Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Why Victory over Spurs Means Reds Still EPL Top-4 Bound

Liverpool experienced their second hiccup of the season when they dominated last week's match against Stoke City but still left the Britannia with their first loss.

The Reds created chance after chance while enjoying over 70 percent of the game's possessions, including five in about 20 seconds between Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.

However, the Merseysiders proved that quantity of opportunity by no means trumps quality. Liverpool's finishing was downright awful, and if they hope to pull off a victory at White Hart Lane, they are going to have to do much, much better.

Tottenham got their first victory of the campaign last weekend against Wolverhampton, and it was a much-needed result after an August that saw them sitting dead last after three games on zero points.

Now that Emmanuel Adebayor has gotten of the mark, Harry Redknapp will hope that his loan star can return to the form that saw him so dominate with North London Derby rivals Arsenal several years ago.

Scott Parker will also hope to be the same kind of thorn in the side of Liverpool that he was last season with West Ham United.

On Paper, Tottenham should have been dominant or at least on the board in their first three games, but so, far they have been second rate.

Liverpool have been expecting the return of Steven Gerrard, but it now looks like he is still to be sidelined until October, and the Reds midfield is visibly suffering at times without him. Jordan Henderson is not ready to play that high-attacking role behind Suarez.

The sale of Raul Meireles to Chelsea and Alberto Aquilani's loan move to AC Milan still baffle me at times because of the injury to Gerrard. Either sale could have been held until January to at least let the captain come back.

Craig Bellamy's arrival could be a September savior, as he could do well on the right side or a 4-3-3 or play as that high attacker in midfield behind Suarez that Henderson struggled with last weekend.

Andy Carroll could make his return to the starting 11, but the problem is that he still fails to look effective. He has made some good moves this season, but the majority of the time, he is invisible on the pitch. The Reds need him to be the guy that scored 11 goals for Newcastle at the start of last season.

But what a victory at White Hart Lane means to the Reds in reality is resilience, a trait that has been missing for some time if we will speak plainly. With a victory, they will be going a good bit towards proving they can come back from a frustrating and disappointing weekend prior and get a result.

Kenny Dalglish has the club going in the right direction and he has the full backing of the club, fans and his players, and this will be one of their biggest tests so far this season.

It is a huge game for both sides because of what it will mean either way the result goes. Tottenham were the Reds' main competition for the Top Five in the EPL, and despite a valiant effort, they failed to do themselves justice as they were defeated by Luka Modric and crew at Anfield.

Tottenham need a win to signify that they are not the same team that was on the pitch in August. So far, they have started it off right, but they have to repeat their last victory over Dalglish if they want to make a point.

This game can be Liverpool's retribution for last season's home defeat, as they can return the favor. It would also serve as their statement of intent to keep pushing up the table despite any adversity. It is a must-win for the Reds, and I feel they can pull it off.

However, if the Spurs find their feet again like last week, it could make for an impressive display from both sides.

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