Liverpool visit White Hart Lane today to face off against familiar opponents with similar league aspirations. Mauricio Pochettino's men have gone on to have an unbeaten start to their 2016-17 campaign whereas the Reds started the season on a bright note; beating Arsenal 4-3 at the Emirates but all that was taken away after a disappointing 2-0 loss to newly promoted Burnley.
Pochettino is without a victory against Liverpool in his four meetings as Spurs too have not beaten them at the Lane since November 2012. From the last 21 goals that have been scored between the two sides, 18 have been scored by Liverpool. This was the venue where Jurgen Klopp started his Liverpool managerial career and will hope to add another away victory to his name.
Spurs will be without Hugo Lloris and Moussa Dembele whereas the rest of the squad is available for selection. The Reds have some major injury concerns with Emre Can who could miss today's clash along with long-term casualties, Mamadou Sakho and Loris Karius. Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi are expected to start on the bench.
A pressing game of the highest quality is going to be on display today as both the managers will look to beat the other at his own game. Dele Alli is expected to replace Vincent Janssen in the Spurs lineup whereas Daniel Sturridge could start up front for the Reds. Let's take a look at a combined Liverpool vs Spurs lineup ahead of tonight's game:
1) Goalkeepers and defenders
Simon Mignolet
If Hugo Lloris would have been fit, this decision would have been a no brainier. But, Spurs' deputy, Michael Vorm does not have the same experience as Simon Mignolet with chances coming very rare for Vorm. Mignolet is a superior shot-stopper than the Dutchman and that's why he is selected as the custodian in this combined lineup.
Defenders
Nathaniel Clyne
This position is the toughest to choose between the two teams as both Clyne and Kyle Walker are two of the best right-backs in the league. But, Clyne being more resolute defensively, takes the right back spot from the Tottenham player.
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian has been a rock at the back since his arrival and deservedly won Spurs’ player of the year award in the last campaign. He is an obvious choice at the back ahead of Joel Matip or Ragnar Klavan.
Jan Vertonghen
It is a tough choice again between Jan Vertonghen and Dejan Lovren as Vertonghen has just returned from an injury and had a torrid first half against Everton. But the Belgian marginally beats the Croatian, who has progressed immensely under Klopp. The centre of defence would be rock solid as well since he has a better understanding and a strong partnership with Toby Alderweireld.
Danny Rose
On the other side, this is the easiest choice in all of the eleven positions. Alberto Moreno has bags of potential but has time and again proved to be a liability for the Reds. James Milner, on the other hand, is a makeshift left back and can't perform that well consistently. Danny Rose has been a consistent performer for Pochettino and has done well for Spurs.
2) Midfielders
Eric Dier
With Emre Can expected to miss today's game, Dier gets the nod ahead of the young German. Both the players have become crucial cogs for their respective sides but Can edges out Dier because of his attacking abilities. The English midfielder needs to perform well with a return of Moussa Dembele imminent.
Victor Wanyama
Another easy choice, as Wanyama is one of the best at his position in the league. Spurs have done brilliantly to sign the Kenyan as he can boss the midfield consisting of the likes of Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, and could be key to the match played between these sides.
3) Forwards
Sadio Mane
Electric pace combined with a brilliant end product has been Sadio Mane's Liverpool story so far. He has announced himself on the big stage and can be one of the signings of the summer. He easily edges out Erik Lamela to a starting spot.
Dele Alli
Alli was the difference between Spurs winning the game against Crystal Palace as he provided an impressive cameo. Though he too is in the side as Philippe Coutinho is expected to start from the bench. The Tottenham star can surpass Coutinho's level one day, all he needs to be is more consistent.
Roberto Firmino
The Reds' attacking unit is far superior to Spurs just as the London side’s defence is miles better than Liverpool’s. The Brazilian is an obvious choice ahead of Eriksen as the Liverpool star has proved time and again that he can be Liverpool's talisman under Jurgen Klopp.
Daniel Sturridge
Another difficult choice between two of England's best strikers. Sturridge gets the starting berth as he is in a better scoring form than Harry Kane. Sturridge scored two goals in midweek against Burton Albion whereas Spurs' frontman is yet to open his account. Also, without Dembele in the team, Kane had just scored 1 goal in 11 appearances last season. Whereas he has bagged 24 goals in 27 games when Dembele played as a pivot. Hence, without Dembele, Sturridge edges out Harry Kane.
