This will be our trickiest predicted XI of the season, as nobody knows yet which players Jurgen Klopp rates and which formation he will favour in the early stages.
We’re going off his time at Borussia Dortmund as a measuring stick, in which he predominantly used 4-2-3-1 – favouring quick, fit hard-working, technical players.
Here’s how we think the XI might look:
GK) Simon Mignolet
The defence pretty much picks itself against Spurs. And the most obvious choice is the Belgian, who returned from international duty unscathed.
DR) Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne’s started every match of the season in the Premier League, and it shouldn’t be any different at White Hart Lane.
DL) Alberto Moreno
The Spaniard has all the attributes to become an excellent player for Klopp. He’s quick, fit and works tremendously hard. With Jose Enrique the only other left-back option, Moreno will start.
DC) Martin Skrtel
If Klopp deploys the 4-2-3-1, he’ll have to leave out one of Skrtel, Sakho and Lovren. Surely it’ll be the Croatian based on this season’s performances.
DC) Mamadou Sakho
Our best centre-back so far this season, Sakho will be keen to cement himself a guaranteed spot in the side, something he never managed to achieve under Rodgers.
MC) Lucas
Lucas’s defensive attributes and discipline make him the perfect defensive midfielder for the double pivot Klopp always deployed in Germany. He’s more bite than Joe Allen and more capable of breaking up play.
MC) Emre Can
With Jordan Henderson still crocked, Can’s the natural option to play alongside Lucas. He has the speed and power Allen does not, which’ll please Klopp – who may choose to give his fellow German a chance in his favoured central midfield role.
AMC) Coutinho
Coutinho will surely be given the pivotal no.10 spot in this prospective formation, with Roberto Firmino still injured. He’s been quiet recently but missed the international break with Brazil due to a groin problem – but should be fit now.
AMR) James Milner
Jordon Ibe is another option, but Milner is perfectly suited to the hard-working role on the right of the formation, despite the fact he wants to play in the middle. He’s proven before that he’s happy to adapt himself to a manager’s instructions, and Klopp may ask ‘Milly’ to play wide as a result.
AML) Adam Lallana
Danny Ings was a candidate for this role, but with the Englishman injured for the rest of the season, Lallana, who enjoyed a promising international break, will likely start. Especially with Roberto Firmino not fit enough to start yet.
FC) Daniel Sturridge
A certainty for the centre-forward spot. With Christian Benteke out still, Divock Origi will back up Sturridge from the bench.
