On Sunday, Liverpool will host Tottenham, and Jurgen Klopp is expected to stick largely with the team that has won three straight league games
Liverpool appear to be gaining some traction after a difficult season in which they have been inconsistent at best.
The Reds have found some form thanks to a slightly altered system that sees Trent Alexander-Arnold play more centrally while in possession.
Klopp, on the other hand, has refrained from declaring that his team has regained consistency.
While Champions League qualification is unlikely, Liverpool’s form could help them secure a place in that competition or next season’s Europa League.
Here’s how Liverpool might line up against Tottenham Hotspur.
XI for Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Klopp has only made one substitution in the last four games, with Joel Matip coming in for the injured Konate against West Ham.
According to the boss, “the ticket into this team will be the readiness to counter-press,” and this has created “a situation in training where everyone can show up.”
While the squad is clearly pushing Klopp’s starters, the German is unlikely to make any drastic changes against Tottenham.
The team could look like this:
Only one change from Liverpool’s win over West Ham: Konate replaces Matip.
The midfield is unchanged, with Fabinho sitting.
Liverpool’s starting lineup would be as follows:
Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Jota, Gakpo; Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson;
The aging nature of Klopp’s captain may force his hand, as Liverpool is in the midst of a period in which they play six matches in 19 days.
Injuries may also force Klopp to change his lineup.
Jota is currently questionable after suffering a back injury against West Ham.
Klopp has stated that he “should be fine,” but he was not present at training on Friday.
With this in mind, we might see more changes:
Darwin Nunez makes his first league appearance in six years, replacing Jota Matip keeps his place alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Thiago takes over in midfield for Jordan Henderson.
This rotated team would look like this:
Klopp’s emphasis on counter-pressing will continue for the rest of the season, as he urges his Liverpool team to return to the winning formula.
The players he chooses to face Tottenham must be prepared for a grueling 90 minutes at Anfield.
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