Rousing the Kop take a stab at predicting the lineup for Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
Liverpool thrashed Burton Albion 5-0 on Tuesday in the EFL Cup and will be feeling a little bit more positive after a 2-0 defeat to Burnley last weekend. Spurs, on the other hand, have had a full week’s rest and will be looking to inflict more misery on the Reds.
Tottenham’s Danny Rose, according to Spurs’ official website, is leaving friendship behind for 90 minutes despite being mates with several of Liverpool’s players.
“I get on very well with Jordan Henderson, who is their captain now, I’ve played with him since I was about 19 with England but as soon as the game starts I don’t think ‘that’s my friend’ or maybe if I’m in the England squad next week that I’ll be sitting with him eating dinner, it doesn’t matter, I want to win,” said Rose who is clearly keen on beating Liverpool today.
You can bet your life’s savings that every Liverpool player will be every bit as hell-bent on winning as Rose and his Spurs’ teammates are. But who will play for the Reds? Rousing the Kop predicts the starting lineup ahead of a clash which could hold severe consequences for the rest of the season.
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How does Michael Baddeley think Liverpool will lineup?
Formation 4-3-3
XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Henderson, Lallana, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Coutinho, Mane
I think Klopp will go with the same team that beat Arsenal, with the exception of Matip for Klavan and Milner for Moreno. The former looked good against Burton. In fact, he looked very good. It may have only been Burton Albion, but he looked strong defensively and his ball-playing ability was great. I highlighted this last week, Moreno is a proper left back and Miner isn’t. But Klopp seems to prefer Milly and he will definitely choose him over Alberto.
There’s not really much other choice in midfield is there? I’d love Grujic to play but I don’t think Klopp thinks he’s ready yet and he won’t risk Can. With that being said, I can see Klopp utilising Hendo in the holding role, with Lallana being the more attacking of the three and Gini as the deep-lying play-maker.
Mane on the right, Coutinho on the left drifting inside with Firmino as the false 9. We missed Mane massively against Burnley, Firmino plays so well against these big teams who attack and Coutinho is a no-brainer.
I feel quite optimistic about this game, we are a big game team and when teams attack us we usually pick them off. 3-2 to Liverpool!
What does Dylan Gerstley predict?
Formation: 4-2-3-1
XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, Henderson, Milner, Mane, Firmino, Lallana, Origi
A high pressing Tottenham side will keep Klopp on his toes. Divock Origi will lead the line to act as a pacy, physical presence while Roberto Firming will slot into the midfield to bring creativity and guile. Sadio Mane obviously keeps his place out wide with his exceptional offensive displays. Mane will be expected to be more consistent threat, like he was against Burton.
Klopp’s favourite, Adam Lallana, will slot in for the injured Coutinho and his pressing and technique will be critical to Liverpool’s attacking moves. James Milner, instead of slotting into left back, will be played in a defensive midfield role to stymie the Tottenham attack with Jordan Henderson along side him to play a more box to box role.
Alberto Moreno will play left back and the Spaniard has a good track record against Tottenham. Matip will finally make his Premier League debut and his skill on the ball will ease the burden on the Henderson-Milner pairing. Dejan Lovren will play along side the former Schalke man with Nathaniel Clyne on the right. Simon Mignolet will play in between the sticks with Loris Karius still out injured.
This solid lineup will yield a good day for the Reds.
Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool
How does Michael Mongie foresee the Reds setting up?
Formation: 4-3-3
XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, Emre Can, Henderson, Lallana, Coutinho, Sturridge, Mane
Simon Mignolet will keep his place in goal as Loris Karius is still recovering since breaking his hand during pre-season. In front of the Belgian shot-stopper, for the first time in the Premier League this season, I expect that we will see Joel Matip partnering Dejan Lovren. The two centre halves will be flanked by Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno, with the latter coming back into the side after James Milner highlighted the need for a left footed left back.
Moving higher up the pitch, I am hoping that Emre Can will be fit enough to play against Spurs as he brings balance to a midfield which seems to be lacking in defensive awareness. Henderson and Lallana are both capable going forward and can press the opponent well up the field, but neither are suited to defensive midfield roles.
Another fitness question mark is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian has been trying to shirk a hamstring issue since last weekend and sat out the EFL Cup tie against Burton Albion to rest the muscle. Sadio Mane will return to a side who lacked penetration against Burnley a week ago today. The front three should be spearheaded by Daniel Sturridge given his clinical display in midweek.
If you disagree with our predicted lineups then you are welcome to comment below with what you think Jürgen Klopp will go for.