Premier League
Tottenham vs Liverpool Preview
Tottenham against Liverpool is easily the most high profile clash this weekend in the Premier League. It is also the most highly anticipated game of the season so far. Liverpool currently sit on top of the table 4 games into the season. The Reds have won all 4 of their games and have also scored 9 goals in the process. Tottenham have also started well as they have picked up 3 wins but suffered a disappointing loss to Watford. This puts them in 5th place, 3 points behind Liverpool. Both teams will be desperate for a win in this mouthwatering clash. Although Spurs will be a lot more eager as a win would put them level on points with Jürgen Klopp’s side.
History and statistics favor Liverpool though as they have lost only one of their last 11 games in the league against Spurs (Although that was a heavy 4-1 defeat in this exact fixture last season). Klopp’s side have struggled against Spurs away from home under Klopp though. Spurs haven’t managed to contain Liverpool’s menacing attack in recent years and have always conceded at least one goal in their last 12 league encounters. Nonetheless, Spurs will surely be looking to put all that to bed and rack up the 3 points on Saturday.
Squad Updates
Spurs are missing a few key players through injury. The most notable absentees are Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris. Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko will also be unavailable this weekend. Although there is good news as their South Korean superstar Heung Min Son has returned to the team.
As for Liverpool, they are missing Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren this weekend. They join Alex Oxlade Chamberlain on the list of injured players as an injury earlier on unfortunately ruled him out for the rest of the season.
It is unlikely that there will be any major changes to the lineups for both teams as they will field their strongest eleven to try and secure a win. Mauricio Pochettino however, will be delighted at Son’s return and we can definitely expect him to make an appearance.
Ones To Watch
The home side will be relying upon their talismanic midfielders to bag some goals. Particularly the man in red hot form, Lucas Moura. Obviously they will also look to Son and the ever dangerous Harry Kane to torment the Reds’ defense.
As for Liverpool there is no need to explicitly mention their frightening attacking trio of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Although Salah and Firmino haven’t quite hit their full stride yet they are still a huge threat. Naby Keita will also be on the radar. The Guinean has already endeared himself to the fans with his immense technical ability and creativity. The traveling support will definitely be hoping that all this is on display at Wembley on Saturday.
Interesting Facts and Prediction
- This fixture has seen more goals than any other in the league’s history-149, second only to Arsenal vs Everton (151).
- This fixture has seen the most number of penalties awarded in the competition’s history- 22.
- Liverpool have won all their 4 opening games of the season for the first time since 1990-91.
- Spurs haven’t lost 2 consecutive Premier League games since the last 2 games of the 2015-16 season.
- Liverpool are yet to beat Spurs away from home under Klopp (2D, 1L) despite having won 9 games out of 15 against London sides.
Although their home form against Liverpool favors Spurs, their injury woes and morale coming off the back of the loss to Watford will be decisive. It will be a tough game but Liverpool, based on their form will manage to get a victory.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool
Photo credit to soikeo .info via Flickr
