It is on the defensive that the Reds seem to be the most vulnerable, as not only the long-term injured Virgil van Dijk or Joe Gomez encountered health problems, but only Trent Alexander-Arnold and goalkeeper Alisson returned to the game, and in the last round another stopper Joel also caused health problems. Matip, who had to leave the field in the match against Fulham due to back problems due to problems with his back. His Wednesday start thus remains uncertain, as in the case of Naby Keita. Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, James Milner and Xherdan Shaqiri certainly remain out of the game.
Despite the aforementioned list of Liverpool players, Spurs manager José Mourinho denied that the defending champion really suffered because of the large number of losers. “Alisson is not injured. Alexander-Arnold is not injured. In my opinion, Matip will also board. Fabinho is not injured, Robertson is not injured, Henderson is not injured, Wijnaldum is not injured, Salah is not injured, Firmino is not injured, Mané is not injured. Van Dijk is injured. “He’s a very good player, no doubt. But compare the list of injured with the best of Liverpool.” Mourinho said at a pre-match press conference.
“I can also give you a list of the wounded from Tottenham. We have wounded two boys from the team under the age of sixteen, another two from the team under the age of twenty-one and three in the team under the age of twenty-three. Also Lamel and Tangang. But the injuries are Lloris, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon, Kane, Son or Lucas? No. So where are the injuries? They’re normal injuries, it’s common. Every club has some injuries. The only big absence is Van Dijk. “ added the Portuguese manager, who omitted the sick Gareth Ball in his list, but immediately added that the Welsh superstar is unlikely to intervene in the match.
Although Mourinho’s teams have long been known for their conservative approach to prestigious opponents, as was the case in the recent match with Chelsea, the experienced coach stated that he was going to Anfield Road to win. “We don’t change our game philosophy in this match either. We don’t change our wishes. We want to win and that’s what our thinking is for the whole season.”
Winning on Anfield Road would be an extraordinary success for the Spurs, as they have only triumphed in the Premier League in the last 26 attempts, and Mourinho himself has not won one of the five opportunities so far on the Jürgen Klopp team.
Alisson – Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson – Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jones – Salah, Firmino, Mané
Lloris – Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilón – Sissoko, Hojbjerg – Moura, Lo Celso, Son – Kane
