Liverpool vs Tottenham preview

With Man U. and Chelsea drawing, this is the opportunity for Tottenham and Liverpool to pounce. With a win, Tottenham would keep pace with Man city, and move within 3 points of 2^nd placed Man United. If Liverpool win they would move to within 2 points of 4^th placed Chelsea, who currently hold the last Champions League spot. Tottenham have beaten Liverpool in their last 3 league encounters, the most recent being a 4-0 mauling at White Hart Lane. However, Liverpool have not lost at Anfield all season and have historically been very difficult to beat at home.

Steven Gerrad and Luis Suarez will both be back for this game. Gerrard was rested for the game at Wolves at least, while Suarez is returning from his 8-game ban for racism. Gerrard should be slotted back into the starting squad but it will be seen whether Dalglish also opts to move Suarez into the starting line-up as well, or whether he starts him on the bench. Tottenham have major injury concerns in their strike force with Adebayor, Van der Vaart, Defoe and Lennon all injured. This means that Saha may get his first start in his first game for Tottenham. Saha has scored only one league goal in 15 games for Everton, but Tottenham’s midfield is steps above Everton’s and this may help him get on the score sheet. Dos Santos might also be in line for a start due to the injuries in Tottenham’s squad. Dos Sanots has the talent to be a great player, but needs to make use of the chances he gets, and it is yet to be seen if he can thrive in the EPL. Right back Kyle Walker may also miss out due to injury.

Last time out against Liverpool, Parker and Modric bossed the midfield for Tottenham. However, Gerrard was missing due to injury and Adam was still getting acclimated to the Liverpool team and was out of form. This time out Gerrard is back and has been back to his instrumental self. Adam is also in much better form and could be a huge factor with his long balls. But they will both be in for a huge test coming up against Parker and Modric, who have both had great seasons, and have been major reasons for Tottenham’s success. We cannot forget about the influence Bale has had on this team. His goal scoring ability from the left of midfield has been a huge boost for a team who has had more goals from their midfield than from their strike force. If Van der Vaart does miss out, along with Defoe and Adebayor, the pressure will be on the Tottenham midfield to score goals. This could end up being their downfall in this game. It would be asking too much of any midfield to, not only score at Anfield, but also to stop an in form Liverpool from scoring. The return of their talismanic midfielder and striker, Gerrad and Suarez, along with playing at home, will be a huge boost for Liverpool and I predict a 2-1 Liverpool win.