Virgil van Dijk v Harry Kane

Virgil van Dijk was rested for Liverpool FC’s 3-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night. Jurgen Klopp’s decision was presumably motivated by a desire to have the world’s most expensive defender at full fitness for the visit of Tottenham.

The £75m will be handed his first real test as a Liverpool defender against Harry Kane at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

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The Netherlands international hasn’t hit the ground running since his big move. While Van Dijk scored the winner against Everton on his debut, Liverpool have lost their last two games with their club record signing in their starting XI.

Kane has scored 21 times in 24 games in the Premier League. The England international has a good record against Liverpool, too. The Tottenham striker has scored four times in their last six meetings.

Jordan Henderson v Moussa Dembele

Jordan Henderson returned from his recent stint on the sidelines to help Liverpool beat Huddersfield mid-week.

The England international’s work rate cannot be questioned but the 27-year-old isn’t a natural holding midfielder. Liverpool will need Henderson to remain disciplined to protect their back four.

Moussa Dembele, like Henderson, has struggled with fitness problems of his own this term.

The Belgium international helped Tottenham to overrun the Manchester United midfielder in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Wednesday night. If the 28-year-old is fit for the trip to Anfield after his mid-week exertions, this should prove an intriguing midfield battle.

Mo Salah v Jan Vertonghen

Liverpool summer signing Mohamed Salah scored his 19th Premier League goal from the penalty spot at John Smith’s Stadium.

The Egypt international is just two goals behind Kane in the goal-scoring charts. However, Salah will face one of the Premier League’s best defences (although Toby Alderweireld will be missing) at Anfield on Sunday.

Vertonghen has been ever present in the Tottenham team this season, starting all 25 top-flight games. Spurs could push up the pitch at Anfield which would give Salah the opportunity to run in behind the Tottenham defence. Vertonghen’s leadership and recovery pace will prove crucial for Spurs.