Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will test their undefeated runs in the Premier League in the upcoming Saturday evening showdown in North London.

Spurs took a point at the Emirates Stadium following a 2-2 draw with their fierce rivals, Arsenal, in their previous weekend’s fixture. Meanwhile, the Reds triumphed over Leicester City with a 3-1 victory in the Carabao Cup in their most recent outing.

Tottenham Hotspur

Ange Postecoglou achieved a remarkable feat that eluded his predecessors, including Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, and Nuno Espirito Santo, during their tumultuous spells at Spurs. Postecoglou led his team to a well-earned point away to Arsenal, their arch-rivals, in a hard-fought match.

Arsenal twice took the lead, first through a Cristian Romero own goal and later via a Bukayo Saka penalty, also a moment related to Romero, whose second-half handball gifted Arsenal their second goal of the game. However, Son Heung-min came to the Spurs’ rescue on both occasions, scoring a brace with the assistance of James Maddison to put an end to a three-game losing streak at the Emirates.

While Tottenham’s draw may have had an element of luck, as Jorginho’s lapse allowed Maddison to steal the ball for Son’s second goal, it’s hard to argue that Postecoglou’s team didn’t deserve at least a share of the points. The North London derby was typically chaotic, and Spurs continued their streak of scoring at least twice in every Premier League game under Postecoglou.

Only three previous Premier League managers had witnessed their teams score twice in their first six games in charge: Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and Craig Shakespeare. However, following the triumphs of Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, Spurs have slipped from second to fourth in the rankings.

Tottenham had a longer recovery period due to their penalty-shootout disappointment against Fulham, as they didn’t have to worry about Carabao Cup matters in the past few days. While this extended break might benefit them against an in-form Liverpool, they have conceded five goals in their last three games, which is a cause for concern.

Team News

Tottenham’s battling point in the North London derby came at quite the cost, as Brennan Johnson suffered a hamstring injury 60 minutes into his full debut, while Maddison suffered a gut-wrenching knee jolt but managed to soldier on for a short period before being withdrawn.

However, scans on Maddison’s knee are believed to have provided reassuring results, and Spurs are optimistic that August’s Premier League Player of the Month will be fit to face the Reds – the same can be said for Son – but Johnson is confirmed to be missing out; Richarlison is on hand to deputize.

The hosts’ list of known absentees features Ivan Perisic (knee), Giovani Lo Celso (thigh), Alfie Whiteman (ankle), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Bryan Gil (groin) and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), although the latter two are now said to have returned to training as they step up their respective recoveries.

Liverpool

In classic 2023/24 Liverpool style, the Reds put their fans through an early bout of anxiety before turning the game in their favor and securing a 3-1 victory, making it four consecutive wins when they hosted Leicester for the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Within three minutes, Leicester took the lead through Kasey McAteer, and despite being beaten into their box for the rest of the half, they managed to stay ahead until the break.

However, Liverpool mounted yet another comeback, with Cody Gakpo scoring a low strike, Dominik Szoboszlai unleashing a thunderous shot, and Diogo Jota finishing in style. This marked another instance of Liverpool coming from behind to secure victory, a trend that had been evident in their recent wins against LASK Linz and Wolverhampton Wanderers since the international break, as well as in their Premier League clash with West Ham the previous weekend.

With a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, Liverpool have climbed to second place in the Premier League table, trailing only the champions, Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s team heads into this match with an eight-game unbeaten run away from home, and an impressive 19-game streak without defeat overall.

The Merseysiders have not suffered a defeat against Spurs since October 2017. They have gone on to navigate 12 subsequent fixtures without a loss to this particular opponent, including a brace of victories last season. However, this match will be Liverpool’s first experience of the electric atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Ange Postecoglou leading from the touchline.

Team News

Trent Alexander-Arnold has rejoined team training at Kirkby after recovering from his hamstring issue, ad is optimistic that the right-back will be ready for Saturday.

Midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are set to miss out. The rest of the squad are available, and the Klopp is expected to field his strongest lineup after giving some fringe players a chance in the midweek match.

In the attacking third, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah, are set to reunite. Additionally, Joel Matip, who was also rested on Wednesday, may continue his recent streak of starting in Premier League matches, partnering with Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence.

Conclusion

Both of these teams have had their defensive issues this season, compensating with an abundance of attacking quality, and both have recorded very good results. It’s a mouth-watering prospect for the neutrals, and one of sheer excitement for those who support either side.

A share of the spoils is not unlikely, but it is unlikely to be goalless.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: Olympusbet