4 non-negotiable starters for Liverpool vs Tottenham
As we march through the week heading towards one of the marquee games of the weekend, it's never too early to play the guessing game of who we want to see take the pitch.
As Liverpool's title hopes are hanging by the thinnest of threads, this one is a must-win and hope they can get some help from the outside. As a result of that, this is no time for sentimentality as Jurgen Klopp must field his best side that he can.
As a result, I have grouped together four players that I believe must start this match against Spurs without question.
Let's take a look at who that is.
Cody Gakpo
Gakpo has been in some of his best form of the season as of late and he deserves the chance to keep that run going on Sunday.
He created the Reds' second in the 2-2 draw with West Ham as his shot was deflected into the goal. However, beyond that, the Dutch forward has been playing with a renewed confidence both in himself and those around him.
While the majority of the side have seemingly fallen into a mental blockade, Gakpo has been able to keep pushing and elevating his game.
He's gotten the chance to play his natural role out wide as it allows him to take on defenders and cut in on his preferred foot for shots. He has size and pace enough to threaten the Tottenham defense and he must be a lock for the lineup.
Ryan Gravenberch
We have another Dutchman on this list as Gravenberch has played consecutive strong games in the last week.
As of this moment, I think he has surpassed Dominik Szoboszlai in the pecking order for the remainder of the season. While the Hungarian has wavered in recent weeks, Gravenberch has thrived with his opportunities.
While he was puzzlingly benched for the Everton clash during the week, he was restored to the Starting XI against West Ham and performed quite well.
He has begun popping up all over the attacking 1/3 as he tries to make himself an outlet for his fullbacks and fellow midfielders.
His beauty of a goal against Fulham shows he has match-winning abilities and Klopp must continue allowing that to thrive and grow.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
While Alexander-Arnold has looked a bit rusty in recent games, there is no way that he can be sat down for a game like this.
Conor Bradley is battling to recover from his ankle problems, but even if he is fit, it would not be ideal to throw him into the lions den right away on Sunday.
Trent still has the ability to unlock a defense like nobody else can in the Liverpool side. His passing range and touch will come back to him and when they do, the rest of the squad will only benefit from it.
Klopp will want to play an aggressive side as Spurs always bring out the best in Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold could thrive in a match like this.
He also scored a delightful goal against Fulham with a beautiful free-kick. That is a talent that cannot be left on the bench when you are trying to finish as strong as possible. Let him run and see what magic he can cook up for you.
Mohamed Salah
Talks of Salah's donwfall have been greatly exaggerated. Yes, he has been in a poor patch of form, but the saying that class is permanent and form is temporary, says all you need to know about that.
Salah also loves playing against Tottenham as he has scored 9 times in this fixture including some truly mesmerizing moments of brilliance.
He should come into this match fired up and with a purpose as the talks of his minor dustup with Klopp on the touchline have dominated headlines with some calling for his exit. As it were, the club announced he won't be going anywhere and a new contract could be in the works.
As a result, expect a renewed and passionate Salah on Sunday as he attempts to remind the world of his unrivaled skills.
He is still the best player at the club and must be given free reign to take over the game as only someone like him can.