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West Ham United finally completed the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a club record fee of £105m and manager David Moyes looks set to reinvest this sum into strengthening the team ahead of next season.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has caught the eye of the Scot and with a transfer kitty that would make most managers envious, he certainly has the funds to make some big signings this summer.

How much will Harry Maguire cost?

According to The Telegraph, the Hammers look set to test the resolve of the Red Devils by making a bid for the Englishman and with Erik ten Hag stripping him of the captaincy recently, it might be time for him to finally depart Old Trafford and seek pastures new.

United have set their valuation of the defender at £50m and this would represent a big loss from the £80m that they splashed out on him back in 2019, yet it appears as though Ten Hag is keen on moving him on this summer.

With the Irons having money to burn, they may still see £50m as an unrealistic fee, and with just two years left on his current United deal, they may have to bring his asking price down slightly in order to sanction a sale this year.

Why was Harry Maguire stripped of the captaincy at Manchester United?

Throughout the entirety of the 2022/23 campaign, Maguire started a grand total of 16 matches, which included just eight in the Premier League as Ten Hag preferred a defensive duo of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Being stripped of the captaincy will now surely accelerate his exit from the club and Moyes could offer him regular game time, while forging a solid partnership alongside Nayef Aguerd at the heart of his defence.

The Moroccan international endured a stop-start season, primarily due to suffering a serious ankle injury in pre-season, yet he still ranked second for accurate passes per game (33.3) across the whole West Ham squad in the league, as well as third for overall rating as per Sofascore.

He also provided an unlikely goal threat, ranking in the top 6% compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.11).

Maguire could slot in alongside him and offer a more physical presence which would combine well with Aguerd’s solid passing ability.

The Englishman ranked in the top 12% across the big five European leagues for aerials won per 90 (3.01) and the top 11% for blocks per 90 (1.66) which suggests he is a titan at the back, especially with WhoScored stating that his major strength is aerial duels.

Former teammate David De Gea once hailed Maguire as “fantastic” just earlier this year and despite looking out of his depth at the club on certain occasions, he could still offer plenty to West Ham, who conceded 55 goals last term, certainly not the worst total, but it was four more than the previous season, suggesting they need some improvement at the back to move back into the top half.

The next few weeks could be very interesting indeed and Moyes will be confident of luring Maguire to the club.

New Zealand’s coach Mike Hesson and selectors believe the three players had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-2017

Fast bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne, and allrounder Corey Anderson have been recalled to New Zealand’s ODI squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy, after proving their fitness in the ongoing Indian Premier League.Milne has played two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2017 so far, bowling his full quota of overs with returns of three wickets at an economy rate of 8.75. McClenaghan, who impressed with Mumbai Indians last season, has turned in another good performance, bowling 28 overs and taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.67. Anderson, playing for Delhi Daredevils, has continued to take on bowling responsibilities – he has bowled a total of four overs across two innings so far, continuing his short bowling stints with Northern Districts in Plunket Shield matches this season.New Zealand’s squad comprises five specialist batsmen, four pace bowlers, three seam-bowling allrounders, two spinners and one specialist wicketkeeper in Luke Ronchi, with Tom Latham as a back-up option behind the stumps.New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said the three players returning from injury had done everything possible in a bid to be fit for selection.”It’s been good to see all three back on the park and bowling; together they add a lot of experience to our squad,” Hesson said. “Mitch and Adam have been running in well, and Corey has shown he’ll be capable of providing an option with the ball.”We believe it’s an exciting squad; an experienced squad, and one that has the batting power and the bowling variations to prevail in a potentially high-scoring tournament.”Having four all-rounders (including Mitchell Santner) certainly helps with balance, and the return of Mitch and Adam will offer options with the new ball, through the middle of the innings, and in the death overs.”Mitchell McClenaghan has proved his fitness with steady performances for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017•BCCI

