Tottenham vs Liverpool: Premier League Dream or Another Reds Nightmare?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool are still undefeated in the Premier League after four gameweeks, but that immaculate record is in peril as they visit fellow title contenders Tottenham at Wembley this Matchday 5.

The Reds may have won four straight to open the 2018/19 season; however, they haven’t faced any top team yet, with three of their past four games against clubs that finished in the lower half of the table last campaign.

Tottenham, currently fifth, finished third last year and certainly pose a huge threat to Liverpool. While Mauricio Pochettino’s men lost to Watford before the international break, they remain a dangerous team—especially when playing at home.

Talking Points

Liverpool have some matters to settle against Tottenham. After all, the last time Klopp and his charges visited Wembley, they got their arses handed to them with a 4-1 blowout.

Sure, that defeat woke up the Reds and sparked them to an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Nonetheless, the Merseyside club will undoubtedly want to get back on the Spurs and take their revenge. Besides, victory here could be crucial in their quest for the English top-flight title.

Fortunately for Liverpool and their fans, they are no longer the same team as last year…literally and figuratively.

Their core of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino is still intact, and they have several fresh faces in every area that can make the difference for them.

Naby Keita and Fabinho bolstered the midfield immensely, while Xherdan Shaqiri added more firepower to an already strong offensive team. For what it’s worth, Shaqiri is in excellent form right now, recently helping Switzerland to a 6-0 thrashing of Iceland.

On the defensive end, Virgil van Dijk continues to anchor the backline following his January transfer. Simon Mignolet manned the post in their match with the Spurs 11 months ago, but the Belgian has to give way to Brazilian keeper and £65-million summer signing Alisson this time around.

Liverpool have only allowed one goal so far with Van Dijk and Alisson, and sure enough, they will be pivotal as the club tries to avenge their loss last year and extend their Premier League lead at the top of the table.

For Tottenham, they will look at that three-goal victory as a source of inspiration. They will also be keen to impress at Wembley after their planned move to the renovated White Hart Lane was delayed. However, psychological and home-court advantage aside, they know they have to step up if they want to take down Liverpool again and get the Premier League 2018 results they desire.

Harry Kane and Tottenham will look to snap the unbeaten streak of Premier League title rivals Liverpool — Harry Kane in action during Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Fulham

Harry Kane, Denmark hero Christian Eriksen and Player of the Month recipient Lucas Moura are capable of holding their own against the Liverpool frontline, but Pochettino needs to prepare his team defensively after keeping just one clean sheet in four matches. If he doesn’t, the Argentine boss knows very well what’s coming.

Dele Alli’s fitness remains a concern for the team, though news that he should be fit for the Saturday clash is a welcome boost to Poch and the Spurs.

Another interesting storyline to watch out for in the game is the meeting between Salah and Kane. The two had a close fight for the Premier League Golden Boot award last year, so it will be exciting to see the two vie it out again and prove their mettle against each other.

History

Tottenham got the better of Liverpool in their two meetings in the 2017/18 campaign. Aside from their huge victory at home, they also played out a 2-2 draw with the Reds in the return fixture at Anfield in the second half of the season.

Overall, the Spurs have beaten Liverpool 14 times, 12 of which being at home.

The good news for Liverpool is that they have won on 23 occasions—out of 52 meetings—against the Spurs. They also beat the North London club seven times on their own turf.

Furthermore, Liverpool have dominated their past 10 games against Tottenham. They have won five times, drawn four and lost just once against the Spurs. During that stretch, they averaged two goals scored and one goal allowed per game.

Betting Tip

	Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool	Liverpool 1X2 @ 2.49
	September 15, 19:30 (GMT+8)

The Premier League 2018 odds are tight between the two, with Asian Handicap betting at SBOBET even suggesting a close encounter.

Liverpool have the slight advantage over the Spurs, and it’s hard to argue given their perfect record. However, while the Spurs lost the last time out, they have a penchant for playing better against stronger opposition.

I expect the two teams to bring the heat right from the off, and I predict the first half to end up in a draw. Nevertheless, I think Liverpool have a little more quality and depth—characteristics that should give them the edge in what should be a feisty second half.