Match Preview: Spurs vs Liverpool
Divock Origi and Emre Can have been added to a growing injury list ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur at Saturday lunchtime.
The duo picked up injuries in the Reds’ 5-0 victory over Burton Albion on Tuesday and both are doubtful for the game.
Phil Coutinho could also miss out after sitting out the EFL Cup victory with a tight hamstring.
Jurgn Klopp is already without Loris Karius, Lucas Leiva, Joe Gomez, Mamadou Sakho and Sheyi Ojo following an injury-ravaged pre-season.
Joel Matip is set for his first Premier League appearance however, after coming through ninety minutes in midweek.
Tottenham Hotspur – Now a force to be reckoned with
The Lillywhites enjoyed arguably their best ever year in the Premier League era last season, despite falling short of their first ever title at the last hurdle.
This time out, Maurico Pochettino will be hoping to go one (or – more appropriately – two) better, and the Argentinian has resisted the temptation to change his squad too much in the close season.
Victor Wanyama has arrived from Southampton for £11m, whilst Vincent Janssen has came in from AZ Alkmaar for £17m, but the North Londoners are expected to field an otherwise familiar team to what Jurgen Klopp faced in his first game as Reds boss last October.
Hugo Lloris will be missing however, after injuring his hamstring in their opening day 1-1 win at Everton, with Michael Vorm set to deputize.
Previous Meetings
Liverpool and Tottenham couldn’t be seperated in two meetings last season, with a 0-0 stalemate at White Hart Lane followed by 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Prior to those games, the Reds won the previous five matches, including a 5-0 away win in December 2013.
What the managers are saying
Jurgen Klopp: “We know they are strong, but we can be too.
“They are convinced about their style of play. It’s high individual quality. They can leave Alli out, that’s the biggest difference from last year.
“But they need to play against us. The game is completely different to the last two games we played. They are a high pressure team, they don’t give away lots of spaced – but there are spaces.”
Mauricio Pochettino: “It will be a very tough game. I remember last season it was Klopp’s first game in charge.
“They like to play on the counter, they are fast. Different to us – we like to manage the ball.
“We are a different team with a different philosophy, but it will be tough.”
Match Odds
Spurs (13/10), Draw (5/2), Liverpool (19/10)