Join AI Pro

This Premier League encounter represents one of the bigger games of the season, and both will be desperate to walk away victorious. Jurgen Klopp has had a very difficult start to the season, and Antonio Conte hasn’t had everything go his way either. With Liverpool traveling to the capital this Sunday, a win for both would be huge for their Champions League qualification credentials, so expect one more evening of fireworks at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham come into this game after a great show of character this past week. Their midweek trip to Marseille ended as a 1-2 win, after falling behind to a first half goal. That comeback would have drawn huge relief, and Spurs will be hoping to carry that emotion through to this huge battle on Sunday afternoon.

Last weekend saw the Lilywhites win away to Bournemouth, with another enthralling comeback seeing them prevail 2-3. Conte’s men are fighting to keep winning, and are sitting pretty in 3rd place in the league. With 26 points garnered thus far, they are just 5 points off Arsenal in top spot, but have played a game more than their North London rivals. Spurs will need to keeping winning if they have any real desires of a title push, and this weekends game is no exception.

On the availability front, Spurs have a damaging list of injuries right now. Cristian Romero, Heung-Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison are all definitely out, therefore the options for Antonio Conte will be some what limited. In goal, Hugo Loris is a guaranteed starter, whilst the back three will comprise Ben Davies, Eric Dier & Clément Lenglet. Emerson Royal is expected to start at right wing back, with  Ivan Perišić on the left. The central midfield will likely remain as Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, though Yves Bissouma could well come in to bolster their engine room.

With three forward players missing, Tottenham’s options are very limited for this particular game. Bryan Gill could be a straight swap for Son to maintain a front three, or Yves Bissouma could add numbers to the midfield. Harry Kane and Lucas Moura are guaranteed starters, in what will probably become a 3-5-2 formation.

Liverpool have had a good midweek after two horrid Premier League losses. Last weekend saw the Reds lose at home to Leeds, 1-2, in the shock of the season so far. That result was followed up by a very solid 2-0 victory at home to Napoli in the Champions League. That result seemed to be about as structured as we’ve seen from the Reds this season, a campaign that see’s them in 9th spot in the league. With only 16 points taken from a possible 36 available, Jurgen Klopp’s men simply have to win this game.

On the availability front, the Reds will still be without Joel Matip and Naby Keita, though both are back in full training. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota remain sidelined until after the World Cup, and both Jordan Henderson and James Milner look likely to miss out with minor knocks. For Liverpool, the 4-3-3 system will probably remain, with its tendency to shift into a diamond shape.

Alisson Becker will start in goal, with Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson (returning) at fullback. The central defenders will almost certainly remain as Virgil van Djik and Ibrahima Konate, after their strong midweek showing. In midfield it’ll likely be a trio of Fabinho, Thiago & Harvey Elliott. Up top should see one change, with Darwin Nunez coming into the side. Curtis Jones played well against Napoli, but Darwin will likely move into the left forward position, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino completing the attack.

This outcome is anyone’s guess, with form and injuries likely to play a key part for both teams. Antonio Conte will likely look to frustrate his visitors, with so many attacking options unavailable. For Liverpool it’ll be about continuing the momentum that was gained in the week. With two elite and passionate managers on the sidelines, it could be a bonfire in itself. The array of quality and perhaps jaded individuals should make for a great game, and one I feel will end as a draw.

Player to watch – Ibrahima Konate

Score Prediction:

Tottenham 2 – 2 Liverpool

Join AI Pro