The Big Match Tactical View: Liverpool v Tottenham

Michael Cox
29 March 2019

Sadio Mane is Liverpool's in-form goalscorer

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Liverpool appear to be back in form, while Tottenham have struggled in recent weeks. Michael Cox and Alan Thompson preview Sunday's late game.

"Kieran Trippier has been exposed by speedy wingers this season"

Liverpool v Tottenham
Sunday 16:30,
Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Match Odds: Liverpool 1.654/6, Tottenham 6.05/1, The Draw 4.3100/30.

The most exciting game of the Premier League weekend takes place at Anfield, where top-of-the-table Liverpool face a Tottenham side now desperately battling for a Champions League place, having collected just one point from their last four matches.

Alexander-Arnold the major doubt for Liverpool

Having used a 4-2-3-1 formation regularly a couple of months ago, Jurgen Klopp is now fixated on 4-3-3. Alisson will start behind a defence probably comprising Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. If Alexander-Arnold is out, Milner could drop back from midfield to play at full-back.

He's more likely to start in midfield, however, alongside Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum. Adam Lallana has started Liverpool's last two Premier League games, but against an all-action Tottenham side, Klopp might go for his most energetic midfield trio. Keita will probably miss out, even if fit.

Upfront it's the usual trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. Mane is continuing to bang in the goals even as Liverpool have slightly slumped. Firmino has been quieter but did assist Mane's opener against Fulham. Salah is enduring something of a drought but is still looking lively and creating chances for teammates.

Spurs might be forced into a change of shape

Mauricio Pochettino's team selection will be more influenced by injury problems. Eric Dier pulled up when on England duty and is out, as is Serge Aurier. Harry Winks is considered doubtful, with Kyle Walker-Peters also unlikely to take part.

This means that Kieran Trippier will probably start on the right of a four-man defence, and while he continues to offer good overlapping and a crossing threat, he's often been exposed by speedy wingers this season. Up against Mane, perhaps the Premier League's in-form wide forward, this could be a serious problem for Spurs.

Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen remain arguably the most solid centre-back pairing in the league, while Danny Rose will probably be favoured over Ben Davies at left-back, as Rose's superior pace is better for stopping Salah. Hugo Lloris, who endured a difficult game in the reverse fixture at Wembley, will be in goal.

Pochettino will be desperately hoping that Winks is fit to start in the holding role, because otherwise he's lacking options in central midfield and may be forced to use Davinson Sanchez, switching to a three-man defence which might leave Spurs vulnerable to Liverpool's pace out wide.

Alli could start at the top of a diamond

If fit, Winks will probably play at the base of a diamond with Moussa Sissoko to the right and Christian Eriksen to the left. Winks' calm, assured passing quality will be tested against an energetic Liverpool side, but few players are better at receiving the ball with confidence under pressure.

Dele Alli should be fielded in the number 10 position and will look to make runs in behind Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. The pair have a fine partnership with Kane coming deep towards play and hitting clever passes around the corner, and Son using his speed to sprint into the channels. Their battle against Van Dijk, the Premier League's outstanding defender this season, should be fascinating.

I can't help thinking that Mane against Trippier will be a huge mismatch, and as others have struggled to continue firing in the second half of the season, Mane has improved his goalscoring return. 11 goals in his last 11 Liverpool games means Mane looks good value top open the scoring at 6.05/1.

The Betfair Trader's View - Alan Thompson

This looks a cracker with both Liverpool and Tottenham embroiled in their own battles in the table. Liverpool will more than likely be back in second place when they take to the field and Mauricio Pochettino’s men have been dragged into a dog fight for a top four finish after a poor run of form has let Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea get within four points of Spurs.

Tottenham face Palace at home after this. Then they have three games in 11 days against Manchester City, two in the Champions League and one in the Premier League. They are still short odds on 1.564/7 to make a top four finish, but they do have five of their remaining games at their new home and maybe that will help them get over the line, but I’m not sure I would be rushing to back them at that price.

Liverpool have turned Anfield into a fortress again, their home unbeaten run now goes back 36 games (23rd April 2017 C Palace 2-1) and they have only conceded five home league goals in 2019 and nine all season.

The Reds were looking nervous before the international break, having to rely on an 81st minute penalty to get past Fulham at Craven Cottage but it may have just come at the right time for them. I can’t see them losing this but I also don’t see them putting away Spurs easily.

I will be splitting my stake backing draw/Liverpool in the half-time/full-time market at anything better than 4.57/2 and the other half on under 2.5 goals at anything over 2.265/4.

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