Liverpool vs Spurs preview
The race for European spots is heating up as resurgent Liverpool take on Spurs as Ryan Mason’s baptism of fire as head coach shows no signs of slowing down.
Liverpool come into the game on the back of a confidence-inducing win away to West Ham. A win here would see them leapfrog Spurs in 5th place as the logjam from 5th to 8th becomes messier.
Ryan Mason oversaw an encouraging 2-2 draw against Manchester United in his first game in charge this season. He will be hoping to see more of the same spirit and attitude from his players in a game that will undoubtedly be a stern test of his team’s credentials.
Here’s all you need to now about this marquee fixture which could end up deciding the European qualification fate of these two teams for next season.
Liverpool vs Spurs- Team News
Jurgen Klopp’s injury slate is clearing up at just the right time. Outside of long-term absentees in Calvin Ramsay and Stefan Bajcetic, Klopp has the full quota to choose from. However, with key players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez gradually returning from injury, their workload needs to be managed carefully to avoid further problems.
With this fixture falling barely three days after their clash against West Ham, expect Jurgen Klopp to rotate at positions where the drop-off in quality from starters to backups is not as much.
Darwin Nunez could return to the starting lineup after an encouraging cameo against West Ham, clearing the way for Diogo Jota to rest.
Predicted Liverpool lineup: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Gakpo, Nunez, Salah
Spurs came through the gruelling clash against Manchester United without any new injury worries. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur remain their only long-term absentees. However, they have one day less rest compared to Liverpool.
With a turnaround time of just two days, expect Ryan Mason to freshen his squad up a bit to match up against Liverpool’s energetic game.
Dejan Kulusevski should come back into the side after an appearance from the bench against Manchester United. Fraser Forster should keep his place between the sticks after usurping Hugo Lloris in the last game.
Predicted Spurs lineup: Forster, Dier, Romero, Lenglet, Davies, Porro, Hojberg, Skipp, Kulusevski, Son, Kane
Liverpool vs Spurs- Key players
Trent Alexander-Arnold- Liverpool
Liverpool’s right-back has had somewhat of a renaissance since being fashioned into a “Free right-back” role by Jurgen Klopp. Less burdened by his defensive duties, the English fullback has done what he does best- wreak havoc in the opposition area with his unbelievable passing range and vision.
Against a Spurs side that is expected to sit deep and hit Liverpool on the counter, his ability to pick out the right pass and execute it will be pivotal to beating Spurs’ deep block.
With Robertson providing the conventional fullback overlapping runs on the other wing, Liverpool’s attacking qualities suddenly seem a lot more dangerous than the early season form which was carried by Mohamed Salah.
Son Heung-Min- Spurs
If Trent Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool’s key player for his attacking qualities, Son Heung-Min is Spurs’ talisman due to Alexander-Arnold’s suspect defensive play.
The Spurs man hasn’t hit his usual world-class standards this season. However, his goal against Man Utd could kickstart a purple patch of form as the campaign reaches its crunch stage.
Starting from the left and coming on to his stronger right foot, Son’s threat would be based on reaching the end of aerial balls behind Liverpool’s advancing right-back.
Even a momentary lapse of concentration by “TAA” could end up being a sucker punch for Liverpool, courtesy of clinical finishing by Son Heung-Min.
Liverpool vs Spurs prediction
While Spurs showed renewed spirit and resiliency against Manchester United, Liverpool this season at home against other top-6 clubs have been a different beast.
With a clean injury slate and increasing momentum, Jurgen Klopp’s men are beginning to look like their usual selves again.
Ryan Mason’s charges will have a hard time containing the rabid Anfield crowd. An early goal should make it a procession, with Spurs’ only chances coming through smash and grab counter attacks.
FootTheBall predicts Liverpool 3-1 Spurs.