Topic: League - Liverpool V Tottenham 27th Oct - Anfield

[TheMightyReds]

Liverpool V Tottenham Hotspur

Oct 27th 4.30pm at Anfield
Referee: Anthony Taylor

Liverpool against Tottenham conjures up some famous memories. Not least the absolute magnificence of the 7-0 wins back in 1978 (Terry McDermott with a world class goal), when Tottenham had two world cup winners in their side. Lest we forget Tottenham had a decent side in the 80’s.

Over the years the rivalry has simmered and now intensified. Tottenham over the last 5-6 years have been strong and a good rival. Battles for 4th place where common place. Liverpool had dropped back from their dynasty of excellence and were now consistently only in the top 6, with no league title in sight.

Most recently and fresh from June 2019 are the wonderful memories of Madrid in the European Cup Final where both teams met. Liverpool themselves had a stellar campaign registering 97pts in the league and were hugely unlucky to come in 2nd. However they wouldn’t be denied silverware and a 6th European Cup against Tottenham. The game does show the flip that history has had again. They say football comes around in circles, and as fate would have it Liverpool are now top of the league again, European Champions, Super Cup winners and Tottenham have had their customary poor start and sit about mid table.

We meet again now since that joyous and balmy night in Madrid. The gap to second place is 6 points and Liverpool will look to win to make sure they are back to winning ways after last weeks draw at ManU. Playing well but not hit top gear yet. The ultimate aim is to keep Manchester City as far away as possible from them.
Tottenham are faltering somewhat. Are they in crisis, is the team in civil war with the managers head up for discussion. Some things at Spurs never change. Certainly the quote from Pochettino speaks volumes when he says ‘we are our own toughest opponent at the moment’’.

What of a repeat of 1978. You never know, we are due to give someone a right beating, and this weekend could be Spurs bad luck. How much of the game (from June) will linger in the memory for Spurs and the after effects of that may also play a part.

Spurs are a dangerous team if on form. No doubt about that. Top quality players throughout the team. They are typically strong through the middle and have one of the top goal scoring midfielders in Son in their ranks. They have a top manager who has done well at Spurs without spending a pretty penny. He has trimmed the garden, planted some sunflowers and has watched his team bloom. The Reds need to be wary of the fast Spurs counter attack. If Lucas Moura plays he will add that threat on the break. Kane also does typically threaten and will need to be marshalled well by either Matip or VVD. It will be interesting to see who Klopp picks in midfield. My guess is Oxdale Chamberlain has played his way in to the team for now.

Liverpool cannot be careless, they must start fast, show anger and rectify last weeks result. The crowd will of course be important to encourage and cheer the team to show no mercy. Spurs will be missing Lloris, and Rose has been on poor form recently. These seem the obvious areas to focus on for us. If Salah is fully fit, you can see both TAA and Salah giving him a hard time this Sunday.

Who can forget some of the goals this fixture has provided, most recently Salah’s mazy dribble and finish and Origi’s sweet daisy cutter. Reds could do with some of them this Sunday.

Last 5 meetings
22 Oct 2017   Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool   L   4-1   Premier League
04 Feb 2018   Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur   D   2-2   Premier League
15 Sep 2018   Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool   W   1-2   Premier League
31 Mar 2019   Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur   W   2-1   Premier League
01 Jun 2019   Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool   W   0-2   UEFA Champions League


Form Guide
Liverpool
D- Away = 1-1 v Man Utd
W- Home = 2-1 v Leicester
W-Away = 1-0 v Sheffield Utd
W- Away = 2-1 v Chelsea
W- Home = 3-1 v Newcastle

Spurs
D - Home = 1-1 v Watford
L -  Away= 0-3 v Brighton
W- Home= 2-1 v Southampton
L- Away= 1-2 v Leicester
W- Home = 4-0 v Crystal Palace

Key players: Liverpool: Salah, Mane and TAA
Key players: Spurs: Kane, Son and Eriksson
Both Kane and Mane have 5 goals each in the league. Firmino with 3 assists so far.

