Liverpool are set to host Tottenham Hotspurs as both sides get ready to play a match that could possibly decide their fate for this season. For Liverpool, it is a quest to finish in the top four and for Tottenham – the title contention. Liverpool are seven points adrift of Man City after their heart-breaking defeat at the hands of Southampton despite the fact that the reds were enjoying a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time. However, the Reds do have a game in hand and have a chance to reduce the deficit to four points. Tottenham are five points behind league leaders Leicester and a win could do them a great favor in title contention.
Team News
Liverpool suffered a big blow with a hamstring injury to Firmino who has been in tremendous form for the Reds. Benteke and Lucas also suffer from injuries which will rule them out of this fixture. Daniel Sturridge and Coutinho are looking very sharp in terms of fitness and James Milner has also returned from suspension. For Tottenham, they will be missing the services of Erik Lamela who is suffering from an injury which he picked up on international duty. Jan Vertonghen will also be absent for Spurs as he is recovering from a prolonged injury.
Form Guide
Liverpool: W-W-W-D-L
Liverpool were having a tremendous run of form in their last four games until their party was ruined by Southampton at St. Mary’s. After knocking out Man United from the Europa league, Klopp’s men had raised expectations of a top-four finish for the fans. Liverpool will need to leave the last result behind them and enter this game with confidence.
Tottenham: D-L-W-L-W
Spurs have had a mixed run of games with defeats in both the legs of their Europa league encounters against Borussia Dortmund. However, their last 3 league games did produce 7 points for the Londoners. Their last game was a comfortable 3-0 win against Bournemouth. However, their last encounters with Liverpool at Anfield have not been the very best and they will need to put up a terrific show.
Harry Kane has been in scintillating form and Liverpool will have a tough time in stopping him. For the Reds, Coutinho will be the man to watch out for as he scored in both his previous games for Liverpool.
Mind Games – Words from the managers
When Jurgen Klopp was asked about his thoughts ahead of this game, this is what he had to say, ”When Tottenham play against Liverpool it is usually not a birthday party. It is a hard fight. It is unbelievable how strong they are – everyone could see it in the national team. That is good for Tottenham but not for us unfortunately.”
His counterpart Pochettino shared these thoughts, “We are in a very good position but we cannot compare with another team. We need to fight. We have seven games and it’s important to fight until the end of the season with the possibility to achieve good things.”
All said and done, this game certainly promises to be a cracker for the fans and the result will be very critical for both sides as the season approaches its climax.
