Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur – Combined XI ahead of Anfield showdown

Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday as both sides have European qualification on the agenda.

The Reds, coming off the back of three successive wins, are looking to continue their upward surge and could leapfrog Spurs into fifth place a win here.

The north London side, meanwhile, are without a win in their last three league games and in the process, dropped out of the top four standings.

Tottenham are currently six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United having played two games more and could lose the Europa League spot too with another setback.

Spurs haven’t beaten Liverpool since their 4-1 win in October 2017 and have lost eight of their 11 clashes with the Reds since, including a 2-1 defeat at home in the reverse this season.

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Ahead of their fresh encounter, here’s how Liverpool and Tottenham would lineup in a combined XI:

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

Perhaps the easiest pick of the lineup, Alisson takes the place in goal for our dream XI. The Brazilian has been a force of nature since arriving from AS Roma in 2018 and his heroics have played a crucial role in the side’s silverware success in the last five years.

This season, Alisson has kept 11 clean sheets, behind only David de Gea (14), Nick Pope (13) and Aaron Ramsdale (12) in the Premier League, while also making the fifth-highest number of saves with 94 as the 30-year-old has been one of the few consistent performers in Liverpool’s erratic campaign.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

He’s received his fare share of criticisms this season for inconsistent showings, but Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to form lately, assisting at least once in each of his last four Premier League games. With seven in total, he’s the defender with most assists in the division after only Andrew Robertson (8).

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Alexander-Arnold’s marauding runs will pose Tottenham’s defense plenty of problems as his passing range and creativity will be crucial to boosting Liverpool’s attacks. He’s enjoying life in his new and unique midfield hybrid role.

Centre-back: Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)

There’s a lack of choice here, which is why Eric Dier makes the cut into our XI. He’s not always been reliable for Spurs but can be a solid option in defense on his day. Averaging 2.3 aerial duels per game, the England international is strong in the air and can read the game brilliantly, with 3.3 clearances per game.

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

This is a no-brainer. Virgil van Dijk would walk into any major European team’s defense and remains an important figure in Liverpool’s squad despite witnessing a slight drop in form this season. Nevertheless, he ranks 15th in the league for clearances (108), has won 106 duels, and boasts a 54% tackle success rate too.

Left-back: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Another easy pick, Andrew Robertson has quietly had a fabulous campaign for Liverpool. With eight assists, he’s been the most prolific creator behind only three players and needs just three more to surpass last season’s figures. The Scotsman has been unstoppable lately and will look to build on that momentum here against Tottenham’s lackluster defense.

Left midfielder: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

Jordan Henderson is an athletic and hardworking midfielder with great tactical intelligence and leadership. His passing range is incredible and presses high up the pitch when the opposition have the ball. The skipper is adept at winning duels and transitioning the ball forward.

Defensive midfielder: Fabinho (Liverpool)

Robust and agile with prolific ball-winning abilities, Fabinho is one of the best defensive midfielders. His ability to read the game has led to him being known as ‘The Lighthouse’ and the Brazilian also often drops back as the third centre-back whenever Alexander-Arnold and Robertson drive forward to support Liverpool’s attack.

Right midfielder: Ivan Perisic (Tottenham Hotspur)

Ivan Perisic has been one of the few bright spots for Tottenham lately as they went through a turbulent last few weeks in the Premier League. He’s been among the best assist-providers in the squad with seven thus far, including two in their last four, and averages over six crosses per game.

Right winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Following a poor spell midway through the season, Mohamed Salah has returned to his best lately, scoring in six of Liverpool’s last nine Premier League games. He will be eager to add to his tally of 16 goals against one of his favorite teams – Salah has 10 goals against Spurs. He’s only managed to score more against Manchester United (12) and Manchester City (11).

It will also be his 300th appearance for Liverpool.

Striker: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham have endured a turbulent campaign, but Harry Kane has remained a bright spark for them throughout. His tally of 24 goals is surpassed only by City’s Erling Haaland (33) while Kane also demonstrated his creative side with a spectacular assist for Heung-min Son in their last game.

Left winger: Heung-min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)

It’s been a difficult season for Son, who has struck only nine goals in the Premier League this season. However, a third of them have come in the last four games alone, suggesting he’s slowly returning to form. That includes the equalizer against Manchester United in their 2-2 draw last time out.