At last back to the real football of the Premier League and not having to watch who Roy Hodgson will choose for the Three Lions starting XI in France.
Liverpool welcome title chasing Tottenham Hotspurs to Anfield for this afternoon’s late kick-off with manager Mauricio Pochettino determined to have the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli keep his sides hopes of winning the Premier League title alive with a win on Merseyside, while Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp will be hoping his side have recovered from their 3-2 against Southampton last time out.
The last time the two teams met at White Hart Lane, in what was Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp’s first game in charge; we had to sit through a boring goalless draw, which will not be the outcome this afternoon as the two attacking sides go head-to-head.
Team News
Liverpool have suffered all season with injuries, with Klopp now sweating on the fatigued Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Mourinho following their trips to South America, which also has Firmino nursing a minor hamstring injury. Returning back to the squad is Spaniard Alberto Moreno, who we pick to star ahead of Jon Flanagan.
Goalkeeper
As per-usual Simon Mignolet gets the start despite picking up a knock while on international duty with Belgium.
Defence
The only change we are making here is bringing Alberto Moreno back into the team to help give the Reds another attacking option while Clyne, Lovren and Sakho continue to be Klopp’s starting back line.
Midfield
A bit of a tough choice given the fact both Milner and Henderson are available and the fact Joe Allen deserves to keep his place in the team following his performance against Southampton despite the loss. Emre Can will keep his place in the starting line-up, but Henderson will start at the expense of Divock Origi.
This then leaves either Adam Lallana or James Milner to play with Philippe Coutinho behind lone striker Daniel Sturridge.
Attack
The England centre-forward will have the opportunity today to not only show why he deserves to be a starting striker for Euro 2016, but also why Liverpool should not consider selling him for a reported £50 million over the summer. With Christian Benteke, Divock Origi, and Danny Ings all on the books you have to assume that at least one of the forwards will be moved on in the summer with the German trainer brining in a player he feels will more suit his high pressing game.
Conclusion
Tottenham really need to win this game, and as such with force the play, which means Liverpool will hit them hard on the counter. After giving up a 0-2 lead down on the south coast it’s up to Liverpool to bounce back which is why we will pick the Reds to win this one 3-2 in what should be a very entertaining game.
Mignolet, Clyne, Moreno, Lovren, Sakho; Can, Henderson, Allen, Coutinho, Lallana; Sturridge
