Liverpool welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield in what could prove to be one of the most important games in the battle for the top four.
Those lucrative Champions League spots are the aim for both clubs, and with Manchester City running away with the title they are among the five remaining teams fighting it out for three places.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side arrive on Merseyside in high spirits having seen off Manchester United at Wembley in their previous outing, and a win against Liverpool will see them enter the top four and overtake the Reds in the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s troops will also be full of confidence after they returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win in Huddersfield.
Liverpool failed to secure any further signings in the January transfer window following the arrival of Virgil van Dijk for a record fee. There were outgoings, however, and this game against top opposition will be a big test for their squad.
Tottenham have only won twice at Anfield in the Premier League, but will be buoyed by a new signing of their own, Lucas Moura, who has now joined up with the squad, even though this particular game may be too early for him to make his debut.
Manager musings
Jurgen Klopp:
“The Tottenham game at Wembley [which Liverpool lost 4-1] was just not a good game for us. They had a good start, a good middle, and a good finish to the game, and that’s why they won, but it has absolutely nothing to do with the next game.
“But the situation in the table, our targets of what we want to do and where we want to finish the season, it’s clear this is a very important game.
“These are kind of six point games, I’m not sure if you use that phrase in England, but it is one of these. The only advantage that one team can have in a situation like this is to play at home, at Anfield in this case and that’s really good. I’m looking forward to it.”
Mauricio Pochettino:
“It is always it's difficult to play away from home with the top sides, like Liverpool in this case. They have one of the best squads in Europe, with great manager and great players.
“The atmosphere will be amazing because at Anfield, they are so tough, it's a tough atmosphere to play against. I think it will be a very difficult for us.
“It will be massive for us to win, we know it will be important because we have ahead a very important period, with the FA Cup on Wednesday and then derby with Arsenal and then the Champions League against Juventus.
“For the confidence and for everything that you need to arrive in the key competitions it is important to win against Liverpool to give the team a massive boost.
“For me Anfield is one of the most enjoyable 90 minutes, no? The fans are amazing, and the crowd and everything is very good.
"Of course, the atmosphere will be tough. But these are the types of games that you love to play.”
Team News
Nathaniel Clyne is still not available for Liverpool. He has been included in the club’s Champions League squad, and though he is close to being back in team training, Klopp thinks it could be a while before he is match fit.
Adam Lallana is back in training, however, but Klopp suggested he would rather not involve him in this game, and would rather give him another week to get back up to full fitness. Ragnar Klavan also remains sidelined.
Pochettino says he will rotate his side, which could involve the odd change in defence, but he’s likely to stay strong up front for this important game. The real rotation is likely to come in the subsequent FA Cup game on Wednesday.
Danny Rose could come in for Ben Davies, while Serge Aurier will be assessed before the game to see if he’s fit enough to deputise for Kieran Trippier who impressed in the win against Man United.
Expected lineups
Liverpool: Karius; Gomez, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Spurs: Loris; Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Dembele; Eriksen, Ali, Son; Kane.
Prediction
Both sides have an impressive set of attacking players, and also have managers who like to press the opposition.
A mistimed press or a defensive error could be punished instantly by the Premier League’s top scorers, Salah and Kane, who score a goal every 98 minutes for their respective clubs.
If one side can organise their defence then that could be enough to secure the win, but both teams will be dangerous up top and the goals could flow.
Liverpool 2, Spurs 2.
