Anfield set for late kick-off as Liverpool and Spurs reveal starting XIs
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed their starting line-ups for Sunday’s 4.30pm (GMT) Premier League meeting at Anfield, with both managers leaning into distinct tactical identities: Liverpool in a 4-3-3 and Spurs in a 3-4-3.
According to the published team news, Liverpool will start with Alisson in goal behind a back four of Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. The midfield trio is Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, while the front line features Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo. Tottenham, meanwhile, name Guglielmo Vicario in goal, with Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin forming a three-man defence. Djed Spence and Rodrigo Souza operate as wing-backs alongside midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Gray, with Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel leading the attack. (Source: The Guardian – live updates)
Liverpool: energy in midfield, rotation up top
Liverpool’s selection hints at a game plan built around high-tempo midfield work and quick progression into the final third. Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister provide a blend of ball-carrying, pressing and distribution, while the inclusion of Wirtz in the front three suggests an emphasis on finding pockets between Spurs’ midfield and back line.
⚽ Key Insight
There is also significant firepower waiting in reserve. Liverpool’s bench includes Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa, offering match-changing pace and finishing if the game opens up late. (Team list via The Guardian)
Tottenham: wing-back thrust and a direct front three
Spurs’ 3-4-3 system points to width and transition threat, with Porro and Spence expected to provide the running power to stretch Liverpool’s full-backs. In attack, the combination of Richarlison, Solanke and Tel gives Tottenham a mix of aerial presence, penalty-box movement and speed into space.
Tottenham’s substitutes include Kolo Muani among the attacking options, reinforcing the idea that Spurs may look to keep the pressure on with fresh legs and alternative profiles later in the match. (Source: The Guardian – live updates)
Infographic: Match Snapshot
Kick-off: 4.30pm (GMT)
Venue: Anfield
Liverpool shape: 4-3-3
Tottenham shape: 3-4-3
Headline bench options: Salah, Chiesa (Liverpool) | Kolo Muani (Tottenham)
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool go with a 4-3-3 featuring Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister as the midfield engine.
- Tottenham stick to a 3-4-3, banking on wing-back width from Porro and Spence.
- Wirtz starts in Liverpool’s front line, hinting at creativity between the lines.
- Bench depth could be decisive, with Salah and Chiesa available for Liverpool and Kolo Muani among Spurs’ options.