Beset by injuries, both McClenaghan and Milne have not played international cricket since the World T20 in India last year. Hamstring, side and elbow injuries meant that Milne played only one more match in 2016 – an IPL game for Royal Challengers – after the World T20, before making a return to competitive cricket in the Plunket Shield first-class tournament in March.McClenaghan’s last ODI appearance came against Pakistan in January 2016, before an eye injury ruled him out of the subsequent one-day series against Australia. McClenaghan returned to play in the World T20, and impressed in IPL 2016 with 17 wickets in 14 matches. A pelvis injury, picked up during a county stint, ruled him out of the India tour in October last year, and an ankle niggle kept him out of New Zealand’s international assignments this year.McClenaghan later reacted to the news on Twitter with a Terminator-like response writing “nice to be back”.In Anderson’s case, the New Zealand selectors and Hesson were happy with his return to bowling duties. The recurrence of a back injury during the World T20 had kept Anderson out of tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa last year and he was picked for the ODIs against India as a specialist batsman. He played four of the five matches in India and also bowled four overs in the fifth ODI in Visakhapatnam. However, with the selectors considering him a specialist batsman in view of his long-term injury issues, Anderson missed New Zealand’s subsequent ODI series against Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa. He was considered for T20 internationals, playing the home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.The three players have replaced Dean Brownlie, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry from the squad for the home series against South Africa earlier this year. The only other change was the inclusion of offspinner Jeetan Patel in place of legspinner Ish Sodhi.New Zealand are in Group A of the Champions Trophy and will play their first match, against Australia, on June 2, with matches against England and Bangladesh on June 6 and 9 respectively. Prior to the tournament, they are scheduled to play two warm-up matches – against India on May 28 and Sri Lanka on May 30.New Zealand will play an ODI tri-series in Ireland ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy and Hesson confirmed a small group of players from that squad were likely to remain in England as cover during the tournament.

Barcelona club chief Joan Laporta expects to reach an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over the signing of defender Clement Lenglet this summer.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

As already confirmed, the Lilywhites have put pen to paper on deals for Dejan Kulusevski – who joins permanently from Juventus after 18 months on loan – alongside both goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and midfielder James Maddison.

The latter duo joined in this transfer window and for bargain fees, with Vicario signing for around £17.2 million and Maddison for £40 million, despite the latter starring for Leicester City last season.

Tottenham are also widely tipped to seal the capture of Manor Solomon on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, coming after his impressive 23/23 loan spell at Fulham last year.

The Israeli international is set for a medical after travelling to London, according to Fabrizio Romano, whilst Spurs remain locked in talks over both Micky van de Ven of Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba.

A new centre-back features highly on Spurs’ to-do list this summer, coming after a season which saw them concede an unacceptable 63 league goals. Indeed, no other side above Bournemouth leaked more than that, with those numbers potentially concerning manager Ange Postecoglou.

Lenglet, who spent last season on loan at Spurs from Barca, has been linked with a return to north London permanently.

The Frenchman made 26 league appearances and even scored during their Champions League campaign, with reports suggesting he could be available for just £8.5 million.

Catalans chief Laporta, speaking to La Vanguardia (via Romano), has confirmed that Barcelona expect to reach an agreement with Spurs over Lenglet’s transfer.

The 28-year-old, thought to be on around £204,000-per-week, has caps at international level for France and has been seriously endorsed by compatriot Hugo Lloris.

What’s been said about Lenglet?

Lloris, speaking to the media last year, called Lenglet a “modern” defender whilst drawing attention to his physical strength as a centre-back – both aerially and in ground duels.

“He’s a modern defender,” said Lloris.

“Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he’s strong in the air.

“I’m even more happy because I have a good connection with him and also a great relationship with him. He has a great personality and he will adapt well to the team.”

Former Barca boss Ronald Koeman, speaking back in 2021, also called Lenglet a “very professional” and “serious” player.

Arsenal, amidst all their high-profile transfer endeavours, could be set to secure one star under the radar…

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Arsenal?

That's according to football.london, who sought to detail the various players linked with a switch to the Emirates.

Whilst it is a piece dominated by the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, Romeo Lavia is one such name that could very easily be missed. However, the information they provide is crucial, suggesting that they are close to an agreement over personal terms with the Belgium international.

Although rumours surrounding Manchester City's interest in Declan Rice might have Gunners fans feeling deflated, this should offer a small uplift in that a similarly solid midfield option seems poised to join.

It was noted earlier this week that Southampton would command a fee of £50m to sanction the exit of their young star, but Edu has already proven himself a shrewd negotiator who is willing to wait on a cheaper deal to appear.

Is Romeo Lavia better than Thomas Partey?

In acquiring this teenage sensation, it could spell terrible news for Thomas Partey, who already continues to be linked with an exit.

