Liverpool FC: Predicting the Liverpool Starting 11 To Face Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool travel to White Hart lane on Sunday looking for a win over fellow Champions League contenders Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham were victorious on the road last week, while Liverpool slumped to a defeat at the hands of Stoke.

However the return of Steven Gerrard has many Liverpool fans eagerly awaiting the heavyweight clash, though the inspirational skipper may not start.

Liverpool will have to field a strong team to come away with three points, and here's my prediction, with brief analysis.

GK: Pepe Reina

Pepe Reina will be looking to produce another brilliant performance against Spurs, the type that has become second nature to the Spaniard. He will be facing a strong strike force however, I think Defoe and Adebayor will start the game, aided by Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.

He will have to command the box, otherwise Adebayor in particular will latch on to the end of crosses and cause Liverpool problems.

RB: Martin Skrtel

With Kelly a doubt and Johnson ruled out, the responsibility of keeping Gareth Bale at bay falls to the feet of John Flanagan or this man. John Flanagan's performances haven't warranted a starting place and to put him into the deep end right away would only spur on Bale (see what I did there?).

Therefore following a good display at right back against Stoke, Skrtel should start this one.

CBs: Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger

Yes so the three in red all start together. I was seriously considering replacing Carragher with Coates, but for a match of this calibre, especially away from home, Carra's experience may well come in handy.

However I expect Coates to get a run as a sub at some point if Liverpool are doing well. Agger's height will be key to dulling the threat of Adebayor, and Carragher will be tasked with tracking Defoe's runs and getting his body in the way.

LB: Jose Enrique

Enrique's performances thus far have warranted a start place. He's been one of the standout performers, and he should enjoy the task of dealing with Aaron Lennon or Niko Krancjar. He will be key to the attack as well as the defence, and should be able to keep possession and start attacks.

Central Midfielders: Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva

Lucas and Adam will be crucial if Liverpool are to collect maximum points. The Tottenham style of play is generally central, so if Lucas and Adam can mark key midfielders like Modric, they can grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

Adam should be given the license to move forward simply because Lucas Leiva doesn't know what the work attack means, even though he's learning.

LM: Stewart Downing, RM: Jordan Henderson

Stewart Downing's inclusion is inevitable so we'll cut straight to the chase. Jordan Henderson should be picked tomorrow. He has improved as the season has gone on, only Bellamy could take his place and I prefer him as an impact player.

These two will be tasked with getting balls into the right areas but also with positioning well should Liverpool come under pressure. Liverpool have the pace now to create counter attacks, and Henderson and Downing should make sure they are ready to start them when necessary.

Strikers: Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt

Again, no Andy Carroll. I think Liverpool should approach the game adopting a pass and move style of play, therefore Kuyt and Suarez should start and will cause the most problems. I feel Carroll should get a substitute appearance, and Bellamy should replace Henderson when necessary.

Gerrard may start but if he doesn't, he should come on for Charlie Adam as a fitness test.

Thanks for reading, prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool.