Liverpool cannot afford to drop points here…lest they concede the title and forego the historical quadruple. Tottenham cannot afford to drop points either, as they find themselves embroiled in a tasty little contest with Arsenal for those elusive Champions League places.
Let’s not get it twisted people, this is a massive game. Not just for bragging rights amongst two sides usually associated with the upper echelons of English football, but also because of the impact on the league table.
Liverpool cannot afford to drop points here…lest they concede the title and forego the historical quadruple. Tottenham cannot afford to drop points either, as they find themselves embroiled in a tasty little contest with Arsenal for those elusive Champions League places.
These two won’t be doing each other any favours, and with it all to play for, it should be an absolute treat.
To Win (90 mins)
Liverpool 9/20 | Draw 38/10 | Tottenham 52/10
Liverpool
I know that not much will be made of it, but that game against Newcastle was yet another testimony to all Liverpool has and can still achieve. The Magpies were up for the game, they were thrust forward by the Geordie support synonymous with St James’ Park, and they looked as though they believed they could get a result. Liverpool was pressed early and were forced into making some early mistakes, but as the game went on, the Reds seemed to grow into the game and once they broke the deadlock, I don’t think they looked as though they would lose it.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have kept themselves firmly in the fight for the elusive and historical quadruple, and whilst they will play it down…we know that this is a manager (and a team) driven by a quest for success and an untenable drive for etching his name in history. The team that was announced by the German manager came as something of a surprise for many, it was clear that Klopp was not going to take any chances in the Champions League and so he rotated his lineup. I’m not sure that is too much of a surprise to be fair, if anything it is just another indication of the depth available at Liverpool. The golden strand of quality runs deep at Anfield – something inextricably linked to success on multiple fronts!
To find the last time Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Liverpool at Anfield, you will have to go all the way back to 2011 when a certain Harry Redknapp sat at the helm in London. That sort of statistic shouldn’t be underestimated, Anfield is one of the most difficult places to go in England and when you substantiate that with a Liverpool side littered with quality – well the picture doesn’t get any clearer for Antonio Conte’s men.
I struggle to see where on the field Spurs will enjoy success if I’m completely honest. Their attacking quality is undoubted, but the way in which they get the ball into the final third requires their midfield to boss the pace of the ball and then look to penetrate defensive lines. I just can’t see it happening at Anfield. I honestly don’t. I think it’s going to be a frustrating day for the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Tottenham
I maintain – at the risk of receiving measured criticism – that the job Antonio Conte has done at Tottenham Hotspur is very close to a miracle. He came into a side completely removed from playing with any tangible degree of passion and fight. His squad was never seen to be without quality, but questions were raised over whether the players wanted to play for the club and were putting in the hard yards on the pitch. Sounds like another club in England, doesn’t it?! Anyway, I digress…
Spurs have managed to play their way into a fight for Champions League places with their bitter North London rivals. Granted, I think we could agree Spurs have the more difficult remaining fixtures, this being the pinnacle, but you can never count them out.
My only concern with this fixture is really rooted on two points. The first is the form Spurs have when travelling. They have won just five games from 10 on the road in all competition, and whilst this doesn’t call for any serious concern, they have conceded 12 goals. That isn’t a statistic which will bode well en route to Anfield.
The second issue for me is the way they have played recently and how they have gotten themselves into winning positions. Tottenham are incredibly reliant on their midfield playing a serious role and imposing themselves on their opposition. They want to transition the ball through their engine room quickly and efficiently to give their attacking options the ball into space (think of Son) alternatively with his back to goal or in and around the box (think Harry Kane).
I just cannot see either option finding any sort of joy against this rampant Liverpool side. I think Liverpool largely outclass Spurs all over the field and in pivotal roles they are yards ahead.
Harry Kane had been drying in front of goal leading into their fixture against Leicester, but as nearly every media outlet reported, he loves scoring against Leicester and almost on cue – found the back of the net. That is the sort of confidence he will need coming into this one…but I can’t see it being enough.
Prediction: Liverpool + BTTS (18/10)
I know you might have a look at this price and be a little disappointed, I wouldn’t despair too quickly. Liverpool winning is a banker. Now, when you add to that the fact that they are playing at Anfield, in front of their raucous fans who will inevitably push their team forward…you get the feeling that Spurs might be presented with a couple chances in front of goal.
It is certainly worth the gamble to think if the likes of Kane, Son, Lucas or Kulusevski get a sniff they will take it. Liverpool to win and both teams to score is my pick.
