Both sides have really struggled in the past couple of games. In fairness, Liverpool played well against Chelsea, but were poor at Hull City in their 2-0 defeat. Spurs also couldn’t break down relegation-threatened sides, drawing with Sunderland and narrowly beating Middlesbrough. This game, though, is almost certain to be more open with both sides looking to go on the front foot. An exciting game really is in prospect.
It would be easy to call Spurs shot-shy on form, but in truth Harry Kane and Dele Alli have been fantastic recently and will cause huge issues for a very fragile Liverpool defence. Whether Lucas will start at centre back again, as he did at the weekend, if he does then Mauricio Pochettino may well push on a bit more.
In an attacking sense, Spurs are unique. While having wingers who cut inside is common among Premier League teams these days, Heung-Min Son’s position is perhaps most interesting, because while he often lines up out wide, he actually spends more time supporting Kane up front. Neither side utilise the flanks in the final third particularly well, so if there is a winner it will most likely be decided by who breaks through in the battle of the ‘number 10s’, Alli and Coutinho.
Liverpool will need to keep close to fullbacks Danny Rose and Kyle Walker, the main source of width in the Spurs team. When they are in control of games, that makes them very tough to stop, but stopping that source of creativity goes a long way to stopping Spurs. The likes of Moussa Sissoko, who operates on the right, naturally cuts inside. If this team lacks anything, it is natural wingers. Their title rivals have at least one, or something similar. Liverpool have Sadio Mane and the space he will be afforded, which he wasn’t against Hull, could be crucial.
Georginio Wijnaldum, scorer in two of Liverpool’s top of the table clashes against Manchester City and Chelsea may well return to the side at the expense of Emre Can. The Dutchman offers more balance to the system Klopp likes, he provides an energetic presence which allows Jordan Henderson more time on the ball to dictate play where as Can is a more technical player. Wijnaldum was missed against Hull because ground was left uncovered and he will ensure a repeat doesn’t happen.
This game is a tough one to call. Every meeting between Liverpool and a top six rival so far this season has either been a draw or decided by the odd goal. Fast flowing and entertaining it may be, but there will be little to separate the two sides.