Note: Both teams had a great win midweek in the Champions League. Robertson took at slight knock but should be fit to play. Matip should also return.

[Yesitsanextender]

hate these pricks! they need a good stuffing. put ox in behind the front three with gini and keita to start.

[Yorkykopite]

Wasn't the 7-0 in '78-9?

[Davidbowie]

These usually play quite well at Anfield, if not always getting a result.

They've been poor lately but they do have some really dangerous attackers in Kane and Son in particular.

We're almost unbeatable at home but we have looked a bit dodgy in defence and don't keep many clean sheets these days. I'm going with a 2-1 win.

Mane and Firmino to score, Kane for them.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Tired of playing this lot. All of the games recently have been tight [in the league], and so I expect nothing different this Sunday, probably will be up for it more than usual because of #6, so I expect them to be better than they have so far.

The midfield will be interesting. I can see Klopp going with the same 3 from last Sunday, as Spurs won't park the bus ala the Mancs, but I can also see Keita being played from the start. He only played 10 minutes or so last Sunday and a full 90 last night, so it wouldn't be too much to ask for him to play again.

Have to keep pressure on City, any win will do.

[andyw79]

Ah ffs, antony useless manc bastard taylor

[duvva 💅]

Wasn't the 7-0 in '78-9?

Yep I think the 82 game was when we won the league with a 3-1 win, wasn’t it Clemence first return?

[[new username under construction]]

Decent enough team despite how 'shite' they are, capable of beating us so best + fittest team possible please

[ScouserAtHeart]

Think we'll win this 3-1

[Sharado]

Tired of playing this lot. All of the games recently have been tight [in the league], and so I expect nothing different this Sunday, probably will be up for it more than usual because of #6, so I expect them to be better than they have so far.

The midfield will be interesting. I can see Klopp going with the same 3 from last Sunday, as Spurs won't park the bus ala the Mancs, but I can also see Keita being played from the start. He only played 10 minutes or so last Sunday and a full 90 last night, so it wouldn't be too much to ask for him to play again.

Have to keep pressure on City, any win will do.

They've arguably given us the toughest game at Anfield of any team over the last 2 years. It'll be a test this, despite their poor league form. What's tended to happen in the previous couple of Anfield encounters is the game has really ebbed and flowed - we've been on top for large periods, then they have, then we have etc. etc. It's so important we take our chances when we're on top, particularly given the nagging doubts their players will have. If we were to go 2-0 up say, I think they mentally pack it up for the day, but as long as they're in with a sniff, we'll have a real game on our hands.

[J-Mc-]

They've been shite this season so they're bound to raise their game against us.

There'll be some penalty controversy after one of them goes down in the box IMO and the media will be making the entire thing about 'revenge' for the CL Final.

Fuck it, bring them on, let them attack us and give us space to attack.

[sinnermichael]

Mane and Robertson (if fit) will have a field day against whoever plays right back for them. Aurier is a walking red card and Sissoko isn't a right back.

[Legoland]

I fully expect them to show up since  theyve been so shite so far

[deFacto please, you bastards]

They've arguably given us the toughest game at Anfield of any team over the last 2 years. It'll be a test this, despite their poor league form. What's tended to happen in the previous couple of Anfield encounters is the game has really ebbed and flowed - we've been on top for large periods, then they have, then we have etc. etc. It's so important we take our chances when we're on top, particularly given the nagging doubts their players will have. If we were to go 2-0 up say, I think they mentally pack it up for the day, but as long as they're in with a sniff, we'll have a real game on our hands.

Agreed. Last season, we were the better side in the first half, and didn't take our chances so the 1-0 obviously gave them a chance to get back into the game which they did. Hopefully we are more clinical this time around

[ScottishKopite]

Ah ffs, antony useless manc bastard taylor

Better than Martin Manc Bastard Atkinson 

[Sheer Magnetism]

I miss the days when they were our whipping boys - 0-5, 4-0 and 0-3 in consecutive fixtures in 2013 and 2014. Their defence is looking shaky again these days too, they're dangerous but if our shooting boots are on it could end up being a decent score.

