Liverpool vs Tottenham preview: Will Mauricio Pochettino's title-chasing Spurs break their Anfield hoodoo?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Anfield

Liverpool's players celebrate Mario Balotelli's late winner in the reverse fixture last season (Getty)

It’s a big game for…

Dejan Lovren: It has been a tumultuous week for the Liverpool defender who drew harsh criticism from the Croatia manager for his conduct whilst away with his national team. Lovren reportedly refused to warm up and could be left in the international wilderness going forward.

The defender has been playing well for Liverpool of late but Klopp is still unsure about the makeup of his back four and has regularly rotated since taking charge. With the former Southampton player suspended for the first-leg of the Europa League quarter final tie at Dortmund next week, a good performance against Harry Kane and co will be crucial if he is to stay in the good graces of at least one of his managers.

Weird stat…

1: Spurs have won just once in their last 21 visits to Anfield, losing 14 times and drawing 6.

Remember when…

Mario Balotelli scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in this fixture back in February 2015. It was a thrilling back and forth game with the Italians 83^rd minute strike earning the hosts a 3-2 win.

Player to watch…

Harry Kane: The Premier League’s top scorer has hit four in his last two appearances for Spurs and also scored a stunning goal in Berlin to start the England comeback whilst on international duty last week.

Livepool’s defence crumbled under pressure in the second half against Southampton last time out and a repeat performance this weekend would give Kane every chance to add to his tally.

Past three-meetings…

Tottenham 0 Liverpool 0
Premier League, October 2015

Liverpool 3 (Markovic, Gerrard, Balotelli) Tottenham 1 (Kane, Dembele)
Premier League, February 2015

Tottenham 0 Liverpool 3 (Sterling, Gerrard, Moreno)
Premier League, August 2014

Form guide…

Liverpool: DWWWDL

Tottenham: LDLWLW

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 17:30

TV: Live on Sky Sports