Liverpool v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool host Tottenham Anfield on Saturday evening in a must-win fixture for both teams. The Reds secured a place in the UEFA Champions League final in midweek and need to take three points here or their title hopes could be hanging by a thread. Spurs know that a defeat in this one – and an Arsenal win on Sunday – makes the gap five points to the fourth spot. These sides played out a brilliant 2-2 draw earlier this season soon where Spurs put up an incredible 3.40 Expected Goals.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool are in imperious form with 23 wins in 26 matches. They reached the Champions League final by beating Villarreal 3-2 away in Spain in midweek having trailed 2-0 at halftime. The only matches in the last 26 they haven’t won were vs Man City (2-2) and two complacent European second legs, losing 1-0 at home to Inter and drawing 3-3 with Benfica at Anfield.

In the league, they smashed Man Utd 4-0 in mercy killing before beating Everton 2-0. The 2-0 first-leg win against Villarreal came next before grinding out a 1-0 win at Newcastle having rested some players. It’s 13 wins in 14 league matches right now and 12 successive victories at Anfield.

Liverpool Team News

Klopp has Roberto Firmino back in training and he could boost the bench options. Luis Diaz is expected to start in preference to Diogo Jota against the club who nearly signed him in January before Liverpool stepped in.

The team has a clean bill of health and only a couple of changes are expected. Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita are fighting for one spot and the same goes for Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool Motivation

Nothing less than a win will do. A draw opens the door for City to extend their lead to three points by the end of the weekend and that could be the death knell for Liverpool’s title hopes.

They will attack and dominate possession, knowing Spurs aren’t concerned about having a large share of the ball. Guarding against the counters of Kane and Son is key.

Tottenham Form

After a run of six wins in seven league matches, Spurs looked favourites to finish in the top four. Their only loss in that streak was 3-2 at Man Utd in a match where they deserved a point. With 25 goals netted during that run, Son and Harry Kane were on fire as a 5-1 win against Newcastle preceded a 4-0 win at Aston Villa.

Two poor results followed, though. Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Brighton in a tepid performance where they didn’t muster a single shot on target. A 0-0 draw at Brentford followed with the same issue, not testing the opposition goalkeeper on a single occasion. They hit back to beat Leicester 3-1 at home last time out with Kane netting once and Son twice.

Tottenham Team News

Conte has limited options in some positions. With Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon injured, it leaves Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal as the default wingbacks. Japhet Tanganga and Oliver Skipp are both also absent.

The choice for the coach is just in attack where it’s either Lucas Moura or Dejan Kulusevski. The latter got two assists from the bench against Leicester and looks set to get the nod.

Tottenham Motivation

Spurs need to win this one. A surprise victory would take them a point above Arsenal ahead of the Gunners hosting Leeds on Sunday. The two teams face each other next Thursday. A defeat here for Spurs could see them five adrift ahead of that North London derby.

Conte’s side will drop off and probably have around 40% possession in this one. They will focus on fast transitions and counters to help Liverpool behind their attacking fullbacks.

Key Stats

Liverpool have won 23 of their last 26 matches (all comps)

Liverpool have won 13 of their last 14 PL matches

Liverpool have won 12 PL matches in a row at Anfield

LFC have only lost 1 of their last 27 PL home matches against Spurs (W18, D8)

Tottenham have scored 28 goals in their last 2 matches

Spurs produced 3.40 xG in the reverse fixture (2-2 draw)

Tottenham have lost 3 of their last 8 away PL matches (4 clean sheets in the last 5)

LFC vs Spurs is the 2nd highest-scoring fixture in PL history (170 goals in 59 meetings)

Verdict

This should be a brilliant match. This fixture tends to have plenty of goals and both sides need to play for the win. Backing goals bet and both teams to score looks-wise. Liverpool should just about get the job done and take three points.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.30
Alternative Bet: Liverpool win and both teams to score at 2.85
Multiplier Leg: Liverpool win/draw double chance + over 2.5 goals at 1.80

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis