Liverpool vs Tottenham - Match preview and prediction
The return of Luis Suarez is the main talking point as seventh placed Liverpool look to pick up their third successive victory with a win over third placed Tottenham.
Suarez is in contention for his first start since Boxing Day and has been out of action for nine games due to suspension. The Uruguayan’s return will be much welcomed by Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, but his side have hardly struggled in recent weeks. A late Dirk Kuyt goal gave them FA Cup victory over Manchester United, which was followed by an easy win over struggling Wolves at Molineux. Captain Steven Gerrard was rested for the trip to Wolves, but is expected to return and take his place back in the starting lineup. Liverpool have only won one of their last five Premier League meetings with Tottenham and Dalglish will be looking to change that fact, so his side leapfrog Arsenal into sixth.
Tottenham have been great so far this season, but have only won one of their last four fixtures away from home and Harry Redknapp will be looking to uphold his impressive record against Liverpool. As Spurs boss, Redknapp has won six out of the last eight meetings between the two sides in all competitions. Victory at Anfield for Redknapp’s charges will cement their place in third place and bring them to within five points of league leaders Manchester City. Spurs face fitness doubts with Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor, so Louis Saha is expected to make his debut following his deadline day deal from Everton. Kyle Walker and Ledley King should recover in time from groin and knee injuries respectively to make the trip to Anfield.
Recent success for Spurs, including a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield last season, will give Redknapp confidence. However, before that, the North London side had gone 16 matches without a win at Anfield and Liverpool will make the trip intimidating tonight. The Reds crowd will be buoyed by the return of Suarez and Spurs could face difficulty getting past a resilient Liverpool. The court case Redknapp is currently involved in will mean he has to get a helicopter to Anfield and will be disappointed as Liverpool extend their unbeaten run.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Liverpool v Tottenham
Further reading:
Liverpool Club Focus - Dalglish faces selection headache ahead of Tottenham clash
Tottenham Club Focus - Midfield battle the key at against Liverpool
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
Related Articles
|