Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon looking to make amends for Tuesday nightâs glum European loss.
Relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur are Liverpoolâs rebound opponents after a dismal defeat in their Champions League round of 16 first leg with Galatasaray, the Reds succumbing to a 1â0 scoreline in Istanbul for the second time this season.
One eye will be on the return leg on Wednesday but Liverpool must first overcome struggling Spurs, who themselves were utterly humiliated in a 5â2 loss at Atlético Madrid midweek. Arne Slotâs side need victory to strengthen their push for Champions League qualification.
Liverpool Sweating on Alisson Fitness
Alisson, seemingly the worldâs most injury-prone goalkeeper, was missing for the loss at RAMS Park and remains a doubt heading into the weekend. Slot has revealed heâs âhopefulâ of the Brazilianâs return, but a late fitness test is required to determine his availability.
Federico Chiesa was another midweek absentee, the Italian missing through illness rather than injury, and heâs expected to make his comeback against Spursâalthough he will only be used from the bench if he makes the squad.
Long-term absentees Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni continue their recoveries, too.
Slot has decisions to make elsewhere due to poor performances and the need for rotation ahead of the second leg. Mohamed Salah, who was substituted after an hour in Türkiye following another dreadful showing, is no longer certain of his starting berth, while the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez and Milos Kerkez could be rested.
â ï¸ Key absentees, doubts: Alisson, Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Federico Chiesa.
ð¢ Predicted formation: 4-2-3-1
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Giorgi MamardashviliâAlissonâs deputy produced some important stops to prevent Galatasaray from extending their advantage and may be called upon again this weekend.
RB: Jeremie FrimpongâSomething needs to change down Liverpoolâs right wing, which looked stale and predictable midweek. Frimpong could displace Joe Gomez at right back to provide some much-needed energy.
CB: Ibrahima KonatéâAfter an improved spell, Konaté reverted to his early season form on Tuesday. Fortunate not to single-handedly gift Galatasaray a secondâspared by a questionable offside callâthe Frenchman needs to up his levels against ex-Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke.
CB: Virgil van DijkâVan Dijk started his 29th consecutive fixture in Istanbul, the longest run of any outfield player at Liverpool since stalwart Jamie Carragherâs 33-match streak from December 2009 to May 2010.
LB: Andy RobertsonâAfter an excellent FA Cup showing at Molineux, Robertson was relegated to the bench in place of Milos Kerkez midweek. The roles could be reversed against Spurs.
DM: Ryan GravenberchâSeldom afforded a rest due to Liverpoolâs poor squad planning, Gravenberch will likely be forced to start all three matches before the March international break.
DM: Dominik SzoboszlaiâMac Allister looked absolutely shattered in Istanbul and deserves to be preserved ahead of the second leg. Szoboszlai could sink into the double pivot to cover.
RW: Mohamed SalahâIn fear of another public outburst, Slot could well start Salah again this weekend. A recent flurry of goal contributions cannot mask consistently desperate displays down Liverpoolâs right.
AM: Florian WirtzâAfter a rusty performance on Tuesday, Wirtz could return to his preferred central role against Spurs. The German can really hurt an abysmal Tottenham defense from the No.10 position.
LW: Cody GakpoâRio Ngumoha should start against Spurs based solely on form, but Gakpo appears destined to return at left wing. More is needed from the Dutchman with Ngumoha sparkling in every appearance.
ST: Hugo EkitikéâEkitiké scored in Liverpoolâs victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in December and will be seeking to torment a leaky defense without the suspended Micky van de Ven.
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