It feels like Groundhog Day writing about Liverpool’s upcoming fixture. Bar one decent performance against Chelsea, the Reds have been poor and we’ll all been looking at the next game as a chance to turn things around.
That’s no different this week either after the humiliating 2-0 loss away to Hull City and in the space of a month, the Reds have gone from title challengers to a side scrapping to finish in the Champions League places.
One of the sides who are currently in the top four are Tottenham, an in form side who are the visitors to Anfield on Saturday evening.
Liverpool’s recent record against Spurs is excellent but both sides come into the game feeling completely different. Tottenham are second in the table and are on a good run, where as, as I’ve mentioned, Jurgen Klopp’s side can’t seem to buy a win.
So, which XI will the manager select to try and earn his first league win of 2017? Here’s what I think:
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
I think, after Simon Mignolet’s recent howlers, that the manager will recall Loris Karius. The German looked good in recent cup games but this will be a big test for him
Right Back: Nathaniel Clyne
No brainer really, when Clyne is fit, he starts.
Centre Back: Joel Matip
In truth, Matip hasn’t been at his best since his return. He’ll need to be on his game this weekend with Harry Kane in good goalscoring form.
Centre Back: Ragnar Klavan
At the time of writing, it looks like Dejan Lovren will not be fit to play. Klavern trained on Friday so he’s the likely replacement.
Left Back: James Milner
There has been talk of Alberto Moreno playing at left-back but I’m convinced that the manager will stick with Milner.
Midfield: Jordan Henderson
The captain has been playing pretty well as of late and will need to be on his game again as Spurs have a very good midfield.
Midfield: Gini Wijnaldum
Emre Can has not been playing well for a few weeks now so I see Gini Wijnaldum getting the nod.
Midfield: Adam Lallana
Another injury doubt but it looks like Lallana will be fit to play too. If he’s not, Can will come in for him.
Right Forward: Sadio Mane
This will be Mane’s first home start since his return from AFCON duty. Hopefully he plays like he did in home games around October/November.
Left Forward: Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho was terrible against Hull. Hopefully he can put things right against Spurs.
Forward: Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino will lead the line once again. He too has been a bit hit and miss, let’s hope he’s a hit this weekend.