Game Week 17 Predictions: Straight win Liverpool at Spurs

Premier League GW17 preview: Tottenham vs Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – form struggles, AFCON absences, Ekitike shines; verdict BTTS.

Liverpool has the chance to build on their current momentum with a win at Tottenham, will they want it more than the hosts? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Tottenham vs Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

6:30pm

What should we expect from this one? Two teams with totally different energy – should we be excited or lower our expectations? What should we expect?

Liverpool’s form is surprisingly on the rise. Three wins from the last five, unbeaten in that time, but they remain ten points off the top of the log, while Tottenham is four points and four places behind the reigning champions; it’s a weird scenario.

At the start of the season, with the investments both sides made, you expect them to either be front runners for the title or solidly sitting in the top four; at this stage, it feels like neither of them will make the top four, needless to discuss title credentials.

What is Tottenham’s problem? They started well; they felt like they would go all the way, but is it too early to wonder if Thomas Frank is the right man for the job? Their summer transfers haven’t exactly set the league ablaze; are they spending again?

For Liverpool? It’s been from one problem to the other. The form of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz has left everyone bewildered; in what universe does Isak need time to adapt to Liverpool’s game after what he did last season?

Tottenham lost at Nottingham Forest last weekend; it was an embarrassing one as they shipped three with their goalkeeper, Gigi Vicario, once again in the spotlight. Does the Italian need some competition? Do they have anyone else to try out?

How will they line up? AFCON has taken Mohammed Salah from Liverpool; it was the right time to have him exit after they kissed and made up. The Egyptian will hope to use the African tournament to restore some verve into his heels; Liverpool will need him for the second half of the season.

Yves Bissouma hasn’t been a part of Tottenham’s season so far, so his involvement at AFCON doesn’t really move a needle; however, Pape Matar Sarr would be sorely missed. In his absence, Rodrygo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha will have to step up.

Who are the players to light this one up? Hugo Ekitike it is for Liverpool, the Frenchman has been sensational,Liverpool; while we expect Thomas Frank to manage his defence to deliver against Liverpool. They’ve been awful; they must fix up or be humiliated once again.

Verdict: Both teams will score.