UEFA Champions League
Tottenham vs Liverpool Preview
- Date: Sat, Jun 1, 2019
- Time: 3:00 p.m. (est)
- Network: TNT and Univision
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Venue: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 67,829
The 2018-19 season culminates Saturday with an all English Final between Tottenham vs Liverpool.
This is Liverpool’s second Champions League final in a row. Last season they were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid. However, they are the heavy favorites to lift the cup for a sixth time in their history.
Meanwhile, this is the first time that Tottenham reaches a Champions League final. However, they have already gathered surprising wins over Manchester City and Ajax.
After an impressive run at the domestic league with 97 points, the Reds still found themselves on the losing end having defending champions Manchester City get the top spot.
Contrary to this, Tottenham fight was between Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United for the top four slot finish.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side ended fourth in the standings and have secured a spot in next year’s Champions should they lose to Liverpool.
However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has a poor record in finals, having lost six of seven. His only silverware comes in 2012 with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga title.
The same can be said about Pochettino who has been at several clubs with no silverware to show.
Nonetheless, both managers have been rather successful and have been categorized as managers to do more with very little.
Team News
The Reds will have Roberto Firmino back in the lineup. However, Naby Keita has been ruled out and will not see any action.
Firmino’s return will boost their offensive attack, though he was not part of their superb display against Barcelona in Anfield.
Additionally, Mohamed Salah will return to the starting lineup after missing their match against Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the Spurs will have a returning Harry Kane who looks at redemption after being knocked out for several weeks with an injury.
Lucas Moura was the hero against Ajax. It is unlikely that Kane returns to the starting lineup but is likely to come in the second half.
Predicted Lineups (Tottenham vs Liverpool Preview)
Tottenham XI (4-4-2): Lloris, Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Sissoko, Wanyama, Alli, Eriksen, Son, Moura.
Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Mane, Salah, Firmino.
Prediction
Liverpool are clearly the better team, player for player, history and their position in league play this season.
However, Tottenham have arguably been rather successful with less talented players.
Nevertheless, the benches for these clubs will likely come out and create goal opportunities that will not come from starters.
This will go with a draw until the last minute and will decided in penalties.
Prediction: Tottenham 2 – 2 Liverpool (Liverpool wins in a 4-5 goals in Penalties)
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Written by Edgar Gomez
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Photo credit to Ly Nguyen via Flickr