[Sharado]

Agreed. Last season, we were the better side in the first half, and didn't take our chances so the 1-0 obviously gave them a chance to get back into the game which they did. Hopefully we are more clinical this time around

They were one Sissoko skying it/VVD bossing him so he skied it away from winning too. It sounds so straightforward just 'taking your chances' but in the 2-2 the year before the game was similar with us on top at 1-0 but them coming right back in it and pinning us back [though both their penalties were fucking shameful].

[ScottishKopite]

I think we will be to strong for them going for a 2.0 Home win. would love to see Elliott come of the bench to be on the same park as Kane.

I reckon we will see Hendo back in with Fabino and Naby .

[classycarra]

They've arguably given us the toughest game at Anfield of any team over the last 2 years. It'll be a test this, despite their poor league form. What's tended to happen in the previous couple of Anfield encounters is the game has really ebbed and flowed - we've been on top for large periods, then they have, then we have etc. etc. It's so important we take our chances when we're on top, particularly given the nagging doubts their players will have. If we were to go 2-0 up say, I think they mentally pack it up for the day, but as long as they're in with a sniff, we'll have a real game on our hands.

Agree with this about the way games have ebbed and flowed.

They're going to start strong and will be a lot better than their performances so far have shown. But if we start well, and capitalise on our chances, I can imagine emotions getting the better of them and see the games go similarly to their other poor performances early this season.

If there's any chance our medical are cool with it, I'd give Naby the first hour. He was instrumental when we carved out loads of chances against them away last season

[killer-heels]

It will be tough despite their form, but we need to win. We need to be clinical.

[RobbieRedman]

Everybody wants to beat the European Champions. No team more than the runners up. Son is their best player by far and if we can keep him quiet we should claim three points. Will be a good game I'm sure.

I think it will be a close call between Gini & Keita but Gini will get the nod.

[eAyeAddio]

Liverpool against Tottenham conjures up some famous memories. Not least the absolute magnificence of the 7-0 win back in 1978 (Terry McDermott with a world class goal), when Tottenham had two world cup winners in their side.

That goal by Terry Mac is the best goal I have ever seen....  Ever.......  And I feel privileged to have seen it.



,

[Red-Dread]

They'll be buoyed by their result in Europe and desperate for revenge for the CL final.

They'll raise their game and perform emotionally, so that will probably limit us to a two goal victory

Keita's being managed so will come off the bench mid second half and will pick them to pieces

[Fruity]

They should be up for it because of CL loss but still think their recent results show a lack of confidence throughout the team. Score early and get on top and they could fall apart. They have looked shite this season but then they go and have a good result in the week.

Something is clearly not right there and maybe if we can get at them early enough they might spurs it. If they win though they will have turned a corner and if they lose pressure is really on them as they could be bottom half of the table. A bit make or break for them really.

[duvva 💅]

Thanks for the OP.

They’ve just a had a really good result after looking really poor for a while. If we make a fast start here and grab a goal or two they could fall apart, but if we let them get into the game then no doubt it’ll be another close game.

Be interesting to see what line up we go with, I really have no idea but it would be good to see Keita if he’s able to play from the start after last night. He’s able to create with piercing forward balls so if things aren’t working as well down the flanks we have others ways to break teams down.

Looking forward to this.

[mrantarctica]

Will be a tricky game for us. We haven't really been hitting our top form as yet but have been getting results which is the main thing. It hasn't been helped by a bit of shuffling around that has been going on due to some injuries etc. Looks like we could be without Matip or Trent again. Son and Kane are their big threats and I think it will be a well contested game. They will want payback after the CL of course. They haven't been playing well of late and have sometimes shipped some loose goals.

depending on fitness and availability I'm picking :
Ali, Gomez, Lovren, VVD, Robbo, Fab, Gini, Ox, Mane, Firmino, Salah
subs: Adrian, Milner, Sepp, Hendo, Lallana, Naby, Origi

[UntouchableLuis]

I think Oxlade has earned a start - 2 great goals last night and nearly got the winner vs United as well. He's our only attacking mid who can nick one from outside the area and I'm sure he'll be up for it vs his old enemy.

