Tottenham travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Saturday night, with Spurs hoping to close the gap on Leicester City to two points.
The reverse fixture between the two sides ended 0-0 at White Hart Lane in October, as Jurgen Klopp in his first match as Liverpool boss failed to pose a threat to a superior Spurs side.
Before the international break, Spurs continued their return to form, as Harry Kane bagged two goals and Christian Eriksen the other, as Pochettino’s side easily dispatched Bournemouth 3-0 at White Hart Lane.
There is good news for Spurs in regards to team news, with Toby Alderweireld set to play despite missing Belgium’s game with Portugal due to illness. However, it is not all good news for Spurs, with Erik Lamela set to miss out due to an injury he picked up during the international break.
In his pre-match press conference, Mauricio Pochettino said:
“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.
“One is the possibility to win the title and the other is to finish in the top four, which is important for us.” (BBC)
The hosts on Saturday, Liverpool, had been enjoying their best form under Jurgen Klopp prior to the international break, before they collapsed against Southampton at St Mary’s and lost 3-2 having lead 2-0 in the second half.
The team news for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they aim to close the sizeable gap to the top four is that Roberto Firmino is doubtful due to a hamstring injury, whilst Belgian striker Christian Benteke misses out due to a knee injury. However, Benteke’s fellow Belgian team-mate Divock Origi is available, as is James Milner and Alberto Moreno after missing out due to suspension and injury respectively.
Speaking ahead of the match, Jurgen Klopp said:
“When Tottenham play against Liverpool it is usually not a birthday party. It is a hard fight.
“The next day Leicester play Southampton – we know what can happen against Southampton. Arsenal should not stop dreaming as they have a few points to get an everything is possible. We are not involved so I am interested but we are involved tomorrow and that is important.”
(BBC)
Match Prediction:
Liverpool 1-2 Tottenham. The Lilywhites attacking threat spearheaded by Harry Kane should be too much for a Liverpool defence which has struggled numerous times this season, including in their last game against Southampton.
