Liverpool vs Spurs: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

Jordan Henderson up in the air in Liverpool's stalemate at Craven Cottage. (Photo credit: Premierleague.com)

Liverpool vs Tottenham
Anfield Stadium
9:00pm

Not many would expect Jose Mourinho’s Spurs to be at the top of the table at this stage but it is what it is, and had they taken good advantage of the slip ups from title contenders last week, they’d be sitting points ahead of others and not just goal difference.

Same goes for Liverpool, last weekend continues the strange and weird happenings in the Queen’s league this season, Fulham held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw on a day many expected the Lilywhites to ship goals aplenty, leaving Jurgen Klopp level on points with Spurs but behind on goals.

In Liverpool’s stalemate at Craven Cottage, a few things struck, they weren’t allowed to touch the ball as much as they often do in the Fulham area, in fact, that game was the one with their fewest touches in the opposition area since the start of the season, something Jose Mourinho will fancy.

Also, Fulham restricted Mohammed Salah, such that he couldn’t get inside his left majority of the time, forcing him to either pass or try long ranger that were well dealt with by Alphonso Areola, who is on loan from PSG, his second loan spell having spent last season at the Bernabeu with Real Madrid.

Tottenham dominated Crystal Palace, thought they had the points wrapped up before Jeffery Schlupp bundled home from close range, the idea of playing well in the first half and then take the foot off the gas in the second, teams that absolve pressure in the first half would trouble them at this rate.

This is a high profile game by all standards, top of the table clash, two different schools of thought, an attacking style against a conservative one, the midfield battle will be a tale of who wants to die and who wants to kill, as we’ve come to know it, Mourinho will play to avoid defeat, Klopp will play to win…

The last five results won’t be something Mourinho will like to talk about, Tottenham has lost each of the last five against Liverpool including a 2-0 reverse in the champions league final.

The absence of Diogo Jota leaves a hole for Jurgen Klopp to fill, Sadio Mane hasn’t been in his best element, his decision making hasn’t been the best and his struggles in front of goal is telling on the other two with all the goals now expected to come from Salah.

Spurs have no new injury concerns, they can rely on their dynamic duo of Harry Kane and Heung Min Son, Tanguy Ndombele and Pierre Emile Hoibjberg remain a formidable midfield duo and Moussa Sissoko remains the extra man.