Prediction: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

Prediction: Liverpool to win and both teams to score

Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

Liverpool face a huge test in their pursuit of the Premier League title as they take on Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds arrive in the game currently sitting top of the table by two points, albeit with a game in hand. A victory then would be a huge boost as they aim to beat Manchester City to the crown. Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s troops are now in a battle to maintain their top four place after a tricky few weeks.

Liverpool

It had been an excellent few weeks for Liverpool before the final international break of the campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s troops had won their last three matches in all competitions including a 2-1 victory over Fulham in their last league game. They also managed to earn a brilliant result at the Allianz Arena with a 3-1 win to knock Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich out of the UEFA Champions League.

As the games get fewer and fewer towards the end of the season, it would be fair to say that Liverpool’s home form could be crucial as the Reds aim to secure their first ever Premier League title. The Reds have been unbeatable at Anfield for the majority of the campaign, winning 13 and drawing two of their 15 home matches this season. Only title rivals Manchester City have won more games at home with 15. Having said that, their defensive record on home soil is also mightily impressive. Liverpool have only conceded nine goals at Anfield all season, an aspect they will hope to call on as they come up against a Tottenham team possessing some of the most talented attackers in the Premier League.

Team News

Long-term absentees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez are both still ruled out, however the latter is not far away from a return. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to training from a back injury but is still a slight doubt. Summer signings Xherdan Shaqiri and Naby Keita could make their returns to action.

Tottenham Hotspur

In comparison to Liverpool, Spurs come into the clash at Anfield in relatively poor form. Pochettino’s men have only won one out of their last five games in all competitions. However, that victory was quite a considerable one as they built on their brilliant victory against Borussia Dortmund to oust the Germans out of the Champions League. Their away form has also been poor as of late as well having lost five out of their last six games away from home – conceding at least two goals in each of those defeats. As a result of their poor recent record, Spurs have really fallen out of contention for the title. As a matter of fact, they are now in a battle to finish in at least the top four. Despite currently sitting third in the league table, sixth-placed Chelsea are only four points behind so Spurs cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to take their place in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Team News

Pochettino has had a double blow in midfield with Eric Dier suffering an injury on international duty, whilst Harry Winks has also been ruled out. Right-back Serge Aurier is also restricted to the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Key Facts To Consider

• Liverpool have a far better record between the two sides (W81, D42, L48)
• The Reds won the last clash between the two 2-1 at Wembley Stadium
• Sadio Mane has scored 11 goals in his last 15 Premier League games
• Tottenham Hotspur have not won at Anfield since 2011
• The Reds have scored at least two goals in seven out of their last ten games against Tottenham at home

Conclusion

This should be an intriguing tie considering the targets of both teams. However, Liverpool are full of goals at the current time. It will be an extremely difficult task for Tottenham to earn anything an Anfield. Both sides should score though.

Prediction: Liverpool to win and both teams to score

Odds: 21/10

Bookmaker: Bet365