Liverpool insisted on starting Hugo Ekitike against Tottenham Hotspur

Former striker Paul Merson has urged Liverpool boss Arne Slot to start Hugo Ekitike against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League tonight.

After the departure of Darwin Núñez and the tragic death of Diogo Jota, the Reds decided to strengthen the frontline last summer by acquiring the Frenchman and Alexander Isak.

The Merseyside club had to spend a combined £210m to sign the duo, with the Sweden international currently the UK’s record signing.

Liverpool decided to sign him after his impressive performances in the Premier League for Newcastle United in recent seasons.

However, he has found it difficult to repeat that at Anfield so far, scoring just one Premier League goal. On the other hand, Ekitike has shown promising performances, scoring 10 goals and registering a single assist in all competitions.

He, valued at around £74 million by Transfer marketeven scored a brace in the last two league matches against Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Now, move on SportkeedaMerson says Liverpool have a chance to climb into the top four or five in the Premier League with a win over Tottenham. So Slot should not get into trouble, Isak, and should go for Ekitike as striker.

Expert urges Slot to start Ekitike vs Spurs

Merson said:

“Hugo Ekitike has to start ahead of Alexander Isak in this match. When we look at Isak’s problems it reminds us how important it is to have a good preparation. Liverpool could be in the top four or top five if they win, so they have to play Ekitike.”

Furthermore, Merson states that although Liverpool have not been able to perform at their best this season, they are unbeaten in their last five matches in all tournaments. So they should come away with all three points against Spurs, who are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah in this match as he has joined the Egyptian national team to play in AFCON, which starts on December 21.

Finally, Dominik Szoboszlai has deployed on the right flank in recent games and although he has Federico Chiesa as an option for this position, the Hungarian will likely be given the opportunity to start on the right.