On Wednesday at Anfield, Tottenham Hotspur will take on Liverpool in the battle of the current top two teams in the Premier League, here is the XI Spurs will use.
We know José Mourinho is going to set up his side to win, but what kind of team can take down the force that has been Liverpool? While it would seem many of the positions could pick themselves, this is also a midweek tie, which means some rotation may be necessary considering Spurs last played on Sunday.
While Tottenham are not completely unscathed by the injury bug, the majority of the Tottenham players are available for selection on Wednesday. José indicated that Gareth Bale is still questionable from an illness and that Erik Lamela remains out and the little issue we saw with Japhet Tanganga last week was more serious that it first appeared. Tanganga will be out a couple weeks according to the coach, but not require surgery.
Outside of those three players and some injuries in the academy, Tottenham are surprisingly fit coming into this match with Liverpool, particularly when compared to their opponents. Clearly losing Virgil Van Dyke is like Spurs losing Harry Kane and we know what that feels like. However, it is the little injuries to the squad players that really hurt cohesion and it is that uncertainty that Spurs need to capitalize on.
So here is the team we think will take the field at Anfield Wednesday afternoon, starting with the keeper and captain, Hugo Lloris.
Keeper – Hugo Lloris
Overall, Hugo Lloris has been excellent this season. The goal Lloris shipped on the weekend against Palace was just his first goal allowed since November 1, a span of more than 400 minutes. Those 400 minutes included clean sheets against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal – not exactly sisters of the poor here.
Hugo has been excellent a blip aside on Sunday, expect more of the same as the skipper looks to keep the defense focused and spring the attack with quick releases when he does claim the ball.
Tottenham XI – Defenders
Tottenham have been strong defensively all season long, working to limit the quality opportunities allowed on goal. While giving up shots and possession, few clear cut opportunities spring up in open play, as the club has really worked to improve as a team defensively.
Sergio Reguilón (LB)
Sergio Reguilón has not been great in his last few outings. Really trying to do too much in Europa League on the wing last week, and then pinned in more than he would have liked against Palace, the battle between Sergio Reguilón and Trent Alexander Arnold on the flank is going to help determine the game. The player who can get more involved in the attack is going to give his side the advantage and put the other on the defensive. With Ben Davies right there knocking, Reguilón needs a good outing.
Eric Dier (CB)
Eric Dier was solid defensively on Sunday at Selhurst Park, but his passing left something to be desired. Dier, like several other Tottenham players, was guilty of a lack of patience offensively with the ball and continually tried to force passes into windows and spaces that did not exist. He was not terrible, but those giveaways set the tone in terms of Tottenham possession. Spurs needs more against a better Liverpool team.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
We thought maybe Toby Alderweireld would get a break on the weekend ahead of Liverpool, but any lingering effects from his injury from a few weeks ago seem to be gone. In fact Alderweireld was one of the seven Tottenham players Mourinho listed as “injured, no” when talking about injuries ahead the match. Toby is likely going to need a bit of assistance as Saido Mane and Firminho both like to take up places on the left, putting extra numbers on the right sided defenders. Expect a safety first approach and let’s hope we can catch a couple Toby diagonal balls too!
Matt Doherty (RB)
One area where we see some rotation is at right back, where Matt Doherty takes his usual midweek place in the team. Doherty has not been really great of late and frankly Aurier had seemed to have fallen back to earth a bit against Palace. We think Mourinho goes with Doherty as he is the more assured player positionally and with the ball at his feet. What Spurs give up in pace they will get back in positioning. Aurier is still on the bench to help, but Doherty gets the big call and Saido Mane.
