Preview and Prediction
The most expected clash this season is finally on schedule this midweek in Anfield. It is no longer Manchester City, which has been involved in a title race with The Reds in the past three seasons but Mourinho’s Spurs, which is still leading the standings by collecting the same points as Liverpool, 25 points. It is not only decisive match for these two sides but also two other teams below them, Leicester and Southampton, the most current dark horse. They are potentially capable of taking over the top should they share spoils.
The teams’ previous games
The Reds were held in a 1-1 draw in their previous outing while travelling to Fulham’s home turf, Craven Cottage. They even had to concede first by Bobby de Cordova-Reid and block a number of chances from the home side before Mo Salah found the equaliser through his penalty.
The Spurs were also not so much different. Harry Kane and Co failed to seal a win in another London derby versus Crystal Palace after leading by Kane’s long range shot. Their concession was in fact preceded by Hugo Lloris’s blunder as he was unable to secure the ball, which bounced back and was scored by Jeffrey Schulpp. The match ended in 1-1.
Possible tactic
Jurgen Klopp is still likely to opt for 4-3-3 but the injury of his key men is the major concern. The absence of Diogo Jota will simply add up Liverpool’s injury table lists plus reduce their attack. The ones who already have been ruled out are Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara,, James Milner, Xerdan Shaqiri plus Konstatinos Tsimikas. The one upfront will be still occupied by Mo Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane while at the backline, Fabinho will be featuring as the central defender along with Neco Williams, Nathaniel Phillips and Andrew Robertson.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho might still be deploying 4-2-3-1 with possible transition to 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min would be playing as duo frontman supported by Giovanni Lo Celso and Steven Bergwijn as Erik Lamela and Gareth Bale are still sidelined.
Players to watch
Liverpool’s top performers this season are still Mo Salah who has bagged ten goals and provided two assists in Premier League and Sadio Mane with four goals and one assist. Unfortunately, the latter’s perform is rather unstable in your peal. Roberto Firmino, who seems to be not in his best yet, is expected to add his tally here.
In Spurs, their duo frontmen, Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane, are the dominant key figures this season. Another notable name to watch in his upcoming fixture is the former Lyon man Tanguy Ndombele.
Liverpool vs Tottenham Prediction
Jurgen Klopp’s men are facing off their nearest contender without their best key men of the squad. This could be worrying, especially considering their last outing when they were mostly holding on their defence line and too busy denying the cross, shots or goal of Fulham. Unfortunately, if Mourinho still relies on his favourite duo in each and every game, it could cost their physical fitness. In the end, they could eventually be sharing spoils in Anfield,
Betting odds
It is a tight clash for sure, which means no clear favourite is on the table. Gini Wijnaldum and Co are priced to win at 11/31, whereas the Mourinho’s men’s win market is at 37/10. The draw result is at the value of 3/1.