Whilst the midfield titan enjoyed one of his standout years in north London, it seems Mikel Arteta is keen on expelling his older players in order to usher in a brighter future. Fortunately for him, the Ghana international boasts plenty of suitors, with Juventus the latest to be linked with a move for him.

What makes this arguably the perfect swap is that Lavia boasts huge similarities with the 30-year-old, and yet is 11 years his junior.

In a Saints side that finished rock-bottom of the Premier League table, the 19-year-old general remained a solid asset in their engine room, never letting the side down. As such, he maintained a 6.80 average rating, buoyed by his 86% pass accuracy, 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Journalist Jacob Tanswell was particularly enamoured with some of the work of the Citizens academy graduate, writing on Twitter: "Romeo Lavia having the courage and awareness to perform a no-touch turn (which was the only right decision) is frankly ridiculous."

Despite his youth, he was happy to sit at the base of the midfield, screening the back four and allowing the foundation for his team to play. Partey operated in a similar role, and thus also recorded 2.1 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in the league, as per Sofascore.

With their midfield stalwart seemingly heading for an exit, and a move for his replacement nearing, it seems all signs are pointing towards Arteta continuing his youth-focused revolution, with his Ghanaian general potentially all set to become the latest victim of such an approach.

Mark Nicholas, the Channel Nine commentator and ESPNcricinfo columnist, has been taken to hospital for a second time during the Boxing Day Test, only hours after he resumed his broadcasting duties following a similar episode on day one.Once again in considerable pain, Nicholas was attended to by paramedics before being taken from the broadcast area. “Unfortunately Mark has taken ill again,” a Channel Nine spokesperson said. “He has been transported back to hospital for further tests.”On the first day, Nicholas had complained of severe abdominal pain and been taken to hospital shortly after lunch, and spent most of the evening in hospital. He had rested through the second day before returning to duty on the third morning.However the recurrence of the symptoms, whose origins have not been publicly released, have forced a return to treatment and further examination. It may also mean a longer period of convalescence this time around.Earlier this summer, Nicholas released the book , reflecting on his time as a cricketer, writer and broadcaster on cricket.

Peter Siddle has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa due to a back injury, which almost certainly means a Test debut for Joe Mennie in Hobart

