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Liverpool were always going to have a tough start to the Premier League this season with so numerous away games against top opposition littering the first five games of the season. Arsenal. Tottenham. Chelsea. What's more, the first home game of the season brings the reigning Premier League Champions, Leicester City, to Anfield. Even though the game was moved from Anfield to Turf Moor to give Liverpool more time to complete the new Main Stand, Burnley were identified as the easy pickings among the early wolves.
In the last Premier League preview, there was a warning in the conclusion with the expectancy that Liverpool would win through.
Unfortunate lapses in concentration and organisation will be a work in progress. Burnley may not be as good as Arsenal but will not roll over.
A 2-0 defeat with the highest possession for a losing side since such data was record in 2003. Record breakers. The thrilling victory against Arsenal and signs of life against Championship side Burton Albion in the EFL Cup shouldn't be forgotten, but even with some players struggling for their best form, Tottenham represent a formidable opponent.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3):
Sadio Mané will return to Premier League action missing the defeat away to Burnley. He continued to look as Liverpool's star player in the comfortable victory against Burton Albion. Joël Matip is a good bet to start alongside Dejan Lovren in defence to continue their partnership that wasn't seriously tested against on Tuesday. Daniel Sturridge or Roberto Firmino could start up front, but the Brazilian attacker's capabilities in the press might push Sturridge wider than he's been accustomed to in a Liverpool shirt.
Divock Origi (cramp) (Emre Can (ankle) and Philippe Coutinho (hamstring) are doubts for the game. It's another hamstring injury under Klopp that might be worrying and could get tiring quite quickly. Although Coutinho missed the EFL Cup tie on Tuesday, both Can and Origi suffered minor injuries during that game. Origi probably should be okay to make the matchday squad, but whether Can and Coutinho will make it is another matter.
Loris Karius, Sheyi Ojo, Joe Gomez, and Lucas Leiva remain injured. Mamadou Sakho is making his way back to fitness but is set for a loan move away from Anfield, essentially ruling him out of the club's plans this season. Liverpool will be able to field a strong first eleven but may struggle in midfield considering Tottenham's strength and pressing appetite in midfield.
Mauricio Pochettino hardly has any fitness concerns with only Hugo Lloris missing with a hamstring injury. The wonderfully dynamic Mousa Dembélé still has to serve two more games of his suspension so misses out. Michel Vorm will continue to deputise in goal, but Pochettino will have to consider whether to start Dele Alli or continue with Harry Kane as a number ten. Vincent Janssen impressed in the victory against Crystal Palace and may continue up front with Kane in behind.
Liverpool would probably be wiser starting Kevin Stewart for more stability in midfield as Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier might be too solid for an unnecessarily open visiting midfield. Liverpool need to find balance in a game between two sides that are known for their capacity to press, counter press, and then press some more. The Reds have a good record against Spurs, but then again, they had a good record against Burnley.
The sour mood and bitter disappointment after last weekend's result underlines how important it is for Liverpool to bounce back to take something from White Hart Lane. Liverpool have a good record against top Premier League sides under Klopp and will need to continue in that vein to avoid early questions on the club's aspirations this season.
Kickoff is set for 12.30PM BST/ 7.30AM EST tomorrow on Sky Sports 1 in the UK and NBC Sports Live/NBCSN in the US. Elsewhere, Optus Sport and SBS One Australia in Australia, Sportsnet World Now and Sportsnet One in Canada, SuperSport 3 Africa in Kenya, Astro SuperSport 3 in Malaysia, and 102 (HD) mio Stadium in Singapore are carrying the match. You can find full listings at LivesoccerTV.
We'll be keeping you updated with all the buildup to the game, including team news as it's released, our live matchday thread and post-match recaps from The Liverpool Offside staff. If you want to join the discussion, sign up for an SB Nation account to have your say on all the action as it happens.