By Sam McGuire
The season up to now
The Reds arrive in North London seeking to prime the Premier League on Christmas Day.
Come kick-off on Sunday, Arne Slot’s males may discover themselves in second place. Chelsea are two factors behind Liverpool however play Merseyside neighbours Everton within the 2pm kick-off. A win for the Blues towards the Toffees would see them transfer one level clear, albeit having performed two extra video games.
Liverpool have been nearly excellent this season throughout all competitions. Slot has guided his facet to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. They’re the one workforce within the Champions League with a 100% file after six video games and their file within the Premier League at present stands at performed 15, gained 11, and misplaced one.
The Dutchman has Mohamed Salah firing with the No.11 at present the joint-top scorer within the league with 13 whereas Bukayo Saka (10) is the one participant capable of surpass his 9 assists.
Nonetheless, they’ve struggled of their previous few outings within the Premier League. Newcastle United held the Reds to a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park whereas Fulham claimed a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
Spurs, by comparability, have been the definition of cold and warm this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s males at present discover themselves in tenth place. Solely Chelsea (37) have extra targets than Tottenham (36) however whereas the Blues have 10 wins to their title, Spurs have simply seven.
It has very a lot been a case of feast or famine this season.
Postecoglou watched on as his facet scored 4 in video games towards Everton, West Ham, Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester Metropolis. They hit 5 towards Southampton and located the again of the online on three events in wins over Brentford and Manchester United.
Merely put, in each win this time period, they’ve scored a minimal of three targets. Of their 9 different English prime flight matches although, they’ve simply 9 targets. That appears to be the issue. There’s no center floor right here and that’s the reason they’ve been so inconsistent.
Once they’re on kind, they’re unbelievable. Once they aren’t at their greatest, they battle massively. Postecoglou isn’t beneath strain simply but but when outcomes don’t enhance, he may nicely be.
Current historical past favours the Reds
Liverpool have a powerful file towards their Sunday opponents.
Following a 4-1 loss to Spurs in October 2017, the Reds went 12 unbeaten. This run included seven wins on the bounce. The streak ended final season within the controversial recreation wherein Luis Díaz had a sound aim dominated out because of a VAR misunderstanding. Liverpool gained the return tie at Anfield 4-2, having taken a 4-0 lead simply previous to the hour mark.
The Damage state of affairs
Liverpool’s damage disaster seems to be over. Federico Chiesa returned to the first-team image towards Southampton within the Carabao Cup and Diogo Jota was given one other run out, as was Kostas Tsimikas. With Alisson additionally now again it means the Reds are solely lacking Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté. The cavalry actually has arrived for the Premier League desk toppers and simply on the proper time too.
Spurs, however, have a threadbare squad. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended whereas Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario and Wilson Odobert are all dominated out with damage. Future Udogie is at present contact and go whether or not he’ll be match for the sport.
Postecoglou goes to should get inventive together with his beginning XI.
Prediction
Liverpool have depth and momentum. Spurs are scrambling for consistency and simply seeking to management a recreation for 90 minutes proper now. We’re going with a 3-1 win for the away facet.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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