Martin Keown: Liverpool need to ask questions of this Tottenham pair
By Dominic Toner
Martin Keown believes that the Liverpool attackers will need to get past Tottenham’s midfield and ask questions of centre-back pairing Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld.
Spurs travel to Anfield on Saturday for a Premier League clash and are likely to stick with a back four, with senior defenders Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen still absent through injury.
Dier and Alderweireld are likely to continue in defence against Liverpool after keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp will be able to field his strongest frontline of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.
Keown expects the Merseyside club to prove Spurs some questions defensively, despite having the protection of midfield duo Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele in front of them.
“Liverpool need to get beyond Tottenham’s strong midfield and ask questions of Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld,” Keown wrote in the Daily Mail. “Dier plays better in a back three but Spurs, with Danny Rose injured, are likely to play a back four.
“Liverpool’s attacking trident of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane can take the initiative.”
Alderweireld is regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League, but will be without his trusted partner Vertonghen.
Dier has switched back into a defender this season after playing in midfield last campaign and has been a steady performer.
The England international has operated well on the right hand side of a three-man defence, but will play in a more traditional back four against Liverpool.
Spurs will be desperate for the three points at Anfield as they will go six points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea with a win.
In other Tottenham news, Tony Cascarino has predicted the outcome of the clash against Liverpool.
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