Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will lock horns with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham at Anfield in what promises to be a blockbuster Round 13 clash on Wednesday evening. It is also 1 v 2 in the table, with Liverpool currently equal on points with Spurs, but below the Lilywhites on goal difference.
Both sides come into this fixture on the back of identical 1-1 away draws over the weekend. Liverpool were made to work hard for their point by Scott Parker’s Fulham, and some would say the Reds were lucky to come away with a point, given the long periods of dominance the Cottagers enjoyed in the game. Spurs, on the other hand, conceded a late equalizer to Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
As mentioned above, Fulham were impressive in their game, and could probably have been 2-0 or 3-0 up within the first 30 minutes. Ivan Cavaleiro had two fine chances, denied by LFC keeper Alisson on both occasions. The striker also thought he had earned a penalty following a Fabinho tackle, only for Andre Marriner to not award it despite being asked to check the replay on the sideline by VAR.
Fulham’s deserved opener came through a fine finish from Bobby DeCordova-Reid. However, it’s always tough to hold on to a single goal advantage against a side like Liverpool and Fulham conceded a late penalty when Gini Wijnaldum’s free kick hit Aboubakar Kamara’s arm. Keeper Areola did well to get a hand to Mo Salah’s spot kick, but couldn’t stop it from going under him. Areola also produced excellent saved to deny both Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones, and both sides had to eventually settle for a share of the spoils.
Spurs took the lead at Palace through a long-range Harry Kane strike, set up by strike partner Heung Min Son. A late error from Hugo Lloris however allowed Jeffrey Schlupp to equalise for the home side. Vicente Guaita was in inspired form in the Palace goal, and produced a string of excellent saves, denying the likes of Kane and Eric Dier at the death to keep the score at 1-1.
The game pits the league’s best offense (Liverpool with 27 goals in 12) against its best defensive side (Spurs having conceded only 10 in 12). Mourinho’s sides have largely relied on the counter attacking genius of Son and Kane to score goals and then shut up shop defensively, which is why a draw could be a decent option here. Make sure you’re choosing a football site that provides the best bang for your buck though- a draw is currently at 3/1 at the time of writing. Another option could be under 3.5 goals- the last five between the two sides haven’t been goal fests, and most of them were not under Mourinho, who has a record as an astute defensive tactician.
Liverpool’s home record makes them favourites here, but Mourinho’s Spurs have shown that they can go toe to toe with the big sides and emerge victors- they’ve already beaten United, City and Arsenal. Another victory here, especially at Anfield, and they will start to be viewed as genuine contenders for the title.
The home side have a long injury list and will be sweating on the fitness of Joel Matip, who was taken off at half time against Fulham, forcing skipper Henderson into central defence alongside Fabinho. If Matip is not fit, another option for Klopp would be to give youngsters Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips a game.
Last five games (H2H)
Spurs 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-1 Spurs
Spurs 0-2 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-1 Spurs
Spurs 1-2 Liverpool
KO- 8pm (Referee- Anthony Taylor)