Tottenham to Face an Injured Liverpool Squad
Liverpool have picked up two more injuries leading up to their match against Tottenham.
According to the Daily Express two Belgian internationals are doubts, when Tottenham head to Anfield to take on Liverpool in an important fixture.
With the injuries piling up for the Reds losing Christian Benteke and Divock Origi doesn’t help their chances of matching up against a Tottenham side who are no doubt looking to take advantage of a wounded team.
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While Spurs aren’t healthy themselves, they’ve been good at limiting the amount of injuries they have picked up. The most important player who is out right now is Jan Vertonghen. And to a lesser extent, Clinton N’Jie.
For Christian Benteke, ever since Jürgen Klopp arrived following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers, the Belgian has seen his appearances limited compared to his compatriot, Divock Origi. Then again, that’s what happens when a new manager comes in and takes over a squad he never built.
It’s unlikely that the Belgian would be sent packing, but it wouldn’t be surprising.
“What’s annoying me the most, is that I would have never signed for Liverpool if I wasn’t the manager’s first choice,” said Benteke.
“Everything was there to play a good season at a big club. And it started well.”
“I am the first to admit that I haven’t shown enough of my worth for a team like Liverpool. On the other hand, under Brendan Rodgers, I knew I would get the opportunity to show my qualities, to show that I was worth the money and that I deserved to wear the shirt of Liverpool.”
“But now, the last few weeks I am physically and mentally okay. Since I went to England in 2012 I’ve never been on the bench for such a long period. It hurts, especially since I never was as fit as now.”
“That’s why I try to grab my chance when I get five or ten minutes playing time. I don’t want people to blame me and a lack of professionalism.”
Benteke’s move to Liverpool has been up and down when looking at how he did with Rodgers and Klopp combined. But had he joined Tottenham back in 2013, or even this past summer, it’s unknown how his career would have turned out.
But, switching gears and moving onto April 2nd between Tottenham and Liverpool in the second and final league meeting. It could wind up being another close affair like the reverse fixture showed.
October 17 was Jürgen Klopp’s first match as Liverpool manager. And in this game, the first half was exciting with back-and-forth action.
Liverpool came out flying in the first 20 minutes with plenty of energy.
The Reds high-pressed Tottenham to prevent them from having any creative freedom in the match.
When Spurs are given possession and have plenty of space to work with, they can overwhelm opponents like they showed in their two recent wins against Aston Villa and Bournemouth. Tottenham came at them from different angles and directions and kept the pressure up throughout the game.
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While Tottenham and Liverpool drew 0-0 at White Hart Lane, it’s entirely possible a close outcome will happen once again. Even if both teams are completely different now than they were back then.
Jürgen Klopp has helped steer the ship to reach the top ten and an outside shot of reaching a possible Europa League spot.
Although injuries have limited his choices for a starting eleven, their recent form (the month of March) has seen them lose once, but record three wins and a draw in all competitions.
Following the two team’s October 17 meeting, Liverpool have picked up 32 points. A very solid number after only notching 12 points from nine games under Brendan Rodgers’ guidance.
Then again, Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who had 14 points in nine games has won 47 points in the same time frame.
Obviously it’s been a great run for Pochettino but Klopp hasn’t been bad himself.
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For Tottenham, continuing their winning ways against Liverpool and the rest of their opponents is a must. If they ever hope to catch up with Leicester City. A slow start to the season with too many draws and not enough wins have hurt Spurs.
And with 21 points remaining from April 2nd until May 15th, Tottenham can’t afford to drop anymore. Liverpool may be suffering from a depleted squad, but Spurs are only concerned about a win first and foremost and not what happens to their opponents.