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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle & Paul Gorst & Tom Cavilla & Richard Garnett & William Pickworth

Liverpool line-ups as Luis Diaz and Naby Keita decisions made for Tottenham Hotspur

Ian Doyle - Luis Diaz starts

Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur this evening and what a game it promises to be.

And what a line-up Jurgen Klopp promises to put out - well, if it was me picking the team.

Alisson Becker in goal. Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Andy Robertson left-back. Joel Matip coming in at centre-back to partner Virgil van Dijk.

Then there's the midfield. Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara, staying put. And Jordan Henderson returning to join them as captain.

Not forgetting up front, where Luis Diaz is back, and both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane remain.

Now that's a predicted line-up.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Diaz.

Paul Gorst - Thiago Alcantara continues

The final Anfield night game of an unforgettable season is likely to have an atmosphere to savour this evening.

But the visit of Tottenham undoubtedly represents the toughest fixture in front of Liverpool before the end of the campaign too.

Their exploitation of Manchester City's high defensive line back in February will give Jurgen Klopp plenty of food for thought but I don't expect the Reds to adjust their game-plan hugely given the success they have enjoyed with it this season.

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Joel Matip can return for Ibrahima Konate at the back, even though I get the argument for the Frenchman's superior pace against the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Most of Liverpool's clean sheets tend to come when Matip partners Virgil van Dijk so that's my centre-back pairing with Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson also starting.

In midfield, I'm going to recall Jordan Henderson for Naby Keita and retain Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho. The Reds captain to make sure the tempo levels remain high against a team who can pick off their hosts if the energy drops in the centre of the park tonight.

And up top, Luis Diaz starts in place of Diogo Jota with Sadio Mane taking his place down the middle once again.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Henderson; Salah, Mane, Diaz.

Tom Cavilla - Jordan Henderson returns

Considering the injury issues faced by Liverpool throughout last season, it is no surprise to see Jurgen Klopp’s side performing to such high standards with a near full squad to choose from. Roberto Firmino has been the only absentee of late, though the Brazilian is now closing in on his return.

With only six games to play during the current season, it is becoming more difficult to make a case for squad rotation. Liverpool have to go all out for the quadruple, and Klopp’s selection is sure to reflect that.

Joel Matip is likely to return to the starting-eleven in place of Ibrahima Konate, though I expect this to be the only alteration in defence. In midfield, Jordan Henderson could also be called upon here after being benched for the midweek trip to Villarreal. Fabinho and Thiago are two players who must start, therefore Naby Keita misses out on this occasion.

Much has been made about the impact of Luis Diaz in recent weeks, and the Colombian simply has to feature from the off in each game throughout the month of May for Liverpool. Diogo Jota could be deployed from the bench if required, as could Firmino if deemed fit enough to feature.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.

Will Pickworth - Naby Keita replaced

Two words - Luis Diaz. The Colombian has been a revelation since his January move from Porto and was the catalyst in helping the Reds to avoid a disaster on Tuesday night. His superb second half performance against Villarreal ensured Liverpool progressed to Paris and he has to start at Anfield.

In midfield, Jordan Henderson comes in for Naby Keita. Against a chaotic Spurs team, Henderson’s experience will be key in providing control in the Reds’ toughest remaining Premier League assignment. Both Fabinho and Thiago got a well-earned rest by starting on the bench at Newcastle last weekend so they flank the Liverpool skipper.

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It’s the usual Premier League defence with Joel Matip replacing Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson will hope to bounce back from his slightly off colour performance on Tuesday. As we head into the final three weeks of the season, the time for rotation is over and the Reds must go all-in as they chase an unprecedented quadruple.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.

Diaz to provide prime time Saturday night entertainment

Richard Garnett - Joel Matip returns

Liverpool have got a lot to answer for. This ridiculous run of success is leaving supporters skint. Three finals in a season - quite incredible. And yet here I am, praying that that the one they win above all else is the Premier League. Time to retake the perch. If the Reds are going to do it, not only do they need Man City to slip up somewhere, but they must continue to field sides that can do the business and today is no exception.

With the outstanding Alisson in goal, I'm picking an all too predictable back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. In midfield its Fabinho at the base, ably supported by captain Jordan Henderson and the in-form Tiago. Naby Keita misses out on a start but there are big games ahead for him.

When it comes to the front three, a new order has been established. Mohamed Salah continues in his usual position on the right, with Sadio Mane operating down the middle, getting the nod ahead of Diogo Jota. Mane's successful move into the middle is a necessity because surely only a lunatic wouldn't start Luis Diaz against Spurs. The Colombian is spreading stardust with every touch and the thought of seeing back on the Anfield turf this evening is the most tantalising aspect of this evening's encounter. Watch him fly.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz.

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