English Premier League Match Preview
While both sides have played many matches of shear importance this season, this is a fixture that could pave the way for them further in their quest: of a Champions League place in the Premier League table.
While Liverpool quenched their thirst of Champions League football this season – no matter how less it lasted -, Tottenham would be looking for a win in order to materialize their dream of a Champions League spot which has evaded them from over 5 years now.
Talking about Liverpool and although they have suffered a lot already, a defeat by Spurs would nearly end their Premier League season 13 matches before May.
When the season started and being a runner up, Brendan Rodgers identified to go one better this season. However, as it is turning out now, they have gone worse this season.
However, courtesy to their brilliant form of late – with no defeats in last 12 – the Reds have again dared to believe. But, with Tottenham visiting Anfield on Tuesday, the dream of playing Champions League football could become history for the Reds if anything goes against them.
Unlike Liverpool who were tipped to succeed, Tottenham were granted a place in the middle table by Premier League Pundits. However, like their upcoming opposition, Tottenham have proved everybody wrong.
Starting from that win against Chelsea– to last weekend’s triumph over local rivals Arsenal – Tottenham have showed that they have – after so many years – the necessary fire-power that could sink any opposition, not only on its day, but every day as it seems.
Team News
Here are the team news: –
Liverpool:
Although Liverpool fans were left furious over their team’s ability to turn their possession into purpose, recent fears regarding the health of their attacking trinity have reflected their thoughts.
Although Coutinho was replaced at the start of first half, the injury of the Brazilian isn’t worst and he might even start from the front. However, for Raheem Sterling, 82 minutes of football at the Goodison followed by an injury scare could reduce the Englishman to the bench.
While the aforementioned duo could feature, the injury to Lucas Leiva has been worst and it might have ended the season for the Brazilian. While it was his best season by far in LFC colors, Lucas Leiva might be replaced by Joe Allen in the starting 11 on Tuesday.
Tottenham
Talking about Spurs and although the North London side sank Arsenal courtesy to Harry Kane, Mauricio Pochettino would have a whole 23 man squad to choose from.
And going to a ground as hostile to its enemies as Anfield, this scenario might turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the former Southampton manager.
However, taking into look on the starting 11 that defeated Arsenal at White Hart Lane, Brazilian Paulinho could get a nod over Moussa Dembele because Paulinho would be a good entity to counter with the likes of Coutinho and Sterling, than Moussa Dembele.
Stats:
• These two sides have met 162 times in all competitions before. Liverpool lead the race with 76 wins, with 47 against
• Liverpool are currently on a 4 match unbeaten streak against Tottenham in all competitions. The Reds have won all 4, scoring 15 in the process.
• Last time when Tottenham defeated Liverpool at Anfield was in 2011, when goals from Luka Modric and Rafael Van der Vaart won the game for the North London side.
• A win for Liverpool would take them just 1 point adrift of Tottenham who are currently sitting 5th in the Premier League table
• A win for Tottenham might take them to 3rd in the Premier League table, depending upon results elsewhere.
Liverpool Vs Tottenham will take place at 21:00 GMT, at Anfield, on Tuesday 10th February, 2015. [MatchCentre]
Barclays Premier League: Liverpool vs Tottenham - Preview, Stats, Team news
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