After the international break, Liverpool will travel to north London this Saturday to face Tottenham Hotspur. A new vibe was brought to Liverpool FC by the new manager, Jurgen Klopp, who looks to enjoy a successful spell as the Reds’ manager.
“We have to change,” Klopp said in his first Liverpool press conference, “from doubters to believers, now.”
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet
The Belgium international will have no doubt to start his first game under Klopp’s management. Mignolet was in goal for Belgium in both European qualifiers against Andorra and Israel, where they pulled off two victories. The 27-year-old has his chance to make a strong first impression in front of Klopp, just like how he did in front of Brendan Rodgers against Stoke City in season 2013/14.
Right Back
Nathaniel Clyne
The English international started both European qualifiers for England against Estonia and Lithuania, as the Three Lions pulled off two clean sheets. Clyne will provide consistency in Klopp’s starting XI; moreover, his offensive mindset from the back will be crucial in the German’s high pressing football.
Center Backs
Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho will partner up for the Reds as Klopp makes his Liverpool debut. The Slovakian featured both games for his country and the Frenchman started one of them during the international break. Skrtel is arguably the leading figure in Liverpool’s backline, and he will be expected to deliver a good performance alongside Sakho.
Left Back
Alberto Moreno
The Spanish youngster provides energy, pace and excitement to the game every time that he has the ball. Klopp wants “emotional football”, and Moreno can do just that .Losing the starting spot at the beginning of the season, the Spaniard took back his position in Rodgers’ starting XI before the Northern Irishman was sacked. Nonetheless, Moreno will be the best left-back choice for Klopp to put the emotional football into actions.
Center Midfielders
Lucas Leiva and Emre Can will be the anchormen in Liverpool’s midfield at White Hart Lane. Both players have the tactical awareness and discipline that allow Klopp to imply his high pressing football. Moreover, Lucas is more of a holding player and it can well release Can to pressure higher up against opponents.
Right Winger
James Milner
The vice-captain, Milner, will lead the team to walk out of the tunnel at White Hart Lane due to Jordan Henderson’s injury. Milner featured during the victory for England against Estonia. The English international will provide energy, leadership, as well as consistency to Klopp’s starting XI. As a more experienced player in Liverpool’s current squad, Milner will be an influential factor for Klopp.
Left Winger
Adam Lallana, who featured England’s game against Estonia, will expect to start for the Reds on Saturday due to the potential option, Roberto Firmino, is going through an injury. Lallana‘s form has been inconsistent; however, he is capable of performing under pressure, and a game at White Hart Lane is a great opportunity for him to prove his worth.
Attacking Midfielder/Shadow Striker
Philippe Coutinho
The 23-year-old Brazilian will play the supporting role behind the up top striker. Coutinho has the flair and creativity to spark the fire up front and he will be crucial in Klopp’s attacking football. Hence, by pushing Coutinho forward to the goal, he will be expected to pose more threats for the opposite team.
Forward
Daniel Sturridge
The 26-year-old English international will start up front for the Reds on this Saturday; Sturridge holds the best team’s goals-to-game ratio (0.65), which beats the top two ex-recent Liverpool strikers, Luis Suarez (0.63) and Fernando Torres (0.64). A healthy Sturridge is a threat to any team in the Premier League, and his lethal finishing provides not just goals in a game, but also three points on the league table.
(4-2-3-1)
