With just two games gone, the Premier League has already thrown up some huge fixtures, and Tottenham v Liverpool is one you’ll want to keep your eye on. Here’s why.
1. Both sides lack form
Despite Liverpool’s opening 4-3 victory at Arsenal, and Spurs’ undefeated start to the league season, these two sides boast just three collective wins between them in their last 10 matches.
Three wins in 10 games? That’s relegation form, and although neither side is in any danger of dropping to the Championship, both will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
Hey, it’s hardly all or nothing, but as far as third games of the season go, it’s all you’re getting.
2. Tottenham can’t handle Liverpool right now
When you’re hot, you’re hot, and every time Spurs try to touch Liverpool right now, they end up with scorched fingertips.
Spurs have failed to beat Liverpool in seven league fixtures, stretching back to November 2012, a run which includes Liverpool beating Tottenham 9-0 over their two 2013/14 league fixtures.
Spurs managed to stop the rot of five defeats on the trot with two draws last season, but the bogeyman for the Lilywhites is still Liverpool.
3. Midfield magic
There are more magicians brimming with potential in this fixture than aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Liverpool boast the magnificent Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana, while Tottenham can point to Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli. Both midfields blend youth, creativity and energy to devastating effect, and the battle in the centre of the park will doubtless be crucial in determining the winner.
Like a good Christmas chocolate, the best bit about this game will be the tasty centre.
4. Jurgen Klopp v Mauricio Pochettino
Two of the most innovative managers go head-to-head in this fixture, and that alone will make for a fascinating watch.
The philosophies of these men are alike in that they focus on pressing and high-energy play, although the destructive counter-attacking of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool has the potential to disrupt Tottenham’s game plan.
What will almost definitely happen is that both sides will fight tooth and nail for the three points, and that’s down to Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino.
5. Goals, goals goals!
It wouldn’t be a promising Premier League fixture without a history of goals – no tactical chess here please.
As a fixture, Liverpool and Tottenham average more than three goals a game over their last 10 league fixtures, and with both sides achieving just one clean sheet in their last five games, there is very little to suggest that will change on Saturday.
Who will turn out to be the hero this time?
