Premier League: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Anfield

Tim Sherwood looks on from the touchline (Getty Images)

In a crucial clash that could see his side edge closer to a first league title for 24 years, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur, who themselves have high aspirations this season, in the shape of a top four finish. Historically an exciting affair, Tim Sherwood’s side will be looking to make amends for the 5-0 drubbing by their hosts back in December, a result that ended Andre Villas Boas’ Spurs tenure.

The Reds enter the fixture as the Premier Leagues form side, winning their last seven games including a gritty 2-1 victory over strugglers Sunderland in midweek. Rodgers side currently sit 2 in the Premier League, just one point behind leaders Chelsea and their recent form has certainly boosted their title chasing credentials. Winning their last seven in a row and boasting a home record worthy of champions, Liverpool will be hoping to add Tottenham to their long list of Anfield victories this season.

Tottenham themselves boast a rather impressive away record this season, with only Manchester United bettering them. However, they have lost their last two away from White Hart Lane and will need to avoid a third if they are to have any chance of catching North London rivals Arsenal in fourth. An impressive second half comeback against Southampton last week may just be the boost Spurs need ahead of what will be a tricky afternoon against the league’s highest scorers.

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Jose Enrique remains the only absentee for Liverpool and it is looking ever more likely he will miss the rest of the season. Rodgers will surely look towards record breakers Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez to lead the line once again. The Premier League’s deadliest duo have amassed more goals this season between them (48 goals) than the entire Spurs team (40 goals).

Spurs have their fair share of injury worries with Kyle Walker likely to miss the trip to Anfield as he continues to struggle with a pelvis injury. Captain Michael Dawson is back in full training whilst Vlad Chiriches could also return to the side following a back problem. Etienne Capoue and Erik Lamela will almost definitely miss the trip due to injury. Leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor has a knee injury amongst other minor muscle problems but will be assessed ahead of the game, which means Roberto Soldado could once again spearhead the Spurs attack.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 4.00pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Tottenham 0 Liverpool 5 (Suarez 2, Henderson, Flanagan, Sterling), Premier League, December 2013

Liverpool 3 (Suarez, Downing, Gerrard) Tottenham 2 (Vertonghen 2), Premier League, March 2013

Tottenham 2 (Lennon, Bale) Liverpool 1 (Bale og), Premier League, November 2012

STATS…

Liverpool v Tottenham has seen more own goals than any other fixture in Premier League history (8).

Tottenham haven’t lost three Premier League away games in a row since January 2009.

Liverpool have won 11 and lost none of their last 12 Premier League games at Anfield.

Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez are only the third pair to both score 20+ goals in a single season each (Beardsley and Cole 93/94, Drogba and Lampard 09/10).

Liverpool have scored before half-time in their last 21 Premier League games, an all-time record.

ODDS…

Liverpool to win: 1.48

Tottenham to win: 7.4

Draw: 5

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1, highlights on BBC 1 at 10.25pm.