Can Ekitike Fill the Salah Void? Liverpool's Bold Gamble Against Tottenham Revealed
Liverpool aim to maintain their five-match undefeated streak and secure a third consecutive win as they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in Premier League action this Saturday.
The Merseyside club remains far from the dominant force that cruised to Premier League triumph last term, yet consecutive wins against Inter and Brighton & Hove Albion have boosted confidence and restored some tactical cohesion following a disappointing period.
Liverpool will draw confidence from their excellent historical performance against Spurs before this challenging festive fixture, having netted 23 times during their last five triumphs over Tottenham. When they emerge victorious in this matchup, they tend to do so emphatically.
Nevertheless, Mohamed Salah's unavailability for the Africa Cup of Nations and other injury concerns heighten the stakes before this demanding encounter, with Arne Slot eager to secure an early festive present through victory in London.
Here's how Liverpool might set up against Spurs.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—Although Liverpool have recorded back-to-back clean sheets, Alisson has remained busy between the posts. Crucial stops against both Inter and Brighton have contributed to the Reds' recent victories.
RB: Conor Bradley—While Joe Gomez returns to the injury list, Bradley's comeback from suspension provides Slot with welcome news. Jeremie Frimpong has also returned for the Reds and should see action in upcoming matches—potentially deployed on the right flank rather than at fullback.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Spurs continue without former Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke due to injury, setting up a confrontation with Richarlison for the unpredictable Konaté. The former Everton attacker has recorded four goal involvements against the Reds since arriving at Tottenham.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Liverpool require their skipper to set the standard at Spurs as they pursue their third straight clean sheet. The Netherlands international remains absolutely crucial to his team's defensive stability.
LB: Milos Kerkez—There are some positive indicators that Kerkez may be settling into life at Liverpool, though few challenges are tougher for fullbacks than facing Mohammed Kudus. The talented winger possesses exceptional pace and physicality.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Liverpool need Gravenberch performing at his commanding best in the capital and will be satisfied with his recent showings against Leeds United, Inter and Brighton. The Reds require another Dutch player to excel.
DM: Curtis Jones—Jones has shone in recent fixtures as Slot adopts a more compact system, whether utilizing a diamond or 4-2-3-1 formation. He brings vitality and calmness to midfield, always willing to put in the effort.
RW: Dominik Szoboszlai—Szoboszlai approaches the match carrying a minor fitness concern, but should participate against Spurs given his importance to Slot's squad. Liverpool's standout performer this season will operate on the right flank replacing the unavailable Salah.
AM: Alexis Mac Allister—Mac Allister has considerable ground to cover before matching last campaign's displays, but an additional midfielder has helped Liverpool strengthen their defensive structure.
LW: Florian Wirtz—The expensive German continues displaying flashes of his ability, even when deployed out of position on the left wing. He remains in search of his maiden Liverpool strike.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Liverpool have observed consecutive doubles from Ekitiké in Premier League action as he continues leading the charge among the club's underperforming summer acquisitions. He's now reached seven league strikes and absolutely deserves to start ahead of the struggling Alexander Isak.
