Prediction: Both Teams to Score and Liverpool to Win
Odds: 7/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
Premier League leaders Liverpool will once again be aiming to extend the gap at the top of the table as they face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.
The two teams clash on Merseyside currently experiencing contrasting fortunes domestically but both having notched big wins in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.
Liverpool
The saying goes that good teams are able to grind out results even when they’re not quite playing at their full potential. That has certainly been the case for the Reds in recent weeks. Possibly beginning in their slender victory over Sheffield United in late September, Jurgen Klopp’s troops have also managed to beat Leicester City, whilst also notching wins against Red Bull Salzburg and KRC Genk in the UEFA Champions League. Their winning start to the season was ended last time out against Manchester United as they battled back to claim a point at Old Trafford thanks to Adam Lallana’s late goal. That all means that Liverpool sit six points clear of nearest challenges Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
One aspect that could potentially be targeted by Tottenham this weekend is the Reds’ defence. Despite currently holding the joint-best defensive record in the entirety of the league with Sheffield United, the Reds have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last four games in all competitions.
Team News
Long-term absentees Nathaniel Clyne and Xherdan Shaqiri both remain ruled out for the Reds. In better news however, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold could potentially return to action. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put on in impressive showing with two goals in midweek so will be aiming to continue his comeback at the weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur
The gloom surrounding Tottenham was somewhat lifted in the week as they finally got back to winning ways with a 5-0 thumping of Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League. That victory was Spurs’ first win in any competition since the end of September and as a matter of fact their first away from home since a 3-2 win against Ajax. Despite that taste of victory, it is vital that Mauricio Pochettino’s men follow that up with another win but their away form in the Premier League really does count against them. They are winless in their last ten league away matches and have conceded at least two goals in eight of those games. That record is even worse considering they have not earned a win away against a ‘big six’ team in the Premier League since a 3-0 win against Manchester United in August 2018.
If they do get a win at Anfield however, they could potentially rise to fifth in the table.
Team News
Hugo Lloris looks set to be ruled out for Spurs for a considerable amount of time after suffering a horrific arm injury in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion so Paulo Gazzaniga is likely to remain between the sticks. Elsewhere, Ryan Sessegnon is not yet ready to make his debut for the club having signed for the club from Fulham in the summer.
Key Facts To Consider
- Liverpool have the far better all-time record between the two sides (W83, D42, L48)
- The Reds won the last meeting between the two 2-0 in last season’s UEFA Champions League final
- Tottenham have not won at Anfield since May 2011
- Mauricio Pochettino has only beaten Liverpool once as Tottenham manager
- Harry Kane has scored every other game against the Reds throughout his career
Conslusion
Considering their recent form in the Premier League, it is really hard to envisage Tottenham getting any points, especially at Anfield. However, the Reds have not been as solid at the back as fans are accustomed to and Kane and Son in particular could cause the hosts trouble.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score and Liverpool to Win
Odds: 7/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
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