In a surprising turn of events, Tottenham Hotspur could do Arsenal a huge favour on Sunday afternoon when they host Premier League leaders Liverpool.
By Sam McGuire
The season so far
The Reds arrive in North London looking to top the Premier League on Christmas Day.
Come kick-off on Sunday, Arne Slot’s men could find themselves in second position. Chelsea are two points behind Liverpool but play Merseyside neighbours Everton in the 2pm kick-off. A win for the Blues against the Toffees would see them move one point clear, albeit having played two more games.
Liverpool have been almost perfect this season across all competitions. Slot has guided his side to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. They’re the only team in the Champions League with a 100% record after six games and their record in the Premier League currently stands at played 15, won 11, and lost one.
The Dutchman has Mohamed Salah firing with the No.11 currently the joint-top scorer in the league with 13 while Bukayo Saka (10) is the only player able to surpass his nine assists.
However, they’ve struggled in their last few outings in the Premier League. Newcastle United held the Reds to a 3-3 draw at St James’ Park while Fulham claimed a 2-2 draw at Anfield.
Spurs, by comparison, have been the definition of hot and cold this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s men currently find themselves in 10th position. Only Chelsea (37) have more goals than Tottenham (36) but while the Blues have 10 wins to their name, Spurs have just seven.
It has very much been a case of feast or famine this season.
Postecoglou watched on as his side scored four in games against Everton, West Ham, Aston Villa and reigning champions Manchester City. They hit five against Southampton and found the back of the net on three occasions in wins over Brentford and Manchester United.
Simply put, in every win this term, they have scored a minimum of three goals. In their nine other English top flight matches though, they have just nine goals. That seems to be the problem. There’s no middle ground here and that is why they have been so inconsistent.
When they’re on form, they’re incredible. When they aren’t at their best, they struggle massively. Postecoglou isn’t under pressure just yet but if results don’t improve, he could well be.
Recent history favours the Reds
Liverpool have an impressive record against 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 last season in the controversial game in which Luis Díaz had a valid goal ruled out due to a VAR misunderstanding. Liverpool won the return tie at Anfield 4-2, having taken a 4-0 lead just prior to the hour mark.
The Injury situation
Liverpool’s injury crisis appears to be over. Federico Chiesa returned to the first-team picture against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and Diogo Jota was given another run out, as was Kostas Tsimikas. With Alisson also now back it means the Reds are only missing Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté. The cavalry really has arrived for the Premier League table toppers and just at the right time too.
Spurs, on the other hand, have a threadbare squad. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended while Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario and Wilson Odobert are all ruled out with injury. Destiny Udogie is currently touch and go whether he’ll be fit for the game.
Postecoglou is going to have to get creative with his starting XI.
Prediction
Liverpool have depth and momentum. Spurs are scrambling for consistency and just looking to control a game for 90 minutes right now. We’re going with a 3-1 win for the away side.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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