Spurs set to make Reds' week go from bad to worse
It's sixth versus fifth in the Premier League on Thursday night when Tottenham Hotspur take on Liverpool, but whilst the gap between them is very small, the prevailing winds couldn't be more stark. Spurs haven't lost in the last eight in all competitions, and have progressed to the final and the fifth round of the League Cup and FA Cup respectively in the fortnight prior to this clash. Meanwhile, the reigning champions are out of the latter at the hands of rivals Manchester United, and moreover, have looked a shadow of the side that romped to their first title win in over a generation in 2019/2020. There's little doubt that their high tempo style has been impacted by the schedule, but that doesn't fully explain why so many individuals are way below par. The reverse fixture was won by Jürgen Klopp's men, but that looks distinctly unlikely to repeat itself in north London. Read our preview here:
Tanguy rising
There was a lot of huff and puff on Monday night at Wycombe Wanderers, but the Chairboys were eventually blown away once the big guns were introduced from the bench. By far the most impactful was actually roaming French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele. The 24 year old had a mixed campaign last year in what was his first taste of English football, but has been making strides forward, both in his development and on the pitch itself. Mostly now operating behind Harry Kane, his combative style, work rate, and powerful late runs into the area are starting to become much more consistent in their end result for José Mourinho. Most of the key men will be restored from the outset, which also means Steven Bergwijn will be on the right side of the attacking trio behind Kane. Together, they should room to weave their magic in between the lines, especially considering Liverpool's lack of a true pivot in midfield (as Fabinho is needed at centre back).
On in-Firmino ground
One of the most notable underperformers in 2020/2021 in the league as a whole has been Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian forward has largely toiled this term, going through long stretches of games without making his own mark in front of goal. Granted, he did lay on both assists in the loss at Old Trafford, and Mo Salah is the top scorer, but the strategy lives and dies on all of the trio up top being effective. They all have understudies of a sort at Anfield, but aren't under much pressure for their places. He might some change with Joe Rodon, who doesn't have many games' experience in the top flight. Either way, the midfield must link up more effectively with both ends, especially as Spurs will often have four on the counter, as well as the deadly combination of Kane and Heung-min Son to have fevered dreams about. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker also hasn't covered himself in glory, and will be facing personnel that possess a wide variety of shot preferences in terms of power and placement.
Klopped it
By the time the match kicks off, Liverpool (and Spurs to a far lesser extent) could easily be nine points and five places off top. Whilst not insurmountable, especially with the quality in the group, there has been scant evidence this season that a sustained rally can be mustered sufficient enough to reclaim their crown. No single side is dominating the division, and that provides hope to many pretenders for the trophy. For the next three weeks, Klopp can solely concentrate on domestic matters, but having failed to beat a single side out of Burnley, Newcastle United, and West Bromwich Albion during their current run, they now enter a tricky clutch of games, starting on Thursday. Spurs are at lengthy odds of 3.25 simply to beat them on their own patch with Betfair.
