Rhys Williams starts for Liverpool v Tottenham

Liverpool have handed a start to teenage defender Rhys Williams for their top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Tottenham.

The Reds are without Joel Matip after he was forced off at half-time of last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Fulham due to a back spasm.

And, with the centre-back having failed to recover in time for Wednesday’s game, he gives up his starting place to 19-year-old Williams, who will make his Premier League debut.

Jurgen Klopp’s team is otherwise unchanged, though he will have Naby Keita to call upon from the bench after the midfielder recovered from injury.

A @premierleague debut for @rhyswilliams01 tonight pic.twitter.com/Myn22JqLmh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 16, 2020

As for Tottenham, their team shows two changes from Sunday’s draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Ben Davies and Giovani Lo Celso come into the starting XI, taking the places of Sergio Reguilon and Tanguy Ndombele respectively.

Gareth Bale misses out on a place on the bench through illness.

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Williams, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Tottenham: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Hojbjerg, Sissoko, Lo Celso; Bergwijn, Kane, Son.