LFC predicted XI vs. Tottenham – Big change depends on Szoboszlai

It is a rarity at this time of year for Liverpool to have a week between games, but it has given Slot the opportunity to work more closely with his squad.

The expectation is that this will be clear against Tottenham on Saturday, but Slot may have to make a late decision on his line-up pending the final decision on the availability of Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Hungarian has started all but two games this season, both in the League Cup, and is a key figure for Liverpool. So here’s how the Reds could line up with and without him.

Liverpool’s predicted XI vs. Tottenham

“Dom has been a starter for me and he would be that tomorrow too if he is fully fit,” Slot told reporters on the eve of the match. So he will start when he is fit.

Under that condition, he would then be expected to take the position on the right, as he has done in the last two league games, with Florian Wirtz And Alexis MacAllister on his left, and Hugo Ekitike leading the line.

That would leave Ryan Gravenberch And Curtis Jones to continue at the base of the midfield, ahead of a back four that will see one forced substitution.

Gomez is not fit to play after his injury last time and thankfully Bradley can immediately re-enter after serving a one-match suspension.

This would leave players like Alexander Isak, Federico Chiesa, Frimpong, Andy Robertson and Rio Ngumoha as options off the bench:

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, MacAllister, Wirtz; Ekiti

Alternatively, should Szoboszlai be unfit to start, Slot could deploy a 4-4-2 diamond system with Isaac And To ride both lead the line.

This would limit choices off the bench and could be the reason Slot won’t consider it as his first option, but it would take up Tottenham’s defense.

A week between games means there’s no need to make any changes other than injury concerns, but Milos Kerkez’s latest cramp could mean this Robertson called up as left back.

With the adjustments, Liverpool would line up as follows:

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike, Isak

Liverpool should seize the opportunity to bring an early Christmas present back to Merseyside on Saturday after Tottenham’s inconsistent performances of late.

But neither team has made a lasting impression this season and goals are to be expected as the two have conceded 45 goals in their first sixteen league games.

Injuries won’t offer Slot much flexibility once his lineup is known, but three points are a must after a week between games.