Liverpool take on a talented Tottenham side at Anfield on Saturday evening, as they look to keep their top-four fate in their own hands.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday, February 11, 2017 – 5:30pm (GMT)
Anfield
Premier League
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Just when we thought that draw with Chelsea signalled the start of a Liverpool recovery, they go and lose at Hull City in spineless fashion.
The performance at the KCOM Stadium last weekend was arguably the Reds’ worst of the season to date, with poor displays from both Jurgen Klopp and his players.
A campaign that promised so much is now threatening to fall to pieces, with a top-four finish now the only genuine goal in 2016/17.
Spurs visit Merseyside on Saturday as Chelsea‘s closest title challengers, and a win for them is the only result that will do.
Mauricio Pochettino has built a formidable side at White Hart Lane, whether it be their rock-solid defence, powerful midfield or potent attack.
Liverpool will need to be at their very best to seal a first league victory of the year—defeat would leave them seven points adrift of their opponents.
It should be a tight, tactical affair at Anfield, but whatever happens, this must be the day when the Reds build some momentum again.
Last Meeting: Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool
Team News
Despite reports claiming Klopp would be dropping Simon Mignolet after his mistake against Hull, the manager has said he is yet to make a decision.
Loris Karius will be waiting in the wings hoping to be given another chance—bringing him in would arguably be the correct call.
Devan Lovren is a doubt with a knee injury, which could mean Lucas Leiva starting at centre-back, and Adam Lallana could also miss out with an Achilles problem.
The rest of the team almost picks itself, although Emre Can could be replaced by Georginio Wijnaldum, following another below-par showing last weekend.
Sadio Mane will make his first start at Anfield this year, and the hope is that the 24-year-old clicks alongside Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, like they did back in the autumn.
Tottenham will be without key duo Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose, along with Erik Lamela, which Liverpool must try and take advantage of, but otherwise, they are at full strength.
The midfield battle is likely to be key, with Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele one of the league’s most dominant pairings.
Form
Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)
Lost 2-0 vs. Hull
Drew 1-1 vs. Chelsea
Lost 2-1 vs. Wolves
Lost 1-0 vs. Southampton
Lost 3-2 vs. Swansea
Tottenham – Last five results (all competitions)
Won 1-0 vs. Middlesbrough
Drew 0-0 vs. Sunderland
Won 4-3 vs. Wycombe
Drew 2-2 vs. Man City
Won 4-0 vs. West Brom
Klopp’s View
Klopp discussed the goalkeeping situation in a typically honest manner:
“It’s a rumour [that Karius starts]? I’ve decided nothing,” he said.
“We’ve not had 100 fantastic games in a row, that involved different players.
“There’s nothing to say about it actually. Whoever gave you this information, please delete him from your list.”
TV Info
The match is the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend, and BT Sport 1 has live coverage from Anfield from 5pm (GMT).
If you don’t have BT, or want to follow the game online with us, make sure you keep up to date on the This is Anfield live blog.
There will be regular updates from 4:45pm, as Liverpool look to get their season back on track.
Fan Comments