The league-leaders, Spurs, will travel to Anfield for the biggest clash of this month in the Premier League against Liverpool, the reigning champions. Both sides dropped two points in the previous match against Crystal Palace and Fulham, respectively.
Match Timings: Dec 17, 1:30 AM IST
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Man City-Liverpool and Manchester Derby were not the classic fixtures in the Premier League 2020-21 because the table has been turned in favour of the Spurs, and it's every game against a top side will create a good amount of hype among football fans. Season’s two top sides will lock horns in the Wednesday night encounter to eye the top spot. Tottenham are ahead of Liverpool with the goal difference, and they can retain the top spot, despite having a draw in Anfield, but it will depend on the Leicester City-Everton clash. A draw in this fixture can give Foxes the top spot back, and Liverpool will slip to third.
Both sides have seven wins, four draws, and one defeat so far this season. Liverpool lost to Aston Villa, and Tottenham lost to Everton in September. Since these defeats, both are unbeaten. The clash will mark the good contest between the season's best attack and the season's best defense. Liverpool have incredible numbers at Anfield, and the past success at home put them favourites in this crucial fixture. They have won 31 of their last 32 home games and dropped just two points. They are unbeaten in Anfield from 65 matches, and Tottenham have the caliber to end this long run.
This season, Klopp’s side has some issues, including the injuries. Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham evolve its issues as they dropped 11 points in away matches this season, and it was the fifth away fixture Liverpool failed to win. After conceding the goal in the first half, the Reds were heading towards a loss until the penalty strike from Salah in the 79th minute. Klopp would not be proud of this season’s performance, but the performance in 2019-20 was extra-ordinary. If we compare both at this stage, 2019-20’s Liverpool is ahead of this season’s Liverpool with 9 points. The injuries also have been a big concern, so Klopp is satisfied too with the second position.
Spurs are looking incredibly good this season, and the winning run is giving them enough confidence to end the 60-years drought of winning the title. The previous game against the Eagles dented its chances, but they managed to retain the top spot with a better goal difference. Harry Kane provided the early lead in the first half, but Schlupp’s 81st-minute strike spoiled Tottenham's party. After the defeat to Everton at the starting of the season, the Spurs came back strong and defeated top sides like Man United, Man City, and Arsenal. They also held the strong Chelsea for a goalless draw in an away game.
The victory in Anfield will fancy Spur’s chances for the remainder of the season. Nothing is more fascinating for them to end Liverpool’s unbeaten streak at home. Jose Mourinho will see this game as a league-defining fixture, and the Spurs boos would avoid any mistake in the glory of the 4th Premier League title as a manager. Spurs have a good record in away-fixture as they are now unbeaten in its previous nine away games in Premier League. They have won three of its last seven away league games against the Reds, and it’s a big positive from all the stats between the two sides. The other fact is, Mourinho has never gained three points against Klopp in the last five away meetings as manager.
If we put all numbers in one place and check the current form, Leicester City will take the top spot after this week as it’s unlikely to see any result from the Spurs-Liverpool game. In the scenario of a draw, The Foxes will reach 27 points, and both Spurs and the Reds will be equalised with 26 points.
Possible Lineup & Current Form
Liverpool
Lineup: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Fabinho, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Premier League form: W D W D W D
Previous match: 1-1 draw with Fulham
Tottenham
Lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon; Sissoko, Hojbjerg; Bergwijn, Ndombele, Son; Kane
Premier League form: W W W D W D
Previous match: 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace
Key Players
Liverpool
Mohammed Salah
10 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Last goal vs Fulham
Sadio Mane
4 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Last goal vs Everton
Tottenham
Son Heung-min
10 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Last goal vs Arsenal
Harry Kane
9 goals in Premier League 2020-21
Last goal vs Crystal Palace
