It’s a top of the table clash at Anfield on Wednesday night as Premier League champions Liverpool host league leaders Tottenham Hotspur in what’s set to be an enthralling clash.
Goal difference is the only thing that separates the two sides at the top of the table as they’ll be looking to make an early statement in the title race.
Liverpool were only able to claim a point in their last outing away to Fulham, a game Liverpool would count themselves lucky for getting a draw as if it wasn’t for Fulham’s several missed chances, it would have been defeat at Craven Cottage for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Liverpool are on thin legs heading into the game against Tottenham Hotspur with perennial injury doubt Joel Matip uncertain to play and Naby Keita having no rhythm in his game according to Jurgen Klopp.
“Naby has no rhythm, that’s the truth, but because of different things since we started the season again and that obviously doesn’t help performance-wise,” said Klopp of his injury-plagued midfielder.
“Then you play a game and we have only two days between the games and
then you have to make a decision: is he ready?
“But whatever you do in the rehab process, you cannot replace the proper football training – and we don’t have a lot of football training because of the number of games we have. That makes it difficult.
“That was the case at Midtjylland; everybody who saw Naby Keita playing in his absolute best moments knows that was obviously not his best moment – normal and explainable with the lack of rhythm, but still obvious.”
It’s an advantage for Jose Mourinho and Tottenham who will feel confident that they can grab a result against this depleted Liverpool side.
Every week, Tottenham prove every doubter that they are here to stay at the top of the Premier League and a clash against the champions provide yet another opportunity to show this is where they belong and Jurgen Klopp praised the work of his fellow manager in Mourinho and said he has transformed Tottenham Hotspur into a “results machine”.
“I am not surprised because that is the world we are living in,” said the Liverpool manager. You are very successful until yesterday probably and if you don’t prove it today then people go for you. That’s how it is.
“I don’t think he was surprised but he showed come back – if it was a comeback I don’t know – skills. Very impressive. The way they play is really good. He turned them into a result machine.
“They got results and good performances and if they are not on their top form they still win and they defend collectively.”
I think it’ll be a tight contest between both sides in what I predict will be a 2-2 draw which would keep Tottenham Hotspur top of the table.
Odds on a Liverpool home win open at -125. Odds on a Tottenham away win open at +333. Odds on a draw between the two sides open at +280.
Fasika’s Prediction: Liverpool 2, Tottenham 2
Best Bet: OVER 2.5 goals (-159)