Tottenham XI – Midfield
The battle of the midfield is going to be significant in this game. In the perfect world Reguilon and Doherty are able to neutralize Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, which will limit some of the activity. Liverpool rely on defenders moving wide to cover the flanks to open spaces in the channels for Firminho to play. Covering those channels and supporting the fullbacks, while linking with the attack is the tall order for the Tottenham Midfield three.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (CM)
Pierre Højbjerg was not happy or satisfied with the draw at Palace, but seems to understand that sometimes that happens. Højbjerg is going to be a key player in this match if he can help keep tabs on Firminho who likes to drop deep like Harry Kane. If Højbjerg can find ways to step into that space and let the center-halves sit a bit deeper it will help provide some real cover. Even more important, we need to see Højbjerg spur the attack forward and help get the ball to Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min.
Moussa Sissoko (CM)
We see a familiar pairing next to Højbjerg, as Moussa Sissoko works alongside the Dane to help close the channels and control the Liverpool attack. As the fullbacks drift wide to cover the wingbacks of Liverpool the space between the defenders expands creating room for the offense to exploit. Those gaps between the fullback and center-half are where Sissoko will spend most of his evening as Spurs try to prevent entry passes into the box.
Tanguy Ndombele (CAM)
Tanguy Ndombele returned to the line-up for Tottenham against Crystal Palace after missing the Arsenal match and was okay for his customary hour. It was really a match that was screaming for Ndombele to take over in the second half as Spurs struggled to maintain possession. It will be paramount that Tottenham does not squander possession against a team at efficient in attack as Liverpool and that means Ndombele needs to be great. His spins and pirouettes around defenders are not just highlight real material but rather build confidence in the team necessary for success.
Tottenham XI – Forwards
We see a slight change in the attacking three as Lucas Moura is back in the side after getting a rest at the weekend, as Steven Bergwijn makes way and takes a breather himself. Moura brings a different energy to the pitch that helps compliment Son and Kane in a different way than the Bergwijn.
Lucas Moura (RW)
Lucas Moura did not play on the weekend, but has been one of the primary contributors in midweek action. Just because the midweek game is Liverpool does not mean Moura will not play and contribute. Spurs need Moura to be active on the dribble and attack to help pin back the Liverpool defense and blunt their attack. The Brazilian’s experience and tenacity is exactly what Mourinho wants for a game like Liverpool.
Harry Kane (ST)
There are no question marks when it comes to who will start at the striker position. While we could argue for a front two to help take advantage of a weakened Liverpool defense, Spurs go with what they know and have Kane and main focal point of the attack. Of course, we have learned that means dropping back at times and getting into the box at other times. Kane will want to look to get on the ball early to make a mark on the game and set the tone for Tottenham.
Heung-Min Son (LW)
After a kind of off day against Palace, Son Heung-Min should be ready to go for Liverpool. It will be Son’s job to try and get behind the defense and move the defenders out of position. If the South Korean can get the ball and run with it at Liverpool defenders, it will give Spurs a real edge. Whether he score off Kane or Kane score off him, we need both Son and Kane at their best.
Bonus Tottenham Bench
Tottenham have a bit different bench that what we are used to seeing midweek. With only 7 not the Europa League’s 12 players available, we are not going to see Dane Scarlett or Harvey White this time. Instead, Mourinho sticks mostly with veterans and names that we know.
Joe Hart of course is the back-up for Hugo Lloris, although we did find it interesting that Paulo Gazzaniga travelled to Selhurst Park and wonder if that happens all the time, just in case. Mourinho, keeps three defenders in tow to help close the game or push for later. Ben Davies and Serge Aurier are almost automatic here and Joe Rodon seems to be the favored back-up center half of the moment.
With four positions gone and only three to go, the options are somewhat limited. We believe Bergwijn is going to get the day off, just his turn, and it seems Bale may be out ill, which means either Harry Winks or Dele Alli might get a call again. Our money is on Dele to be back in the side one more time along with Carlos Vinicius and of course Giovani Lo Celso to come in for Tanguy or at some point, some day with him.
That is our 18 for Tottenham and the trip to Anfield for facing Liverpool. Who would you change and why?