Tottenham v Liverpool: Preview, Team News, KO Time, TV Channel and More
By Logan Holmes
Lewis Holtby [Photo:Alan Hill]Tottenham play Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon in a match which is vital to both clubs who will be looking for three points to strengthen their own position while damaging the hopes of one of their rivals for a top-4 finish.
Team: Lloris; Walker, Capoue, Dawson, Naughton; Paulinho, Sandro; Lennon, Dembele, Chadli; Soldado Subs: Friedel, Fryers, Holtby, Lamela, Townsend, Sigurdsson, Defoe
Date: Sunday, 15th December
Kick-off Time: 4.00pm (UK time)
TV Channel: SkySports
Last Meeting at White Hart Lane
Spurs’ last home game against Liverpool was just over twelve months ago when they won 2 – 1 thanks to two early goals from Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale. A Bale inspired Spurs started quickly and caught Liverpool cold as he created the opener with a cross to Lennon after 9 minutes. He then added a second direct from a free-kick which bamboozled Reina, seven minutes later. Liverpool recovered from their slow start but only scored with just over 15 minutes remaining when from a corner Lennon’s clearance hit Bale and ended up in his own net. It was a relieved Spurs at the final whistle. That win was Spurs 5th successive home win over Liverpool, a record they will hope to continue this afternoon.
Liverpool
Liverpool have had an exciting season with goals galore. They have lost only 3 games and have scored 34 goals, although they have managed only 14 away from Anfield. They have lost two games on their travels, including an unexpected defeat to Hull in their last away game at the beginning of the month. Prior to that they shared six goals at Goodison Park in a 3 – 3 draw with Everton while their only other away defeat was at Arsenal in their previous match, losing 2 – 0.
With only one defeat to the end of October, at home to Southampton, Liverpool had won at Aston Villa (1 – 0) and Sunderland (3 – 1) with draws at Swansea and Newcastle, both 2 – 2.
Luis Suarez missed the start of the season through suspension but since his return has scored 15 goals while Daniel Sturridge has 11 and Steven Gerrard had 3 in all competitions.
Andre Villas-Boas was able to rest most of his first choice players for last Thursday’s win over Anzhi in the Europa League. He will be hoping for an improvement in their record following Europa League matches which has seen Spurs suffer 3 defeats and a draw in the 7 games immediately after the Thursday evening experience even though he has rested players and five of the league games were at White Hart Lane.
Injuries in central defence are a problem for AVB at the moment and he must decide on his striker with Roberto Soldado returning to goalscoring ways with a hat-trick against Anzhi on Thursday.
Team News
Jan Vertonghen will be out for four weeks, Vlad Chiriches missed last week’s win at Sunderland with a badly swollen knee and Younes Kaboul is struggling with minor injuries. Michael Dawson and Etienne Capoue may have to continue their partnership in central defence but Danny Rose may be available after playing the first half against Anzhi, depending on his match fitness. Christian Eriksen also returned in midweek so could be available if required. The main selection issue for AVB will be which striker to select – Jermain Defoe or Soldado.
Liverpool will be without Steven Gerrard but Jordan Henderson and Daniel Agger have recovered from injury and illness respectively. Daniel Sturridge and Jose Enriqueis are also out with long term injuries.
In a crucial game for both teams, Spurs have the greater need for the three points to give their season some impetus. A win would take Liverpool into 2nd place, only 2 points behind Arsenal while a draw would move them above Everton on goal difference and only a point behind 3rd placed Manchester City.
Lewis Holtby regards the match against Liverpool as a good opportunity for Spurs to test themselves against a top sidel. He was quoted in the Daily Mail saying,
"We have bounced back from the 6-0 disaster at Manchester City and I think confidence is now up to a level where we can play against a very good Liverpool side. We have to play our attacking football and we have to show it against a big side, especially at home. It’s up to us to handle that pressure."