TheSportsCampus

High flying Tottenham will travel to the cauldron that is Anfield to take on a buoyant Liverpool side that is on the back of three consecutive wins over the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tottenham themselves got back to winning ways in the league in comprehensive fashion against Wigan, after they had succumbed to a loss to league leaders Manchester City earlier.

(Click here for the Match Report)

Earlier in the season, the Reds were comprehensively beaten at White Hart Lane with Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel both seeing red and Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe and Luka Modric all getting their names on the scoresheet in a 0-4 rout. In fact even last season in the penultimate league game, Spurs beat Liverpool at Anfield, with Rafael Van der Vaart opening the scoring and Luka Modric putting the tie to rest from the spot.

Liverpool:

Confidence will be high at Anfield when Spurs come calling and the Reds will want to prove their top four credentials this time around. The biggest talking point of the game will be the return of striker Luis Suarez, who has finished serving his 8 match ban for his racist remarks against Patrice Evra. The Uruguayan has undeniable talent and will cause the Spurs backline loads of problems. Another important player will be Andy Carroll. The targetman has hit form lately and will be expected to tussle aerially and unsettle the likes of Younes Kaboul and Ledley King.

Manager Kenny Dalglish wisely rested Steven Gerrard against Wolves and the talismanic midfielder will be raring to go for this one. His creative abilities will be crucial if the Reds are to unlock Tottenham’s defence.

Defensively too Liverpool seem to be stable, having conceded only 21 goals all season in the league, a tally that is only inferior to Manchester City. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have done a great job together and will have to be at the top of their game to keep the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor out. Another reason for concern will be the fullbacks. With Gareth Bale’s pace, Glen Johnson may just be better off curtailing his forays upfront.

Tottenham:

Tottenham returned to winning ways against Wigan and will be hoping to maintain their recent dominance over the Reds. The Spurs are an excellent attacking unit and will look to make early inroads in order to stop Liverpool from settling down at home.

As usual the threat upfront will come from the duo of Adebayor and Van der Vaart. While the former has exceptional finishing skills, the latter has the ability to make late runs into the box and that makes them a potent combination.

In the midfield, Luka Modric will be pulling the strings while Scott Parker will look to break up Liverpool’s passing game. Another key player will be winger Gareth Bale, who will be expected to use his pace and guile to outfox Liverpool’s defence.

Defensively though this could turn out to be a tough game for Spurs. Although Younes Kaboul is an exceptional player, Ledley King does lack pace and that could turn out to be a weak link. Craig Bellamy will also be a player to watch out for, since he can potentially cause Kyle Walker a lot of problems out wide.

As far as injuries as concerned, the players who are likely to miss the game are William Gallas (Calf), Aaron Lennon (Hamstring) and Jermain Defoe (Hamstring).

Head to Head :

18^th September, 2011: Tottenham 4-0 Liverpool (Modric 7’, Defoe 66’, Adebayor, 68’, 93’, Adam red card 28’, Skrtel red card 63’)

15^th May, 2011: Liverpool 0-2 Tottenham (Van der Vaart 9’, Modric (pen.) 56’)

Form Guide :

Liverpool (WWDLD):
31st January, 2012: Wolves 0-3 Liverpool
28th January, 2012: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup)
25th January, 2012: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City (Carling Cup)
21st January, 2012: Bolton 3-1 Liverpool
14th January, 2012: Liverpool 0-0 Stoke

Tottenham (WWLDW):
31st January, 2012: Tottenham 3-1 Wigan
27th January, 2012: Watford 0-1 Tottenham (FA Cup)
22nd January, 2012: Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham
14th January, 2012: Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
11th January, 2012: Tottenham 2-0 Everton

Probable Line-Ups:

Liverpool (4-4-2): Reina, Enrique, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson, Kuyt, Spearing, Gerrard, Bellamy, Suarez, Carroll.

Liverpool will welcome back Luis Suarez from suspension and he is likely to partner Andy Carroll, who has been in decent form lately, upfront. Dirk Kyt and Craig Bellamy are likely to continue on the wings while Steven Gerrard and Jay Spearing could be handed a central midfield berth. Charlie Adam may once again be demoted to the bench as Kenny Dalglish is likely to want to have a more defence minded player like Spearing. The defende though will remain unchanged, with Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson out wide and Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at the centre.

Tottenham (4-4-1-1): Friedel, Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Parker, Modric, Kranjcar, Van der Vaart, Adebayor

Spurs are likely to field a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Emmanuel Adebayor leading the line and Rafael Van der Vaart playing just behind him. Speed demon Gareth Bale will take his place out wide, with Niko Krajcar filling in for the injured Aaron Lennon on the other side. Luka Modric and Scott Parker meanwhile will take their place at the centre of the field. Tottenham’s defence is likely to have Younes Kaboul and Ledley King at the centre, with Kyle Walker on the right and Benoit Assou-Ekotto on the left.

Predictions : Liverpool are in great touch and will more than hold their own at home. However, Tottenham will be brimming with confidence and are likely to trouble the Reds with their attacking play. Expect a scored draw.

Predicted Scoreline : Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham

File Photograph Copyright: Danny Molyneux