Tottenham vs Liverpool: Preview With Team News & Predicted Spurs Line-Up

Tottenham entertain Liverpool at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. Here is a preview of the game from ‘The Spurs Blogger’.

Tottenham host Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League, as both attempt to certify themselves as Champions League qualification hopefuls. Despite Liverpool starting the match in third place, with Spurs in 7th, only three point’s lie between the two sides.

Liverpool make the journey to North London in high spirits after the performances of key man, Luis Suarez, of who has scored 14 goals in the league as far this season, despite missing the first five matches of the campaign due to his suspension from biting Branislav Ivanovic. The Reds arrive in fine goal scoring form, which has seen them score seventeen goals in the last five matches, although despite this they’ve only managed three wins within that time, due to the entertaining 3-3 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton and the shock 3-1 loss to recently promoted Hull City.

Spurs also come into the match on the back of a number of positive results, undefeated in the last five matches, within the only draw coming against Manchester United. Tottenham have responded well since their 6-0 drubbing against Manchester City, with two Europa league victories, a positive 2-2 draw with last season’s champions and back to back 2-1 victories away at Fulham and Sunderland.

Team News

Injuries have hit both camps hard, with Spurs struggling defensively, whilst Liverpool arrive in London with a shortage in the middle of park.

Long standing captain and talisman, Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of the affair with a hamstring injury of which he suffered against West Ham, which will see him miss the next six weeks, whilst English striker Daniel Sturridge remains out alongside left back, Jose Enrique. Although Liverpool will be boosted by the return of centre half, Daniel Agger and midfielder, Jordon Henderson.

Tottenham will welcome back Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose to the squad after both returned from injury and each played a part in Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Anji mid-week, although Andre may be against pushing the Rose and Eriksen back into league action after only just returning from a foot problem and ankle injury respectively. However, Belgian giant, Jan Vertonghen remains on the side-lines with an ankle injury, ans Spurs will check on fellow centre halves, Vlad Chiriches and Younes Kaboul before the match, meaning that Etienne Capoue and Michael Dawson may continue to play at the heart of defence.

Tottenham boss, Andre Villas Boas must decide whether or not to allow Roberto Soldado to continue leading the line after his hat-trick in mid-week, or to recall Jermaine Defoe. Aaron Lennon, Kyle Walker, Paulinho and Hugo Lloris will surely be amongst those hoping to be recalled for this crucial, mouth-watering encounter.

Predicted Spurs starting line-up:

Lloris
Walker—Dawson—Chiriches—Naughton
Dembele—Sandro
Lennon—Holtby—Townsend
Soldado

In my opinion, Andros Townsend and Lewis Holtby’s midweek performances warrant a start in today’s match, whilst Dembele’s performances against Sunderland should see him recalled. I believe Naughton will slot in at left back, as Danny Rose has only just returned to injury. For me, Robbie Soldado starts due to his fine mid-week performance. I predict that Tottenham will win tomorrow, by a score-line of 2-1.

COYS!

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