The first meeting between the two sides since last season's Champions League final, Liverpool and Tottenham have had different times of it since then. One is top of the league, the other is lingering in mid table.
Liverpool have been boosted injury wise with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both being declared fit for today. Shaqiri is sidelined but the return of Oxlade-Chamberlain in a similar role to the Swiss means he won't be missed. Tottenham will again have to wait to see Ryan Sessegnon in action but new signing Giovani Lo Celso may start after returning from injury.
Both sides enjoyed wins in Europe during midweek. Spurs got a needed win against Red Star Belgrade, winning 5-0, and Liverpool responded to their lacklustre draw at Old Trafford with a 4-1 victory over Genk. There were still parts to their games that could be improved, notably Liverpool's balance in midfield and Tottenham not switching off.
The midfield trio of Wijnaldum-Fabinho-Henderson lacks a creative outlet, although its is very industrious. Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced Wijnaldum and Henderson and offered more going forward but Genk were able to get between the lines a lot. Henderson didn't play a part in Genk so I imagine he and Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the two in central midfield.
For Tottenham, much has been made of their start. Pochettino has been questioned rightly, with the squad feeling stale and many players wanting out. He cut the 'want away' players from the line up (bar Vertonghen) and the performance was much better. If players don't want to be at the club, then they shouldn't feature. Spurs benefited from having dedicated, focused players on the pitch.
I think Liverpool will prevail. Their lead has been cut to 3 points and anything but a win would be seen as the Reds starting to 'bottle' it. Tottenham performed well for one match against poor opposition - that doesn't change the overall feeling at the club.
2-1 Liverpool. Salah and Mane but a Kane penalty late on.
Liverpool have been boosted injury wise with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both being declared fit for today. Shaqiri is sidelined but the return of Oxlade-Chamberlain in a similar role to the Swiss means he won't be missed. Tottenham will again have to wait to see Ryan Sessegnon in action but new signing Giovani Lo Celso may start after returning from injury.
Both sides enjoyed wins in Europe during midweek. Spurs got a needed win against Red Star Belgrade, winning 5-0, and Liverpool responded to their lacklustre draw at Old Trafford with a 4-1 victory over Genk. There were still parts to their games that could be improved, notably Liverpool's balance in midfield and Tottenham not switching off.
The midfield trio of Wijnaldum-Fabinho-Henderson lacks a creative outlet, although its is very industrious. Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced Wijnaldum and Henderson and offered more going forward but Genk were able to get between the lines a lot. Henderson didn't play a part in Genk so I imagine he and Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the two in central midfield.
For Tottenham, much has been made of their start. Pochettino has been questioned rightly, with the squad feeling stale and many players wanting out. He cut the 'want away' players from the line up (bar Vertonghen) and the performance was much better. If players don't want to be at the club, then they shouldn't feature. Spurs benefited from having dedicated, focused players on the pitch.
I think Liverpool will prevail. Their lead has been cut to 3 points and anything but a win would be seen as the Reds starting to 'bottle' it. Tottenham performed well for one match against poor opposition - that doesn't change the overall feeling at the club.
2-1 Liverpool. Salah and Mane but a Kane penalty late on.
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