improvements but it’s crucial that the Liverpool captain ensures the standards are retained.
LB - Milos Kerkez
Really started to come on in the past few weeks as he begins to adapt to his new surroundings. Providing width will be key along with Bradley.
DM - Curtis Jones
Been Liverpool’s best player in the past three games and earned the praise of Slot at his pre-match press conference. Consistency is what Jones needs to find.
DM - Ryan Gravenberch
Having Jones in a double-pivot gives Liverpool more tactical flexibility and allows Gravenberch the freedom to get forward.
CM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool’s best performer this season is somewhat of a minor doubt because of an ankle issue but he trained yesterday and he should be able to feature.
CM - Alexis Mac Allister
Been more comfortable in a four-man midfield playing short, sharp passes. Mac Allister’s confidence should be getting restored after his drop in form.
ST - Florian Wirtz
Still awaiting a Premier League goal or assist but the eye test is the more important when it comes to Wirtz. He has been superb in recent weeks and it’s a matter of time before he finds the back of the net.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Finds himself undroppable after netting doubles in his past two Premier League matches. Alexander Isak will know he’ll have to wait for his next chance.
Mamardashvili, Woodman, Frimpong, Robertson, Nyoni, Isak, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Morrison.
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