Richarlison Must Start at Anfield if Tottenham Are to Shock Liverpool and Safeguard Survival

Tottenham’s survival hopes could hinge on a single, seismic selection call when Igor Tudor’s depleted side walk into the cauldron of Anfield on Sunday. With 13 senior players ruled out and only five goals scored in the last four matches, the Lilywhites need firepower, needle and a proven tormentor of Liverpool – attributes that point to one man: Richarlison.

The Brazilian, who has nine goals and four assists in all competitions this season, has been directly involved in five goals in five Premier League meetings with the Reds (three goals, two assists). Yet he has tasted victory only once in those duels, a statistic Tottenham must overturn if they are to claw towards the points that would all-but secure their top-flight status.

Club insider John Wenham, speaking to Tottenham News, insists the moment has arrived to unleash the 28-year-old from the first whistle.

“I would have him starting with Solanke rather than Randal Kolo-Muani,” Wenham said. “He scored that goal at Fulham with the header, and he put himself about. I still think it’s best for all parties if he leaves in the summer, but hopefully he can leave having kept us in the division. That’s what his game’s all about – winding up rival players and fans – and I would be utilising him as much as possible, especially against Liverpool.”

Tudor’s attacking blueprint has been blunted by the absence of key creators and a chronic lack of defensive stability that has seen 14 goals conceded in the same four-match span. With Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha among the long-term casualties, the Croatian coach is expected to pair Richarlison alongside Dominic Solanke in a twin-strike axis designed to harass Liverpool’s high line and feed off the inevitable spaces behind it.

Richarlison’s record against the Merseysiders stretches beyond raw numbers. His ability to antagonise opponents and energise team-mates has become a tactical weapon in itself, one Wenham believes could tip the balance in a fixture Tottenham have won only once in their last five attempts.

Despite ongoing fitness issues, the forward remains Spurs’ leading scorer across all competitions and is determined to reinforce his case for a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad. A headline-grabbing performance on Sunday would serve the dual purpose of enhancing those ambitions and potentially altering the trajectory of Tottenham’s season.

Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for Sunday evening, with Tudor expected to finalise his injury-ravaged XI only after a late assessment of those who trained on Saturday. Whatever the final composition, the inclusion of Richarlison appears the clearest route to springing an upset and ensuring Tottenham’s Premier League future remains in their own hands.