The international break is over and we can once again look forward to Premier League football this weekend.
The biggest clash of the weekend is without doubt at Anfield.
Liverpool, still fighting on two fronts for silverware, host Tottenham Hotspur who, themselves, are hoping to gain some momentum and ensure another top four finish.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last six meetings: Liverpool W3, Tottenham W1, D2
All-time meetings: Liverpool W81, Tottenham W48, D42
TEAM NEWS
LIVERPOOL
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Henderson, Fabinho; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Unavailable: Oxlade-Chamberlain (Injured), Gomez (Injured)
Doubtful: Keita (Injured), Shaqiri (Injured), Alexander-Arnold (Injured)
TOTTENHAM
Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Sissoko, Wanyama; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane
Unavailable: Dier (Injured), Janssen (Injured), Aurier (Injured)
Doubtful: Winks (Injured)
If Spurs are to hand Liverpool their first league defeat loss at Anfield on Sunday, the lads at SBD think they’ll absolutely need to be patient. Liverpool have one of the most potent attacks in the Premier League and Tottenham could be open to the counterattack if they push for three points themselves. The Marcus Rashford goal in Tottenham’s 1-0 home defeat to United back in January was a perfect example of Spurs being hit on the break after dominating the attacking play. Once Pochettino switched to a more conservative 4-2-3-1 at half, Spurs looked much better and deserved to win and would have done had it not been for the excellence of David de Gea.
https://youtu.be/8wg6CpXVGl4?t=45
Liverpool have been excellent at home all season and would hope that the front three of Salah, Firmino and Mane are all fresh enough to start following the international break.
Tottenham, as ever, will rely on the attacking threat offered by Harry Kane but a lot will depend on how effectively Sissoko and Wanyama (if selected) can break up the Liverpool attacks.
There is no doubt that Tottenham have the ability to get a victory at Anfield but so much will depend on their game plan.
Can Son drift into the spaces left by Alexander-Arnold, if recovered, and Robertson? If so, it could Spurs who look threatening on the counter attack.
Kane has scored in six of his seven matches since returning from injury, yet this has coincided with a dip in form for Tottenham. With Kane sidelined, it could be argued that Spurs were more unpredictable in attack and more fluid with Son and Lucas Moura stretching the opposition defences more than Harry Kane tends to do.
With Liverpool looking to be very much on the front foot at Anfield, Spurs will need to find a way of keeping it tight at the back, not allowing Liverpool to dominate and find a way to balance the attacking options of Eriksen, Alli, Son and Kane.
It would not be a surprise to see Spurs turn up and press Liverpool very high up the pitch – a tactic they have often employed against teams who also favour that style of play.
However, if that does not bring early success do not be surprised to see Tottenham sit in a little more and play a patient game.
The pressure is all on Liverpool to make something happen – a win is vital for them to put pressure on Man City. For Pochettino and Spurs? They’ll take a point and three would be a bonus.
