Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Saturday aiming to maintain their 100% start to the new season.
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The Reds kicked-off the campaign with an emphatic victory over West Ham United, but they have been less impressive in subsequent wins against Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City.
Spurs started the season with successes against Newcastle United, Fulham and Manchester United, but they came down to earth with a bump in their last game at Watford.
An Abdoulaye Doucoure own goal gave Spurs the lead, but headers by Troy Deeney and Craig Cathcart secured the points for the Hornets.
Adam Lallana and Simon Mignolet will miss this weekend’s game after pulling out of their respective international squads with injury. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dejan Lovren also remain on the sidelines.
Spurs star Dele Alli will miss the game after withdrawing from England’s squad for last Tuesday’s game against Switzerland. Alli suffered a minor muscle strain and Spurs have confirmed he will miss the clash with Liverpool.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has also been ruled out for “several weeks” with a thigh problem.
Spurs are priced at 7/4 to win on Saturday, with Liverpool on offer at 6/4 and the draw available at 5/2.
The Reds have an excellent recent record against Spurs, winning six and drawing four of their last 11 Premier League meetings.
Their solitary defeat during that run came in last season’s corresponding fixture when Mauricio Pochettino’s side roared to a 4-1 success.
Spurs capitalised on a poor defensive display from the visitors, with Harry Kane (2), Son Heung-Min and Alli bagging the goals for the home side. Mohamed Salah scored Liverpool’s consolation.
The two sides fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield later in the season. Salah gave Liverpool a lead they held until 10 minutes from time when Victor Wanyama levelled.
Salah looked to have secured victory for the home team with a brilliant stoppage-time strike, but Kane’s controversial late penalty secured a point for Spurs.
Saturday’s game is the first of the seven matches for Liverpool in the space of less than a month and manager Jurgen Klopp will be eager to start that run with a win.
However, the home side will be desperate to put their defeat at Watford behind them and an entertaining draw could be on the cards this weekend.
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