Liverpool v Tottenham – Premier League Preview
After the reds pursuit of Premier League glory finally came to an end last weekend, now comes the countdown until the departure of Jürgen Klopp, with the hope that a less pressured period will allow a successful final few weeks to the illustrious Germans Merseyside reign. Tottenham have also stuttered recently, as their hopes for a top four finish drifted away with a stream of poor results. The two sides out of form meet in the return encounter, following the VAR debacle that saw Liverpool’s controversial how ruled out at White Hart Lane.
The Tottenham Availability
In terms of availability, Destiny Udogie, Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon, Timo Werner, Manor Solomon, and Ben Davies, are all ruled out for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Regarding recent form, a 2-0 loss away to Chelsea came after a home 3-2 defeat to north London rivals, Arsenal. A 4-0 hammering away to Newcastle was preceded by a 3-1 home win over Nottingham Forest. After 34-games played, Spurs have attained 60-points and sit 5th in the Premier League.
A predicted line up for the home team is listed below, in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
GK – Guglielmo Vicario
RB – Pedro Porro
RCB – Cristian Romero
LCB – Micky van de Ven
LB – Radu Drăgușin
CDM – Rodrigo Bentancur
CM – Yves Bissouma
ACM – James Maddison
RW – Dejan Kulusevski
CF – Richarlison
LW – Son Heung-min
Europa's, Chelsea, Spurs! – #AEyeScouted@HendrickD82 & @karlmatchett look at the Europa comps and the Spurs game
Listen Now: https://t.co/a8CMrMoyVC pic.twitter.com/gLA1PSndqo
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) May 2, 2024
The Liverpool Availability
In terms of injures, Thiago Alcântara is the injured magician that will never play for Liverpool again, whilst Joël Matip has sustained a season ending ACL injury, which will also see him leave at the end of this season. Diogo Joga is not yet ready for a return to playing action, after the recurring injuries that have become all too common for the goal scoring Portuguese.
Regarding recent form, a 2-2 draw away to West Ham followed the 2-0 loss against Everton. Those dropped points arrived after a strong 1-3 win at Fulham, one which had followed a 0-1 win at Atalanta. After 35-games played, Liverpool have amassed a 75-point total and sit 3rd in the table, with their final league position almost guaranteed. Champions League qualification is now all assured and an end of Thursday night football is now a reality.
Below is the team I believe the reds German manager will start at Anfield, which is his penultimate game at home.
GK – Alisson Becker
RB – Trent Alexander Arnold
RCB – Ibrahima Konaté
LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)
LB – Andy Robertson
RCM – Ryan Gravenberch
CDM – Waturu Endō
LCM – Alexis Mac Allister
RF – Mohamed Salah
CF – Darwin Núñez
LF – Luis Díaz
How Will This Contest Play Out
I can only hope that rejuvenation in the home side will come to the fore, so that the end of season does not end on a low point. Changes are inevitable and the return of the warring Mohamed Salah should be an interesting watch. Spurs may be suffering from fatigue and disappointment, with their Champions League qualifying hopes in tatters. Liverpool must bounce back at some point and this weekend could be that time.
Tottenham on Sunday was supposed to mean SO much a few weeks ago. Now it feels like a chore, in all honesty.
Real shame.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) May 1, 2024
Player to watch – Mohamed Salah
Score Prediction;
Liverpool 2 – 1 Tottenham