Prediction: Liverpool to Win
Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
Liverpool will be aiming to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table as they travel to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.
Travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Reds already have a massive 13 point lead on second-placed Leicester City, with potentially another victory taking the club a step closer to a first ever Premier League crown. Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho’s troops will be extremely keen to halt their high-flying opponents and get their push for the top four back on track under Jose Mourinho.
Tottenham Hotspur
Despite a wonderful start in charge under the Portuguese since he was drafted in to replace Mauricio Pochettino, the sheer enormity of the job that he is facing could have dawned on Mourinho in the past few weeks. The team have only one win in their last five matches in all competitions, including drawing with struggling Norwich City and losing to Southampton at St Mary’s. As a matter of fact, Spurs also had a difficult start to their FA Cup campaign as a strong side failed to progress past Championship outfit Middlesbrough in the third round last time out. Once again, it is their defence that has let them down in recent weeks. Spurs have not managed to keep a clean sheet in any competition in over a month since their 5-0 victory against Burnley at the start of December. Clashing with one of the most prolific attacks in world football, it looks extremely unlikely that record will improve any time soon.
Team News
Spurs have been dealt a significant blow for the match and in fact the rest of the campaign, with striker Harry Kane having been ruled out until at least April with a thigh injury. The England captain joins the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele on the sidelines for an extended period of time. Meanwhile, there is better news concerning Hugo Lloris and Ben Davies, with the duo edging towards a return at the end of the month. Elsewhere, defender Danny Rose is set to be subjected to a late fitness test to determine his suitability.
Liverpool
It appears Jurgen Klopp’s Reds simply can do no wrong this campaign no matter what side they put out. Taking on Merseyside rivals Everton in the Third Round of the FA Cup last weekend, a much-changed Liverpool side progressed thanks to a wonderful strike from youngster Curtis Jones. As a result of that win, they have now won the last six matches in succession including in the Premier League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. As a matter of fact, their only domestic loss of any sort this season is the 5-0 defeat to Premier League strugglers Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Their Premier League record is even more impressive however having gone over a calendar year without tasting defeat, only the third side to do that after Arsenal’s Invincibles and Chelsea. Should they get avoid defeat against Tottenham, that will make it 38 league matches undefeated.
Team News
Despite all the positive news surrounding the team in recent weeks, Liverpool’s extensive injury list appears to be growing. Experienced campaigner James Milner is ruled out after being withdrawn against Everton with a problem. The match is also set to come too soon for Fabinho, Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren who all remain missing until the end of the month. Naby Keita and Nathaniel Clyne also both remain restricted to the treatment room.
Key Facts To Consider
- Liverpool have the far better head to head record between the two teams (W82, D42, L48)
- The Reds won the last clash between the two 2-1 in October
- Tottenham have not kept a single clean sheet against Liverpool in any of their last ten matches
- Jose Mourinho has only won more matches against Tottenham than Liverpool in his managerial career
- Spurs have yet to win a game this season where Harry Kane has not played
Conclusion
With Kane in the team, Spurs would have had a far better chance of getting anything from this match. As it is, it looks extremely difficult despite them still having some talented footballers to lead the line. Liverpool’s defence has been imperious so far this campaign, whilst their attack should have more than enough to find a way through Spurs should Mourinho employ a slightly defensive tactic. Another Liverpool win is on the way.
Prediction: Liverpool to Win
Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
