Premier League
Liverpool vs Tottenham Preview
Liverpool will look to go back to the top of the Premier League table, as they face Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
However, Jurgen Klopp will know that this will be a tough examination of Liverpool’s title hopes.
For Tottenham, a few weeks ago they looked like title challengers. However, Spurs form has dipped dramatically and they have lost three of their last four Premier League games.
That poor run of form has seen them go from title contenders to scrambling to hang onto a top four spot.
With Spurs set to move into their new stadium next week, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino knows he simply has to deliver Champions League football for next season.
This is a must win for both sides for different reasons.
Team News
Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt after withdrawing from England duty with a back problem.
Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both set to miss out. Xherdan Shaqiri will be assessed after missing Switzerland’s two European qualifiers due to groin problem.
Tottenham are without Eric Dier and Harry Winks due to injuries. Serge Aurier is also likely to be unavailable due to picking up a hamstring injury.
However, Kieran Trippier is back in contention and could start.
Previous Encounters
Liverpool have only lost one of their past 13 league and cup games against Tottenham, winning eight of those matches.
Tottenham’s last victory at Anfield came in May 2011, when Rafael Van Der Vaart and Luka Modric were on target.
Goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino helped Liverpool defeat Tottenham at Wembley back in September.
Predicted Line-Ups
Liverpool (4-3-3) Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Milner; Salah, Mane, Firmino
Tottenham (3-5-2) Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Sissoko, Eriksen, Dele, Rose; Son, Kane
Match Prediction
The pressure is on Liverpool after Manchester City’s comfortable victory against Fulham knocked the reds off the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool cruised past Spurs back in September and will expect to do the same, especially at Anfield.
Tottenham are struggling and the pressure is on Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine will know they simply have to be in the top four and need Champions League football and the revenue it brings.
If they are to do get anything from this game, much will depend on the midfield and the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli.
Also, this has all the makes of an entertaining game, with both sides knowing a draw isn’t much use for either side.
Liverpool are in a good run of form and are playing with confidence, which should see them secure the vital three points.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham
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