Liverpool will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield in what will be an extremely crucial match as far as top 4 dynamics is concerned. The Reds have been on a deplorable run since the turn of the year and have managed to win a solitary game in 10 attempts as a month and a half has seen them get knocked out of two domestic competitions and put their Top 4 chances in jeopardy and virtually end their title chances.
Tottenham Hotspur are 9 points off Chelsea, they are looking like the only team who can realistically put pressure on Chelsea and capitalise if the league leaders do slip up. Like last year, the key players have been Alli and Kane and the positive has been that they have peaked at the right time.
Although going by current form, Liverpool are lagging behind but if the Reds can fire in unison, it will be a cracking match.
TRIVIA
- Liverpool are on an eight-game unbeaten run against Spurs in the Premier League (W5 D3 L0); they last went nine without defeat against them in March 1998.
- Spurs have lost 15 of their 24 visits to Anfield in the Premier League (W2 D7) – they have only lost more often at Old Trafford (20) and Stamford Bridge (16).
- Mauricio Pochettino has never beaten the Reds as Spurs manager (D3 L3), including losing a League Cup fourth round tie earlier this season. However, when he was the manager of Southampton he won two of three games (L1) against them.
- Only against Newcastle (88) have Liverpool scored more Premier League goals than against Spurs (83).
- There have been nine own goals in Premier League meetings between these sides – more than in any other Premier League fixture.
- Liverpool have scored 12 penalties against Spurs in the Premier League – the most by a team against an opponent in the history of the competition.
- The Reds have scored more penalties than any other Premier League side this season (6), with all six converted by James Milner.
- Liverpool have won just one of their 10 games in all competitions in 2017; this is their worst start to a calendar year since 1993 when they mustered just one win in their opening 11 matches.
TEAM NEWS & PREDICTED LINE-UPS
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Liverpool will assess Dejan Lovren, who missed the defeat at Hull with a swollen knee, and fellow centre-back Ragnar Klavan, who has been unwell. Adam Lallana, who has a minor Achilles problem, will also be monitored.
Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Lallana; Coutinho, Firmino, Mane
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1)
Tottenham remain without defenders Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen, who are recovering from respective knee and ankle problems. Kieran Trippier may feature after overcoming an ankle injury but Erik Lamela is still out with hip pain.
Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Wanyama, Dembele; Eriksen, Alli, Sissoko; Kane
BETTING ODDS
LIVERPOOL- 13/10
DRAW- 12/5
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR- 12/5
TRIVIA COURTESY- OPTA
