{"id":540001,"date":"2020-01-09T15:35:49","date_gmt":"2020-01-09T20:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=540001"},"modified":"2020-01-09T15:35:49","modified_gmt":"2020-01-09T20:35:49","slug":"xherdan-shaqiri-returns-ahead-of-tottenham-hotspur-clash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/01\/09\/xherdan-shaqiri-returns-ahead-of-tottenham-hotspur-clash\/","title":{"rendered":"Xherdan Shaqiri Returns Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool<\/a> travel to the Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> Stadium on Saturday evening as they seek to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. Liverpool won the reverse fixture 2-1, after falling a goal behind. The Liverpool squad is bolstered by the return of Xherdan Shaqiri<\/a>, though it is likely he will be on the bench.<\/p>\n

Xherdan Shaqiri Back in Training<\/h2>\n

Depth in Attack, Xherdan Shaqiri is Back<\/h3>\n

Liverpool haven’t played a game in nearly a week, with several members of the first team being rested against Everton<\/a>. As this is the case, there will be little reason for rotation, especially against one of the “Big Six” sides. This means that Klopp’s strongest available side should start, with Sadio Mane<\/a>, Roberto Firmino<\/a> and Mohamed Salah<\/a> forming the front three.<\/p>\n

Xherdan Shaqiri’s return to fitness is a timely reminder of the depth Liverpool possess in attack. He could feature in midfield, though it is likely that he will have to settle for a place on the bench with Takumi Minamino<\/a> and Divock Origi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Limited Choice in Midfield<\/h2>\n

Liverpool’s midfield is currently suffering as a result of injuries. Fabinho and Naby Keita<\/a> remain injured, whilst James Milner<\/a> limped off against Everton last weekend.<\/p>\n

This means that Jordan Henderson<\/a> and Georginio Wijnaldum<\/a> are practically guaranteed to start. The third slot in midfield should go to one of the fit-again Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain<\/a> or Adam Lallana<\/a>. However, Curtis Jones<\/a> could be given a chance following his impressive performance against Everton.<\/a><\/p>\n

Consistency at the Back Key<\/h2>\n

Liverpool’s defence has finally returned to the solidity of last season. Much of this is due to the central partnership of Joe Gomez<\/a> and Virgil van Dijk<\/a>. Liverpool have only conceded one goal since Gomez returned to the side. That came against CF Monterrey when Virgil van Dijk was absent. Joel Matip<\/a> has returned to training, though will face a battle to regain his starting spot.<\/p>\n

Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a> and Andrew Robertson<\/a> should continue in their respective full-back roles as always, while Alisson will remain in goal. Adrian will continue as his deputy.<\/p>\n

Predicted XI: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n