Liverpool and Tottenham go head to head in a hugely important Premier League clash on Sunday, with Jurgen Klopp‘s side out to take revenge.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Sunday, February 4, 2018 — 4.30pm (GMT)
Anfield
Premier League
Referee: Jon Moss
The 4-1 defeat at Wembley in October was the lowest moment in the Reds’ season to date, with serious questions asked of Klopp and his players after the game.
Thankfully, it was followed by an 18-match unbeaten run, and Liverpool have now built up a two-point lead over their weekend opponents.
A run of two consecutive defeats was halted on Tuesday, after an impressive 3-0 win at Huddersfield, and Klopp’s men are nicely placed in the top-four battle.
Frustration at a lack of January transfer business is more than understandable, but this is still a very talented group of players capable of finishing as high as second in 2017/18.
Spurs, meanwhile, beat Man United 2-0 on Wednesday night, and they know that victory on Merseyside would take them ahead of Liverpool.
In Harry Kane they have one of the world’s top strikers, and the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Heung-min Son and Mousa Dembele are gifted players who can hurt anyone on their day.
It is sure to be an exciting battle, with Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino likely to approach the game in positive fashion, and Anfield can again be a secret weapon for Liverpool.
Three points would prove that the recent blip was just a minor speed bump in the season for the Reds, but they will have to play very well to win.
Last Meeting: Tottenham 4-1 Liverpool
Team News
Nathaniel Clyne is still injured and Adam Lallana is expected to miss out, but Virgil van Dijk will return having not featured at Huddersfield.
Loris Karius will continue in goal after a promising showing against the Terriers, with Joe Gomez and Andrew Robertson very much first-choice full-backs.
Klopp will have to choose between Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip to partner Van Dijk at centre-back, with Ragnar Klavan still sidelined—Matip has been his preferred option so far.
Jordan Henderson was impressive in midweek, as was Emre Can, and it would be a big surprise if either made way against Spurs.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could replace James Milner in the middle of the park, with Gini Wijnaldum having to make do with a place on the substitutes’ bench again.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are all fit, and their impact will be vital against a well-respected Spurs back line.
The visitors are likely to be without Toby Alderweireld, but Danny Rose, Serge Aurier and Harry Winks are fighting to be involved after recent injuries.
However, Pochettino has cast doubt over the chances of new signing Lucas Moura featuring.
Last 5 at Home to Tottenham (All Competitions)
Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham – February 11, 2017 (Mane x2)
Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham – October 25, 2016 (Sturridge x2; Janssen pen)
Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham – April 2, 2016 (Coutinho; Kane)
Liverpool 3-2 Tottenham – February 10, 2015 (Markovic, Gerrard pen, Balotelli; Kane, Dembele)
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham – March 30, 2014 (Kaboul OG, Suarez, Coutinho, Henderson)
Did You Know?
Liverpool have only lost twice at home to Spurs since the Premier League‘s inception.
The first was a 2-1 defeat in 1993/94, while in May 2011, goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric also inspired the north Londoners to a 2-1 win.
Form
Liverpool – Last five results (all competitions)
Won 3-0 vs. Huddersfield
Lost 3-2 vs. West Brom
Lost 1-0 vs. Swansea
Won 4-3 vs. Man City
Won 2-1 vs. Everton
Tottenham – Last five results (all competitions)
Won 2-0 vs. Man United
Drew 1-1 vs. Newport
Drew 1-1 vs. Southampton
Won 4-0 vs. Everton
Won 3-0 vs. AFC Wimbledon
Klopp’s View
Klopp admitted he was impressed by Spurs’ win over United on Wednesday, but is excited by the prospect of Sunday’s match:
“The situation in the table and our targets means it is an important game,” he said.
“Spurs were sharp and awake the whole game against Man United, and looked really good. You don’t often keep United as far away from your goal as Tottenham did in that game.
“A few players might be back, like Alderweireld, and Lucas Moura might be involved. They are in a good moment, but our moment is not too bad as well.
“These kind of six-point games are very important, and I’m looking forward to it.”
TV & Live Blog Info
The match is live on Sky Sports Main Event on Sunday, with coverage starting at 4.15pm (GMT). Kickoff is at 4.30pm, following Crystal Palace‘s clash with Newcastle United.
Henry Jackson is on our matchday live blog from 3.45pm, bringing you plenty of interesting content before the game and providing minute-by-minute updates during it.
Fan Comments