Daniel Brettig08-Nov-20161:05

‘I’ll just repeat the stuff that got me this far’ – Mennie

Fast bowler Joe Mennie is almost certain to make his Test debut in Hobart after Peter Siddle was ruled out due to a back injury.Australia’s selectors have also called on Jackson Bird as cover for the bowling unit but he is not officially part of the squad, which means Mennie is set to join Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in the pace attack for the second Test against South Africa, starting on Saturday. Mennie was named 12th man for the WACA Test and was then released to play a Sheffield Shield match for South Australia.Siddle was preferred in Perth, where he was making his return to international cricket following a lay-off due to a stress fracture of the back, diagnosed following Australia’s Test tour of New Zealand earlier this year. Australia’s medical staff are hopeful that Siddle will recover quickly, but have taken a cautious approach due to his recent history.”Peter Siddle had some lower back soreness at the conclusion of the first Test match in Perth,” Australia’s team physio David Beakley said. “Whilst we expect bowlers to be sore after Test matches, this was slightly worse than we expected and given that he was returning from a significant back injury, we organised some scans today.”The scans demonstrated some low grade bone oedema around his old stress fracture that is likely to be a flare-up of his previous lower back injury. We are hopeful that this will resolve relatively quickly, but have withdrawn him from the squad for the second Test match in Hobart. We will monitor his recovery and have a better idea of when he will return to play in the next week or so.”Siddle’s injury is yet another consequence to be drawn from Australia’s horrid batting collapse on day two of the WACA Test, sending Australia’s bowlers – Siddle and Starc with limited preparations – back into the field only 24 hours after they had bowled the Proteas out on day one. The coach Darren Lehmann said back-to-back Tests would stretch his men physically after they were made to work hard by JP Duminy and Dean Elgar in particular.”They have bowled four days in a row,” Lehmann said. “They are pretty sore as I would imagine the South African boys would be, the two bowlers that bowled the whole game for them. All bowlers are going to be pretty sore and tight. We’ll just have to see how they pull up and make a call from there. They will have the same issues.”It’s a short turn-around. That’s the nature of cricket in Australia, back-to-back Test matches early on. The good thing, I thought we batted a lot better in the second innings. The disappointing thing is we were off to flyer, obviously 0 for 158, and we lost 10 for 86. That’s the thing that hurts you in a game, as you know. If we had the discipline and that in the first innings that we showed probably yesterday and today, we would have made a better score and a better fist of it in the first innings and had a lead.”That’s the challenge, isn’t it? First innings, they made us pay in the second, Duminy and Elgar batted really well. I thought our bowlers worked hard the whole game and then coming in, if we had batters in in the last session today, well, you never know, do you? We just lost batters at the wrong time.”Asked about Australia’s limited preparation, one Sheffield Shield match, and moving the first Test of summer from Brisbane to Perth, Lehmann said his hands were tied: “Can’t do anything about it. Love to, but we can’t.”The selectors had already added Callum Ferguson and Joe Burns to the Test squad to replace the injured Shaun Marsh (broken finger) and also provide cover for Adam Voges (hamstring). Lehmann confirmed both batsmen would be under consideration even if Voges is passed fit, placing further pressure on the underperforming Mitchell Marsh.”We have known about the broken finger for about three days, which has been very good from our boys not to get out to you guys,” Lehmann said. “We have known the squad is going to be changed in the last three days. I would say every spot is under pressure. That’s the nature of the beast if you don’t have success. I thought he batted quite well and was a bit unlucky with the decision, but that is part of the game as well.”Lehmann acknowledged that the national team were under a rare level of pressure, as four consecutive Test match losses have historically led to a change of the Australian captain or coach. “[We’ll] Try to clear their minds,” he said of the players. “But everyone has pressure. Everyone has pressure when not playing well. But also as a player you always have pressure to perform at international level.”If you have a few bad performances, there is always someone waiting in the wings. And that’s been the case for 100 years, that’s not going to change I wouldn’t think. We try and pick and stick where we possibly can and encourage the guys and we get in trouble when we don’t pick and stick, we get in trouble when do pick and stick with you guys. So then when we add someone, it all changes.”So, there is pressure on players day in, day out for your country and that’s part and parcel of whether you are playing for South Africa or Australia.”

Tillakaratne Dilshan cast aspersions on the conduct of former and present team-mates -particularly Angelo Mathews – soon after his final ODI, against Australia on Sunday

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Aug-2016Tillakaratne Dilshan cast aspersions on the conduct of former and present team-mates -particularly Angelo Mathews – soon after his final ODI, against Australia on Sunday. Prompted to speak on the challenges faced in his 10-month stint as Sri Lanka captain between April 2011 and January 2012, Dilshan suggested he did not have the support of some team-mates. He also said he had been hurt by his sudden removal as captain, following the year-end tour of South Africa, in which Sri Lanka lost both series, but won a Test in South Africa for the first time.Dilshan had been named captain after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had both resigned from that post. It was Jayawardene who eventually replaced him after the South Africa tour.”I didn’t actually plan to take the captaincy, but the SLC president asked me to take over for six months until we find someone else,” Dilshan said. “Unfortunately, we had also lost two bowlers. Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan] had retired. Nuwan Kulasekara was injured. Ajantha Mendis was injured. I didn’t have great resources.”Angelo Mathews had a calf injury for a year that stopped him from bowling. That must be because of my misfortune, because after I had stepped down, we went to Australia after a week. In that week, Mathews started bowling. That must be because of Mahela’s good fortune.”Mathews did bowl during Dilshan’s captaincy, but had a reduced workload. He did not bowl in nine of the 20 ODIs under Dilshan, and never delivered more than five overs in a match. This workload did see a substantial increase when Jayawardene resumed captaincy.In Tests, Mathews did not bowl in 12 of the 16 innings under Dilshan, though at the time, he was not an integral part of the Test attack. Mathews had also suffered leg injuries even prior to Dilshan’s captaincy, most notably when he missed the 2011 World Cup final due to a quad strain, and has managed his own bowling load carefully since he became captain.Though Dilshan said the manner of his ousting did cause hurt, he insisted he did not let “personal issues” affect his cricket. Sri Lanka’s first assignment after the South Africa tour was the 2012 tri-series in Australia. Dilshan top-scored in that tournament, hitting 513 runs at an average of 51.30.”At the end of that South Africa series, I put everything aside. I went to Australia, scored 500 runs, and became Man of the Series. It didn’t matter to me who was captain. I wasn’t concerned about who ousted me as captain. I always play for my country. I didn’t worry about those personal things, but I was hurt.”Dilshan’s own first assignment as captain had been Sri Lanka’s tour of England, but broke his finger during his 193 at Lord’s in the second Test. He suggested it had been with some reluctance that Sangakkara took on the captaincy for one Test, after that injury ruled Dilshan out for the game at Southampton.”There actually wasn’t anyone who was willing to be captain. Everyone resigned after the 2011 World Cup. In England a ball hit my hand and I broke my finger, and the former captains were asked to lead, and they said no. After that only when it was talked about that someone like Sanath Jayasuriya or Thilina Kandamby be made captain that someone presented himself to be captain. But I guess there’s no point talking about those past things anymore.”But I am proud that it is players that I brought into the team at the time who are winning matches now. About six or seven of the players today are cricketers who I’d given a chance to. At the time it was a problem for me, because people asked me why I was giving young players so many opportunities. But today, we should look at players like Dinesh Chandimal.”Dilshan still has two more T20 matches to play before he becomes an ex-cricketer across formats. He said the decision to retire had been spontaneous.”I hadn’t planned to retire, before the series,” he said. “Whether someone tells me to keep playing or stop playing, that’s not what’s important. What is important is what I feel. I started the series thinking that I’ll play for another year – at least in T20 cricket. But when I woke up on the 25th I felt that it was time to go.”To be honest I could easily play for another year or two. But we have to look to the future. If I play for another two years and leave, there’s only 18 months before the next World Cup and that’s unfair to the team. A young player could be blooded in that time. Since I started opening six years ago, we haven’t found a permanent partner for me. I’ve opened with about 10 people – so that’s a problematic area for us. If I keep playing we won’t be able to get two batsmen settled in that place. I’ll be able to get some rest.”

