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James Milner provides Jurgen Klopp with a selection dilemma, says Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson
Image: Phil Thompson believes James Milner made a case to retain place

Phil Thompson believes James Milner has provided Jurgen Klopp with a selection headache ahead of Liverpool's trip to Tottenham, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Milner produced an impressive performance at the heart of Wednesday's 7-0 victory in Maribor, although it was only the third time he had completed 90 minutes this season, with Emre Can, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum preferred.

Soccer Saturday pundit Thompson believes that Milner's selection is Klopp's only decision ahead of the Wembley clash live on Sky Sports, with captain Henderson potentially remaining on the bench after being rested for the midweek trip.

He told Sky Sports: "I think Milner has given Klopp a massive headache. I know it was against Maribor but he created a lot from the middle in a more offensive role.

"He was high energy and started a lot of the pressing and I actually thought he was the man of the match.

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"It's obviously up to Klopp to determine whether that performance against the opponent in question warrants a start, but his energy on a big pitch like Wembley is going to be important.

"It could be at the expense of Henderson because Emre Can was the holding midfielder player, so that's probably the only decision to make.

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James Milner (L) vies with Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward
Image: James Milner has made just Premier League starts this season

"He was rested Henderson, which was required after he played 180 minutes in playing both games for England, including on an artificial pitch, and Milner certainly took his chance."

The two sides will meet at Wembley on the back of contrasting midweek encounters, with Spurs battling out a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid, while Liverpool cantered to a 7-0 triumph in Maribor.

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Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side

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However, while expecting Spurs to be drained from their exertions, Thompson feels it could be favourable for them coming back to such a big fixture.

"I've been to the Bernabeu as a player and an assistant and it takes a lot out of you mentally and emotionally, but this is still one of the big games of the Premier League season," he added.

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17:  Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur speak after the UEFA Champions League group H match betwe
Image: Tottenham held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu

"You might be concerned for Spurs against a lesser team, that they'd struggle to get up for it, but when the big games come to town, you expect the players to raise their game.

"All fans expect players to turn up for every game but it is the same as for fans in the sense that they might not sing with quite the same effort and enthusiasm for as a lesser fixture. It is easier to get yourself back up for a big game."

Thommo's Six-a-Side team

Tottenham v Liverpool is this weekend's Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side fixture, with £5,000 guaranteed for the highest scoring team. In his side, Thompson has selected: Coutinho, Dier, Eriksen, Vertonghen, Can, Lovren. Head here to pick your team.

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