Liverpool host Tottenham Hostpur at Anfield on Tuesday night in a hugely significant game which could have a major impact on who ends up in the top four and who doesn’t.
Liverpool drew their last game against local rivals, Everton in a 0-0 stalemate. Whilst Spurs also played their local rivals, Arsenal, however they won 2-1. Harry Kane was the man who scored both goals for Spurs and he’s the in-form striker of the Premier League. Liverpool will have to be careful with Kane lurking around the area and try to prevent all service to him, from the likes of Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen.
The last time these sides met, Liverpool thumped Spurs 3-0 at White Hart Lane. Liverpool were outstanding that day. Their pressing, attacking link-up and speed on the counter-attack was unstoppable at times. Goals from Raheem Sterling, Steven Gerrard and Alberto Moreno were enough for the Reds.
The players celebrate Gerrard’s goal (Liverpoolfc.com)
There are a few injury concerns from Brendan Rodgers coming out of the weekend’s Merseyside Derby. Lucas Leiva could be facing a lengthy side out on the sidelines after he was forced off with a thigh injury. The Brazilian is definitely out of the Spurs game but it’s yet to be seen how long he will be out of action for.
Raheem Sterling and Phil Coutinho also both picked up injuries. Not as severe, though. Brendan Rodgers has said that they will be assessed for Tuesday’s match. Adam Lallana is another player who is going to be assessed ahead of the visit of Spurs. If Sterling and Coutinho were out, it would be a major dent to Liverpool’s chances. Both have been in fantastic form over recent weeks.
Daniel Sturridge may return to the starting line-up. The #15 came on in Saturday’s draw, as well as the two games before that. Rodgers must be hugely tempted to take a risk and start the Liverpool talisman. There’s no doubt that Sturridge brings Liverpool a different dimension when he’s in the attack. He’s someone who can run in behind, like Sterling has been doing, but then having that definitive touch in and around the box, the touch that wins games. Sturridge’s clinical nature is something Liverpool have massively missed this season.
Steven Gerrard played the whole game against Everton, so it wouldn’t be a shock if Rodgers rested the 34 year-old. However, this depends on the fitness levels of Coutinho, Sterling and Lallana. Gerrard would most likely start in an advanced role, but with Lucas being unavailable, would Rodgers be tempted to start him with Henderson in the midfield two? I personally wouldn’t.
Jordon Ibe picked up the man-of-the-match award following his surprise inclusion at Goodison Park. The 19 year-old started as the right wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 formation. He was excellent. His pace and flair down the right hand side was causing Everton’s defence and midfield all sorts of problems. His eagerness to track back was excellent, too. I’d start Ibe against Spurs as he’s done enough to show Rodgers that he should be considered in his team-sheet every week.
Javi Manquillo is someone I’d bring in. However, it wouldn’t be as the right wing-back. I believe he’d be a solid choice as the right centre-back in the three. I’d then move Can into midfield to fill the void left by Lucas’ injury. Manquillo’s defensive work is admirable for someone of his young age. His distribution is good, not great but could be improved over time. This way, Emre Can would be able to show his attacking prowess and benefit the side with his tremendous passing and surging runs forward.
The side I’d go for (if everyone’s fit):
Mignolet; Manquillo, Skrtel, Sakho; Ibe, Moreno, Henderson, Can; Sterling, Coutinho; Sturridge.
Bobby Vincent
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