Seamer Chris Mpofu is in line for an international recall as Zimbabwe look to bolster their ranks ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, which starts from August 6

Firdose Moonda31-Jul-2016

Seamer Chris Mpofu is in line for an international recall as Zimbabwe look to bolster their ranks ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, which starts from August 6. With more than half the squad afflicted by the illness that kept Sean Williams off the field for the entire New Zealand innings, changes to the current 15-man group are expected and ESPNcricinfo has learned that Mpofu is being seriously considered.The seamer has not played a Test in five years, since New Zealand last toured Zimbabwe in 2011. He was part of the XI that took the one-off game to the wire and finished with five wickets in the match. Mpofu has since been plagued by a lower back injury but has played international cricket in shorter formats, with his last ODI and T20 both coming in 2015. Mpofu also played throughout last season, including three matches in the Logan Cup where he claimed 11 wickets at 23.81, and it is understood his wicket-taking ability is what Zimbabwe are after.”We don’t have a powerhouse of seamers which you can pick and choose from,” Makhaya Ntini, Zimbabwe’s interim head coach, said. “For this match, we thought if we have more power in the batting line-up, we’ll have time to be able to take wickets.”However, on a slow, low Bulawayo surface, Zimbabwe’s attack of two seamers, one specialist spinner and four part-timers was only able to take six New Zealand wickets and, of those, the frontline seamers only took two. A lack of experience in the pack is also a problem – the four quicks had only two Test caps between them before this match.Their inexperience showed when both Donald Tiripano and Michael Chinouya wasted the new ball and did not make New Zealand’s openers play enough. They also stayed away from the short ball, which had worked well for Neil Wagner in Zimbabwe’s innings. The pair improved with the second new ball, tightened their lines and asked some questions and Ntini has been working with them on applying pressure for longer periods.”They need to search more, they need to hit one side of the wicket, they need to be able to bowl to fields and they must not be greedy,” Ntini said. “But they are learning. From a fast bowler’s point of view, what we had to mention to them is to pay attention to which ball gets hit for four and then try to correct that. You want to cut off the boundaries. If the boundary ball becomes a single, you are able to understand where you need to improve so when you get hit, you have to think – which ball was that. Then you will understand what not to do.”Apart from Tiripano and Chinouya, Ntini has also been teaching this to the other members of his squad which include Njabulo Ncube, who also played in the 2011 Test, and Taurai Muzarabani, neither of whom were picked for the first Test. Zimbabwe also have the option of calling up Shingi Masakadaza, who topped the Logan Cup wicket-taker’s list and performed well against South Africa A.At the other end, changes are also expected in the batting line-up, especially the top order, although Ntini was careful not to be too harsh on his young top two. Chamu Chibhabha was on debut and Brian Chari had just two caps to his name before this Test. Chari then had to keep wicket as well. “We can’t judge a person by one single game,” Ntini said. “For example, with Chari, he kept for two days and he is not a wicketkeeper and then he got out. But yes, Tino (Mawoyo) has also showed signs of being one of the top-order players. Whatever changes we do, they have to be needed, we won’t just do them.”Mawoyo, who suffered bruising around his right thumb after being hit by Tim Southee in the three-day warm-up match, is hopeful to be fit for the second Test. Although scans did not reveal a fracture, Mawoyo was unable to hold a bat after suffering the blow and did not hit any balls during this Test. He will resume training on Tuesday.