I'd like to see Hendo Fabinho and Ox start in midfield. Usual front 3 and assuming Trent and Robbo are fit, usual back 4.

[jamie_c]

Agree with this about the way games have ebbed and flowed.

They're going to start strong and will be a lot better than their performances so far have shown. But if we start well, and capitalise on our chances, I can imagine emotions getting the better of them and see the games go similarly to their other poor performances early this season.

If there's any chance our medical are cool with it, I'd give Naby the first hour. He was instrumental when we carved out loads of chances against them away last season

I totally disagree, i think we’ll start strong but the thing about spurs is they are never out of a game no matter how badly they are playing, they have faith in their firepower no matter what’s going on

They have done it before at Anfield and that’s how they got the results against city as well.

We’ll deserve to win but as others have said it will depend on how clinical we are, they can score at any point.

[Goalposts for Jumpers]

They're the only team at Anfield that we haven't been able to consistently beat the press the last couple of seasons. I've got a feeling that'll change this weekend, but not sure whether that'll be down to Ox or Naby being in the team, them sitting a bit deeper following some poor recent results, or them being shite.

They gave Bayern a lot of problems with their pressing in the first 30mins the other week, but Bayern kept their composure and were eventually able to play through it, and once they did, they played through it at will. We need to show the same patience and composure, and keep probing for openings.

[Zlen]

Early call, we are getting absolutely shafted by Taylor and his gang.
I am still pissed off at that game at Anfield when Moss pulled a point for them out of his ass.
So let us demolish them please.

[AndyMuller]

4:30pm again on a Sunday is shite.

[number 168]

That goal by Terry Mac is the best goal I have ever seen....  Ever.......  And I feel privileged to have seen it.



,

You are not wrong. Digger's against QPR, Torres' against Blackburn, Molby's against the Mancs, too many Suarez's to mention but THAT goal by Terry Mac was incredible, best build up ever.

[So… Howard Philips]

You are not wrong. Digger's against QPR, Torres' against Blackburn, Molby's against the Mancs, too many Suarez's to mention but THAT goal by Terry Mac was incredible, best build up ever.

Not only was Terry Mac's a great goal but as you intimate above it was a wonderful team goal.

[davealexred]

This game will be won and lost in midfield.

We will easily overpower Winks and Ndombele if we’re bang on it. Can’t wait.

[duvva 💅]

Wasn't the 7-0 in '78-9?

This one. Could have been double the score. Would settle for a performance like this Sunday.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NzKcNevWbO4

McDermott does have good form against Spurs this one wasn’t bad either

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CRMJT187wxs

[jckliew]

Wasn't the 7-0 in '78-9?

Yeah

Terry McD scored a glorious team goal. 

Time to refocus on the Premier League. Another 3 points to keep the train chugging along.

[bornandbRED]

Tough game as they’ll be well up for this. Echo the thoughts that an early goal could see us pummel them - a not so quick start and it’ll be a tight one.

[A Dick]

No messing about. Usual starting XI if everyone is fit.

Alisson, TAA Matip,VVD, Robbo, Fabinho, Hendo, Gini, Salah, Bobby, Mane

No need to change the XI which lost one league game all last season and won the champions league just because of one iffy game at Old Trafford (after an international break where we still has 70% possession and more shots)

YNWA

[Geezer08]

Its gonna be a very tight game, they have the quality to really hurt us, but if we play to our strength then we will win.

Hopefully the occasion will help us and we will be more focused and switched on compared to the last few games.

[Yesitsanextender]

        alisson

taa  vvd  matip   rob

ox   fabinho   gini

       bobbi

mane   salah