Combined XI: Tottenham vs Liverpool

The Premier League resumes this weekend after the international break, and one of the more intriguing games this weekend sees Jurgen Klopp take charge of Liverpool for the first time when they visit White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of this clash, here is SillySeason‘s combined Spurs/Liverpool XI.

The formation for the purposes of this article is a 4-1-3-2.

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)

The Frenchman gets the nod between the sticks ahead of Liverpool counterpart Simon Mignolet.

Both stoppers have three clean sheets so far this term in the top-flight. Lloris took over as Spurs captain this season, replacing the departed Younes Kaboul, and has firmly established himself as the number one keeper at the club.

Mignolet has had struggles at times this season, notably at Old Trafford where Liverpool lost 3-1, and is susceptible to crosses, as he showed against Norwich earlier in the season.

Right back:  Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)

Nathanial Clyne just edges out England colleague Kyle Walker here, but it is a close-run thing.

Walker has recovered well from scoring an own-goal against Manchester United on the opening day of the season, indeed it was the first goal this term.

Clyne has slotted in nicely at Anfield since arriving from Southampton in the summer, and they are competing for the right-back berth for the Three Lions in Eur0 2016.

Centre-back: Martin Skrtel (Liverpool)

Every team needs some steel at the back, and Skrtel is one of those defenders you just don’t mess with.

Hard as nails, and willing to run through a brick wall for the cause.

Centre-back: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)

Vertonghen is in ahead of his team-mate Toby Alderweireld, who arrived in the summer.

He is able to play anywhere on the left side, and is more than able to join the attack if needed.

Left-back: Danny Rose (Tottenham)

On the fringes of the England squad, and may sneak in after the injury to Luke Shaw ruled the Manchester United man out for a few months.

The 25-year-old has impressed more and more, coming off his best season last term under Mauricio Pochettino.

Right-wing: Adam Lallana (Liverpool)

Lallana has saved his best form for Liverpool for European competition this season, with goals in the Europa League group games against Bordeaux and Sion.

Yet to replicate that form in the Premier League this season, but is still a useful option to have.

In ahead of Tottenham‘s Andros Townsend, who has not featured this term.

Centre defensive midfield: James Milner (Liverpool)

Milner is your typical midfield workhorse, happy to stay out of the limelight and do the dirty work, letting others take the plaudits.

Lot of competition for midfield places in this combined XI, but Milner deserves his place for the fact he can be depended on to put in a shift each and every time he pulls on the shirt.

Centre midfield: Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

Hits a mean free-kick, and while yet to hit the heights of last term, always capable of turning a game with a piece of magic or a wonder strike.

Left-wing: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

Liverpool‘s best player so far this season, and not hard to see why. Seems to have taken over as the Reds lynchpin.

Forward: Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Another player yet to hit the form he showed last season, but has time on his side. And the potential to lead the line for many years to come, both at club level, and at international level for England.

Forward: Christian Benteke (Liverpool)

Belgian sneaks in ahead of Son Heung-Ming, who has shone since signing for Spurs.

Benteke, on his day, can show glimpses of magic, like the overhead kick at Old Trafford. Will be interesting to see how he fits in to new manager Klopp‘s plans.

So there you have it. Who would you have if you would make any changes?

By Steve Osborne                         @BlizzardSteve75