Liverpool need to pull off their cement boots against Spurs

Liverpool need to get rid of their cement boots.

Words by Paul Landwehr.

The Reds have seen an average of a player a match falling to injury; some severe, some less so, since early October. It becomes increasingly difficult week to week to put together the strongest side healthy in the teamsheet. Predicting this starting line-up is like pulling teeth.

This is what we know or suspect for the Tottenham Hotspur game. Allison will start in goal, Robbo and Alexander-Arnold will start at full-back, and Fabinho will be paired with Joel Matip at centre-back. Both have been out due to injury and Matip’s availability is still a question mark here.

It is quite possible we will see Nat Philips get the call as Son and Harry Kane will be salivating at the prospect of attacking this wounded and cobbled defence.

Make no mistake Spurs counter as well as any side currently and Liverpool’s defence will need to be on point to keep these two forwards quiet.

In midfield, Henderson, Gini Wijnldum and Curtis Jones should get the nod from Klopp; who was not especially happy with the Reds midfield display in that first frame at Craven Road. Jones was obviously the best Liverpool player on the pitch on Sunday; playing with hunger and intensity.

The forward line is still intact healthwise, although Sadio Mane has gone half a dozen ties now without scoring. And Bobby has not been on the scoresheet but once all campaign.

Mo Salah continues to wrap up goals, and records, but it has been a bit since any of these lads have scored through the run of play. Look for Ox, Minamino, Neco Williams, and Divok Origi to be available on the bench if needed.

The Reds will need to play their very best football to see this one through, while a draw under these circumstances is not out of the question.

After the dismal tired uninspired first half at Fulham, Klopp will be pushing the lads to go the extra mile in this one.

If they play as they did at Craven Road, like running in wet cement and playing from behind off the back foot, this could be a very long evening and an end to their record home unbeaten streak.

Words by Paul Landwehr.