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Predicting Liverpool’s starting XI to face Tottenham

Predicting Liverpool’s starting XI to face Tottenham

Billy Wooldridge 29 Sep 2023, 11:08 Last modified: 29 Sep 2023

Liverpool travel to London for what promises to be their toughest test of the season so far, as they attempt to continue their unbeaten run against Tottenham this Saturday.

The Reds have won five of their first six Premier League fixtures and are coming off the back of a fourth consecutive 3-1 win.

Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Leicester was – amazingly – Liverpool’s fifth game of the season in which they have conceded first, but goals from Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota overturned the half-time deficit.

Tottenham currently sit two places below Jurgen Klopp’s men in fourth and also remain unbeaten in the league, following a strong performance in last weekend’s 2-2 North London derby draw.

Liverpool’s recent record against Tottenham is brilliant, with the Reds unbeaten against Spurs in their last 13 matches in all competitions going all the way back to a 4-1 loss at Wembley in October 2017.

Klopp’s men will certainly be confident coming into this test, especially with an almost entirely fit squad. Here’s a look at how Liverpool could line up this Saturday.

Defensive Returns

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return to the side following his hamstring injury against Aston Villa at the start of September.

The right-back has missed Liverpool’s last four games in all competitions, but was pictured back in training this week, and should start on Saturday evening.

The impressive Joe Gomez may have to make do with a bench slot, despite deputising ably at right back in recent outings.

Captain Virgil van Dijk will, barring any late issues this week, start alongside either Joel Matip, who was rested midweek against Leicester, or Ibrahima Konate who has just recently returned from his hamstring injury.

Andy Robertson is in line to complete Liverpool’s back four after he sat out Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie, with Alisson Becker in goal as usual.

Midfield Magic

Aside from Thiago Alcantara’s ongoing issues, the Reds have a full complement in midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch was replaced after 65 minutes on Wednesday night, and one could say that Klopp did so with one eye on Saturday’s fixture.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are both expected to start against Tottenham after strong starts to the season. The Hungarian, in particular, has been a force in Liverpool's new-look midfield, scoring a thunderous strike against Leicester in midweek after coming off the bench.

Curtis Jones wore the captain’s armband and filled in at right-back against Leicester and will be looking to start his fifth consecutive match this weekend. The 22-year-old is now seemingly one of Klopp's most trusted lieutenants.

Wataru Endo had his best game in a Liverpool shirt on Wednesday night, but with the fine form of his fellow midfielders, the Japan international will most likely start on the bench – though his defensive nous may be required.

Attacking Headaches

Klopp has a fully fit front line to choose from – all of whom are in brilliant form so far this season.

As always, Mohamed Salah will to start for the Reds, having kicked off the campaign with four goals and four assists in all competitions.

Luis Diaz should be in line for a return to the starting XI after he was rested on Wednesday night. The Colombian now appears firmly first choice on Liverpool's left side.

That leaves Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nuñez fighting it out for the striker's role on Saturday, with all three playing a part in the 3-1 win on Wednesday.

Klopp could soothe his headache by opting to start Gakpo in his versatile midfield role, leaving a spare slot in attack, but chances are slim given the strength of Liverpool’s opposition.

Nuñez's burgeoning partnership with Salah and ability to sow chaos in opposition defences may see him earn another start this time around