The BCB has said that Bangladesh’s strength and conditioning coach Mario Villavarayan will not be joining the preliminary squad’s training camp, along with the rest of the foreign coaching staff at the start of August

Mohammad Isam18-Jul-2016The BCB has said that Bangladesh’s strength and conditioning coach Mario Villavarayan will not be joining the preliminary squad’s training camp along with the rest of the foreign coaching staff at the start of August.Villavarayan was supposed to kick off training on July 20, but has cited “personal reasons” for his delayed return to Dhaka. The Bangladesh players will start the camp under trainer Iftekharul Islam.”All the staff will be arriving in Dhaka towards the end of this month or at the start of August,” BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury told ESPNcricinfo. “Mario [Villavarayan] has said that he has personal issues and he is expected to join soon.”Following the July 1 Dhaka attack, Nizamuddin said that the BCB will provide additional security to BCB’s foreign staff. “We will provide the foreign staff with additional security in line with the government directive towards sensitive people and places,” he said.Meanwhile, Brett Harrop, BCB’s physiotherapist at the cricket development department, has resigned due to “family reasons”.

Liverpool return to Premier League action today, seeking to build on their five-game unbeaten run by adding a victory against Tottenham Hotspur to that list.

There is an expectation that the Reds will cruise to a win today, but Ryan Mason has proven at least some ability to get this previously useless squad fighting for the badge. This was exemplified in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United, where they battled from two goals down to salvage a point.

However, that result aside, the Lilywhites have won just once since early March, and even that was a controversial narrow victory over Brighton and Hove Albion. It has been far from smooth sailing for Spurs, who even dismissed their previous caretaker manager in an unprecedented and quite embarrassing fashion.

With this game coming so soon after Liverpool's recent win over West Ham United, changes are to be expected in an effort to maintain fitness as they enter a crucial portion of the campaign.

A win today would see the hosts leapfrog the challengers, with their game in hand still yet to be played.

How will Liverpool line up against Tottenham Hotspur?

With that in mind, Jurgen Klopp could make two changes from the side that won in east London, reverting to the 4-2-3-1 formation that had earned success earlier in the season. This would be in an effort to overload the visitors' three at the back, which has looked fragile in recent weeks.

Alisson will almost definitely remain in between the sticks, behind a back four only slightly altered due to the return of Ibrahima Konate.

Despite Joel Matip shining last time out, scoring the winner and earning the highest match rating, the £100k-per-week centre-back still pails in comparison to the Frenchman. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk is their best bet at silencing the threat of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

The Cameroonian's status as a "cult hero" in the eyes of writer Joel Rabinowitz will do little to keep him in the team today.

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will occupy the full-back spots, with the latter hoping to continue his fine form in that new inverted role.

Given the lack of alternatives Jordan Henderson and Fabinho will continue as holding midfielders, but Curtis Jones will drop out to facilitate another forward.

Cody Gakpo will be hoping he can add to his ever-growing goal tally after notching their equaliser on Wednesday, whilst Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota have quietly started scoring with regularity now too.

Starting Darwin Nunez for just the second time this month, there will be hope that the boosted form of his teammates can also spark the Uruguayan back into action. The 23-year-old could prove imperative in stretching Spurs' defence, opening up space for the three behind him to strike the killer blow.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho; Salah, Gakpo, Jota; Nunez