The Tottenham XI That Jose Mourinho Should Pick to Face Liverpool

Andddddd it's gone.

What, you may ask? Well, you know, the whole 'new manager bounce' phenomenon that had many Tottenham fans thinking (including me) that Jose Mourinho was going to turn it around this season in north London.

But a draw at Norwich, defeat at Southampton and failure to get past Middlesbrough in the FA Cup have well and truly taken any remaining sting out of Jose's bounce.

With Harry Kane ruled out until April, Moussa Sissoko until March, Tanguy Ndombele being made of Quavers and a worrying feeling that the club could do some questionable business this month, it seems that the 2019/20 Premier League season is a write off for Spurs. All the eggs may have to go into the FA Cup basket - providing they beat Boro in the replay.

For now, however, the focus turns to the best team on the planet, Liverpool, as the Reds travel down to the capital for the Saturday evening fixture. During his time at United, we saw Mourinho stifle Jurgen Klopp's side on a few occasions, but it's fair to say that even those very good Liverpool sides aren't comparable to the current beast of a unit.

So, with Spurs as depleted as can be, how will Jose line his side up for this one? Here, 90min looks at what he should do...

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Paulo Gazzaniga (GK) - This will be one of his last games in goal as Hugo Lloris nears full fitness and if there was one thing to take away from his tenure as the number one, it's that he's not a number one. A decent keeper though - when not attempting karate in his own box.

Serge Aurier (RWB) - One of the most inconsistent footballers around, Aurier enjoyed one of his better games at the Riverside last week and will undoubtedly start in this one. You can expect Mourinho to opt for a back five and Aurier's aggression will be key in trying to stifle Andy Robertson down the left.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) - With the crossing quality within this Liverpool squad, the Spurs backline will face an absolute barrage of balls into the box - something that the Belgian dealt with extremely well in the reverse fixture at Anfield. His experience and intelligence will be key when it comes to dealing with the movement of Roberto Firmino as well.

Davinson Sanchez (CB) - Arguably the Lilywhites' most consistent performer since Mourinho arrived - before he failed to start their last three - Sanchez's aerial ability and recovery speed will be key if they want to slow down their relentless opponents. We've seen the Colombian perform at his very best in the biggest moments in the past and, hopefully, this will be another example.

Jan Vertonghen (CB) - It's unlikely that Juan Foyth or Japhet Tanganga will be thrown into the mix for this one, meaning the declining Vertonghen will retain his place. If he does start, his area will be of real interest for Klopp's men as he simply doesn't have the legs to keep up with Mohamed Salah for 90 minutes. However, if Spurs are to keep and progress the ball, the 32-year-old's composed nature in possession may prove key.

Ryan Sessegnon (LWB) - Fine. That's how the former Fulham man's start to life in north London should be described. Not bad, not great, fine. The teenager is accomplished with the ball at his feet but he's lacked a little bit of confidence and assertion since he's come into the side after Christmas. An exciting talent no doubt, and what better way to state your arrival at the club than nullifying the world's best right-back.

Midfielders

Eric Dier (CDM) - OK, this is where it could get ugly on Saturday evening. With Tanguy Ndombele and Sissoko both out, Mourinho's hands are tied and the defensive-minded Dier will certainly start. Expect Jose to do something a little different and use Dier as the number six with a couple of better ball-players utilised in front of him.

Harry Winks (CM) - Despite his critics, it's fair to say that Winks doesn't shy away from the big occasion. While he certainly hasn't been at his best this season - struggling for minutes since the new manager came in - the England international's tenacity and energy could disrupt Liverpool's functional midfield. His ability to retain possession will be imperative when the hosts try and build up from the back as well - which, in fairness, will be rare.

Christian Eriksen (CM) - Expect Mourinho to get every minute out of the Dane before his inevitable departure in the summer for absolute zilch. Nevertheless, with Spurs probably emphasising on counter-attacking in this one, Eriksen's passing range will be pivotal. Not forgetting that he proved he can still take free-kicks with a delightful strike at Norwich to round off 2019. Giovani Lo Celso would be the preferred option but Mourinho will likely stick with the 27-year-old.

Forwards

Son Heung-min (FW) - Here we go, the start of a South Korean renaissance now Kane is done for the foreseeable future. Son always seems to thrive when the England skipper isn't in the side and there's little doubt that he'll be Klopp's biggest concern ahead of Saturday's clash. Rapid and tremendous off both feet, Son was born for the counter and if Spurs are to get a result against the unbeaten Reds, the South Korean will have to play a blinder.

Lucas Moura (FW) - He may not be able to pass or cross a football, but boy is he dangerous on the break. Like Son, Moura is an invaluable asset for this Spurs side because of his ability in transition - direct, quick and competent off both feet, the Brazilian will be hoping to have his fifth good game for Spurs since his 2018 arrival. Only joking, he shall never be slandered after that night in Amsterdam.

Source : 90min