EPL 2016-17: Tottenham vs Liverpool combined XI
Liverpool visit White Hart Lane today to face off against familiar opponents with similar league aspirations. Mauricio Pochettino's men have gone on to have an unbeaten start to their 2016-17 campaign whereas the Reds started the season on a bright note; beating Arsenal 4-3 at the Emirates but all that was taken away after a disappointing 2-0 loss to newly promoted Burnley.
Pochettino is without a victory against Liverpool in his four meetings as Spurs too have not beaten them at the Lane since November 2012. From the last 21 goals that have been scored between the two sides, 18 have been scored by Liverpool. This was the venue where Jurgen Klopp started his Liverpool managerial career and will hope to add another away victory to his name.
Spurs will be without Hugo Lloris and Moussa Dembele whereas the rest of the squad is available for selection. The Reds have some major injury concerns with Emre Can who could miss today's clash along with long-term casualties, Mamadou Sakho and Loris Karius. Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi are expected to start on the bench.
A pressing game of the highest quality is going to be on display today as both the managers will look to beat the other at his own game. Dele Alli is expected to replace Vincent Janssen in the Spurs lineup whereas Daniel Sturridge could start up front for the Reds. Let's take a look at a combined Liverpool vs Spurs lineup ahead of tonight's game:
1) Goalkeepers and defenders
Simon Mignolet
If Hugo Lloris would have been fit, this decision would have been a no brainier. But, Spurs' deputy, Michael Vorm does not have the same experience as Simon Mignolet with chances coming very rare for Vorm. Mignolet is a superior shot-stopper than the Dutchman and that's why he is selected as the custodian in this combined lineup.
Defenders
Nathaniel Clyne
This position is the toughest to choose between the two teams as both Clyne and Kyle Walker are two of the best right-backs in the league. But, Clyne being more resolute defensively, takes the right back spot from the Tottenham player.
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian has been a rock at the back since his arrival and deservedly won Spurs’ player of the year award in the last campaign. He is an obvious choice at the back ahead of Joel Matip or Ragnar Klavan.
Jan Vertonghen
It is a tough choice again between Jan Vertonghen and Dejan Lovren as Vertonghen has just returned from an injury and had a torrid first half against Everton. But the Belgian marginally beats the Croatian, who has progressed immensely under Klopp. The centre of defence would be rock solid as well since he has a better understanding and a strong partnership with Toby Alderweireld.
Danny Rose
On the other side, this is the easiest choice in all of the eleven positions. Alberto Moreno has bags of potential but has time and again proved to be a liability for the Reds. James Milner, on the other hand, is a makeshift left back and can't perform that well consistently. Danny Rose has been a consistent performer for Pochettino and has done well for Spurs.