Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info
Sunday's clash between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will headline Week 26 of the 2017-18 Premier League season, as two of the most exciting teams in England go head-to-head in the battle for a top-four finish.
Spurs sit two points behind their opponents after their impressive 2-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday, while Liverpool beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 last time out. The Reds bounced back from a tough defeat against Swansea City in that game, whereas Tottenham are unbeaten in 2018.
Date: Sunday, February 4
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Time: 4:30 p.m. GMT/11:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Info: Sky Sports (UK), NBC (U.S.)
Team News
According to WhoScored.com, Nathaniel Clyne is out of Sunday's match, while Adam Lallana remains a doubt.
Manager Jurgen Klopp gave an update on the former, with plenty of optimism surrounding the full-back's imminent return:
Spurs saw Serge Aurier and Harry Winks return to training ahead of the game, and Toby Alderweireld should also be available. Per WhoScored.com, the visitors will travel to Anfield with a full squad.
Preview
Uncertainty continues to surround the Reds after a busy January transfer window, which saw Virgil van Dijk join the club and star conductor Philippe Coutinho depart. While Liverpool addressed their defensive issues, they did nothing to replace the Brazil international, leading to some anxiety among the fans.
Klopp defended the club's transfer policy, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:
On the pitch, things have gone reasonably well for the Reds. They may have crashed out of the FA Cup in the fourth round, but in the Premier League―much more of a priority―they have won all of their matches in 2018, with the exception of the aforementioned upset in south Wales.
Spurs are also on a roll, and their win over Manchester United was arguably the most impressive of Week 25. Confidence is high in the dressing room, and they will need that poise moving forward―just have a look at their upcoming schedule:
Star striker Harry Kane is in excellent form, and the Reds will face a huge challenge keeping him at bay. He's far from Spurs' only danger man―Christian Eriksen was the standout against United―but Kane can score at any time, and keeping the England international quiet will be Van Dijk's biggest challenge yet in a Liverpool shirt.
Tottenham's superior defence could prove to be the difference in this clash, especially if Alderweireld is fit to start. Liverpool always seem to find some success in the attacking third, but Spurs have the raw talent to match them and grab a big win at Anfield.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Spurs
