LIVERPOOL VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: PREVIEW

Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon (15:30 GMT kickoff), aiming to keep their European hopes alive. The Reds lie seventh on the league table, just a point adrift of their opponents who have played a game more. Here’s the match preview.

Before we can look forward to the match on Sunday, we have to look back at events at West Ham last time out. Jürgen Klopp’s men showed excellent powers of recovery after going down to a Lucas Paqueta stunner just 12 minutes into the contest.

An equally explosive Gakpo strike levelled the scoreline shortly after, before Matip’s bullet header settled the contest in the second half. The Reds controlled much of the game despite the Hammers posing a threat on the counter. The presence of Trent in midfield once again aided the side in dominating possession.

His calmness on the ball and eye for a line breaking pass continues to be a huge boon. It makes you wonder why this particular switch wasn’t attempted earlier. Trent looks completely reborn, with his tally of five league assists this month the most any player has ever registered for the club in a single month.

Another player who played his part on Wednesday night and is currently enjoying a strong run of form is Curtis Jones. The 22 year old has overcome his injury troubles to cement himself in the team for the run in. He’s started the last five games and reminded everyone the quality he possesses.

10 points have been accumulated from the last 12 available since the system switch that has allowed Trent to spend time in midfield when the side has possession. No matter what happens in terms of European qualification, a strong end to the campaign can set the tone for next season.

On to the visit of Tottenham Hotspur then. The Lilywhites have had another season that’s started off promisingly, before the inevitable implosion that has come to be known as ‘Spursy’. Spurs actually started the campaign off strongly under Conte.

They picked up 17 points from their opening seven games and were joint top of the league table. For all intents and purposes, they looked primed to build on their top four finish the previous season which had allowed them make a number of expensive summer signings.

Somewhere along the line they faltered and ended up exiting all three Cup competitions, extending their 15 year trophy drought. The Italian tactician had an almighty rant following a 3-3 draw at Southampton and was sacked shortly after.

His assistant was curiously handed the job before being dismissed following the 6-1 shellacking at Newcastle. Ryan Mason has been appointed as the interim manager and started off his second stint in the role with a gusty fightback against Manchester United.

Despite being 2-0 down at halftime, Spurs came back to earn a point which ensures they will be in better mood coming to Anfield on Sunday. In the reverse fixture, a Salah double set the Reds on their way before Harry Kane pulled one back. The Reds held on in the end for what was their first away league victory of the season.

Spurs have only won two of their last ten matches in all competitions and have failed to win any of the last eleven against Liverpool. They haven’t won at Anfield since a 2-0 victory all the way back in 2011. It is a record the Reds will aim to extend on Sunday.

Manager Jürgen Klopp has an impeccable record against the North Londoners. In 17 fixtures against Spurs in all competitions, the German has overseen 10 wins and 6 draws, with the only defeat in that time coming in a 4-1 defeat at Wembley six years ago.

Team News

Firmino remains out with a muscle injury but Ibrahima Konaté is available after missing the trip to West Ham. Naby Keita is also back in training and could be available whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined the injured list. Calvin Ramsay (knee) and Stefan Bajcetic (groin) remain out.

For Tottenham, Hugo Lloris is expected to be absent again after missing Thursday’s draw against Manchester United with a hip injury. Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Emerson Royal (meniscus), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee) and Yves Bissouma (ankle) are all out.