The game against Spurs tonight will be an anniversary of sorts for Klopp with Spurs away being his first game
It’s a rare day in Liverpool when the visit of Spurs holds greater pressure and importance for the away side, but that is exactly how the teams will lineup today, with Spurs under huge pressure to keep the pace with league leaders Leicester.
After a 2-week international break, both sides come into the game looking to continue some relatively good form, with Liverpool’s only real blip coming in the 3-2 turnaround at St. Mary’s after having led 2-nil at the break only to squander that position to lose 3-2.
Spurs, on the other hand, put three past Bournemouth in a fairly comfortable victory. Interestingly though, it is Liverpool that go into the game at Anfield with the better overall recent form, whether you look at the past 5 or 10 games.
The Reds last couple of games have been a 1-1 Europea League draw with Man Utd and that defeat prior to the international break, but before that there were 3 wins. Whereas, Spurs have won just 2 of their last 5, losing 2 and drawing another.
Over the last 10, Liverpool have won 6 times, drawn 2 and lost 2, with Spurs taking just 4 victories, with 4 losses and 2 draws. Not quite the form of Premier League champions (although that is over all comps), particularly with just 7 games remaining. But that said, the away side will undoubtedly feel they can take all 3 points today, despite a draw being the favoured result by many.
In terms of personnel, Liverpool have a few knocks and niggles to add to the shortening injury list that existed prior to the break, with Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino both unlikely to feature. Klopp’s pre-match update yesterday suggested that Firmino could yet make the squad but we’ll have to wait and see.
Thankfully, Divock Origi is back in training after picking up an injury last week, whilst Philippe Coutinho should be fit to start and Liverpool’s England contingent of Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner and Nathaniel Clyne returned unharmed.
For the away team, the only two recent injury concerns are Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela, both of whom will be considered right up until kickoff tonight. With such an opportunity to win the Premier League in the offing, it’s unlikely that Pochettino won’t take a chance on their fitness if he feels they can come through.
Many have suggested a draw is the most likely result, as we’ve said already, but Liverpool and Spurs are two of the highest scoring teams in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool’s record having improved three-fold almost since the start of 2016.
So, if we really are looking at a draw, don’t be surprised to see it being a high-scoring one.
What are your thoughts on the game tonight? Let us know your thoughts below.
