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Liverpool vs Tottenham: Tale of the tape from Anfield

By Gary Pearson

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 509207282 and 862001578) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool (L) and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur meet in a Premier League fixture on February 4, 2018 at Anfield in Liverpool. ***LEFT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between West Ham United and Liverpool at Boleyn Ground on February 9, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 16: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur speaks to the media during the Tottenham Hotspur Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 16, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 509207282 and 862001578) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool (L) and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur meet in a Premier League fixture on February 4, 2018 at Anfield in Liverpool. ***LEFT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between West Ham United and Liverpool at Boleyn Ground on February 9, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 16: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur speaks to the media during the Tottenham Hotspur Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 16, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham, with a win at Anfield tomorrow, will leapfrog Liverpool in the standings and take a top four place for the first time since Match Day 12. 

Spurs travel to Liverpool in high spirits after having their way with Manchester United midweek at Wembley. Playing at Anfield offers an altogether different challenge, though, as history is not on Tottenham’s side.

Liverpool’s undefeated home record

The Reds haven’t lost at Anfield in 12 matches this season, their home unbeaten run totalling 14 games. That undefeated record is slightly misleading, though. Riddled with minor blemishes, the Reds have lost 10 home points due to five disappointing draws.

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Historically, Liverpool have dominated Spurs at Anfield. The Reds have lost only one of their last 23 home matches when hosting the Lilywhites. They’ve also enjoyed recent success against Spurs no matter the location, winning five of six in all competitions.

Spurs, however, beat Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley earlier in the campaign, dominating comprehensively that match.

Jurgen Klopp saves his best for encounters with the élite, the charismatic German unbeaten in 12 home matches versus top six sides. While the Reds are renowned for bleeding goals, they are much more secure at the back on home soil. Only seven of 29 goals against have come at Anfield.

Tottenham reaching top gear

Spurs have suffered defeat only once – to Manchester City – in 11 Premier League matches. Mauricio Pochettino’s side travel to Liverpool with the league’s fifth best away record, the standing of which improves with every game.

Tottenham have collected seven points from a possible nine on the road after amassing just one solitary point from the previous 15. Unbeaten in seven top flight encounters, Tottenham are coming off one of their most impressive displays of the season. Spurs were at their expansive, creative best against United in the 2-0 win, a score which flattered the visitors.

Harry Kane, who is a strike away from his 100th Premier League goal, has scored four goals while adding two assists in six contests with Liverpool. He bagged a brace and added a helper in the reverse fixture at Wembley.

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Both teams have the ability to score in bunches, but don’t expect this one to be a high-scoring shootout. Tottenham pride themselves on keeping it watertight at the back, particularly on the road against top opponents.

Spurs will look to score early, taking a stronghold in the match to overcome their Anfield demons, where they haven’t won since May 2011.