Milner starts.
Jürgen Klopp has rotated his squad a lot this season. Rotation, especially in midfield, has been essential in keeping players fresh, especially when you consider the high levels of energy and endurance Klopp’s system demands.
Today is no different. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has steadily improved his form since moving to Liverpool and would now be a lot of fans’ first choice to start in the midfield slot vacated by Philippe Coutinho.
But today he has dropped to the bench and James Milner has stepped in. Milner is a steady Eddy, meat and two veg midfielder, but he’s not exciting and crucially, does not have the dynamism of Oxlade-Chamberlain. Intense pressing will be key against Tottenham this afternoon, which is why some fans are baffled by the call.
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨
Here's how we line-up against Spurs… https://t.co/dYNDWBkdch pic.twitter.com/O6rwaJhZaC
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 4, 2018
Milner ahead of Ox/Gini *for this match* is just plain weird.
These are the matches we need the biggest engines and maximum pace/pressing— Conor Bradley Fan Account (@DanKennett) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/_lfcleanne/status/960175777781346304
Rather have played Ox or Gini over Milner myself because presumably he’ll be the most attacking one of the 3. Both are faster with arguably more energy than Milner.
— – (@Coppin_LFC) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/lfcsamwd/status/960173777035448320
The only bad think about that midfield is Milner over Oxlade. Henderson’s our best 6, and Can’s alright moved a bit forward.
— xoxo gossip dunlop (@JackDunlop1994) February 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/FalseFirmino/status/957966271693381632
Spurs have named an unchanged team after their win against Manchester United midweek, although it could be deployed with three defenders as Eric Dier is capable of playing in both defence and midfield.
Liverpool will look to expose the space in behind Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies down the wings with the pace of Sadio Mané and Mo Salah.
Spurs’ new signing Lucas Moura is not named in the squad, but Harry Winks is back on the bench after returning from injury.
