Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
Date: 16/12/2020
K/O: 20:00
Venue: Anfield
Referee: Anthony Taylor
TV: Amazon Prime Video
Not for the first time in the last two years, Liverpool vs Spurs represents a significant fixture, as first-place meets second place on Wednesday night.
The Premier League scorelines have remained fairly settled for a while now, following some freak results near the start of the season – the most notable coming against Liverpool. So now is the time that Liverpool could do with taking a firm grip on the league, and a fixture against their closest challengers Tottenham presents the perfect opportunity to do so. However, Liverpool squandered the opportunity to go top at the weekend with a 1-1 draw against Fulham.
Liverpool were strikingly flat footed in defence throughout that match and haven’t had much of a turnaround to work on this on the training ground. Mourinho will work hard to exploit this weakness, but it’s worth noting that Liverpool have only really struggled away from home this season. Anfield has been a fortress even without the advantage of fans in the stadium.
The lack of clinical finishing from Liverpool may also concern Jurgen Klopp. Salah has been on fairly fruitful goalscoring form consistently this season, but the same cannot be said for Firmino or Mane. This may be of particular concern against Tottenham, who have managed the best defence in the league this season.
Spurs almost slipped behind their midweek opponents after only managing a 1-1 draw against a relentless Crystal Palace. Crowds returned to Selhurst Park and the extra encouragement gave Roy Hodgson’s men to surge forward and spend large portions of the game on the front foot. It’s the first time in over seven hours that Tottenham have conceded under pressure in the league, but when you let the opposition have so much possession in your own half, you’re bound to get punished eventually.
The match was always going to be a fresh tactical challenge for Mourinho, having faced three attack-minded teams in Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Spurs had fewer chances on the counter than they needed to see the game through. You get the impression that Liverpool at Anfield is going to represent an entirely different obstacle to any previous match this season. The sheer attacking force and technical ability could be the cause of a real dilemma for Mourinho.
The lack of training ahead of the game may prove to be difficult for many players, but Kane and Son’s telepathic ability this season shouldn’t be too affected. The pair combined yet again on the weekend and are a lethal force for Spurs this season. However, players like Hojbjerg and Dier certainly deserve a mention for their defensive concentration, and both will be determined to keep out Liverpool on Wednesday.
Team News
Liverpool
Joel Matip was forced off the pitch at halftime on the weekend with a back problem, so could be a doubt against Spurs, leaving Liverpool lacking in the defensive department. The Reds are already without van Dijk, Gomez and Milner for the long run.
Liverpool’s injury list is extensive in other departments as well, with the impressive Diogo Jota out for a month or two. Thiago and Shaqiri are suffering from long-term injury woes, while Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have been lacking match fitness.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs on the other hand have had good fortunes with regards to their injury list this season. Erik Lamela is the only major sufferer in that respect with an ongoing issue – not an unfamiliar situation for the Argentinian.
Gareth Bale was absent from the squad against Palace having fallen ill, but the quick turnaround means Mourinho could require his services in midweek if the Welshman has recovered.
Predicted Starting XIs
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Fabinho, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Jones, Wijnaldum, Henderson; Mane, Firmino, Salah
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Reguilon, Dier, Rodon, Doherty; Hojbjerg, Sissoko; Son, Lo Celso, Lucas; Kane
Score Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
A tough fixture to predict, the Anfield factor could be the defining aspect of Wednesday’s contest. The Reds have won six out of six at home, and even the league leaders may not be able to stop them.
