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Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Major hurdle in Reds' revival
Liverpool's Premier League revival could well and truly be underway if they manage to overcome the test of Tottenham on Sunday. A win at White Hart Lane would put the Reds level on points with their European rivals (although unless they win by three clear goals they won't overtake them), but they will certainly not be underestimating the test provided by the team who took the fourth Champions League spot last season.
Liverpool's own away form is their biggest obstacle to overcome. Winning just one game in seven away from home, the club have struggled on their travels and recently drew with Wigan and lost against Stoke before their 3-0 destruction of West Ham back at Anfield. The return to form of Fernando Torres is a major boost, as the Spanish striker has netted four goals in his last six games, but they will need more than their talismanic striker to beat Harry Redknapp's side.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have only lost once at White Hart Lane this season - a 1-0 defeat to Wigan back at the end of August - and the goals have been flowing with Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart stealing all the headlines. The confidence is flowing after an incredible turnaround against Arsenal and recent history suggests that Spurs favour their home ground for this tie: winning 8-4 on aggregate.
Tottenham player to watch: William Gallas. When he was signed by Harry Redknapp, many doubted whether the former Arsenal defender could continue at the highest level in England. A few early dodgy performances put him in the spotlight but, after the first half, his Man of the Match display against his old club in the 3-2 comeback win silenced some of his detractors. Strong, committed and a leader on the pitch - if not necessarily the dressing room - Gallas has taken over the captain's armband at his new club and has made himself a vital part of their defence in the absence of Ledley King.
Liverpool player to watch: Glen Johnson. The subject of criticism in the media, with stories suggesting that he had fallen out with manager Roy Hodgson, Johnson's goal against West Ham went a long way to proving his loyalty. Not the soundest defensively, his surging runs up the flank give Liverpool another attacking option and he is certainly not short of stamina in his ability get back and do his primary job. Of course, against Spurs, that will be to stop the threat of Gareth Bale and, if he wants to show everyone that is rightfully England's best right back, Johnson has the stage set to do so.
Key battle: Rafael van der Vaart v Christian Poulsen. The Dutchman has arguably been the player of the season thus far as his six goals in ten starts has captured the imagination of the Premier League. A key goal threat, his role in linking the midfield and the strikers is incredibly important for Tottenham's tactical approach and, when he is on the ball, Spurs are always dangerous. In Poulsen, Liverpool have a man more than capable of ruffling his feathers and breaking up the attacks before they happen. The Dane has not enjoyed a great start to his Anfield career but, in filling in the boots of Javier Mascherano, he was always going to struggle to win over the fans immediately. His performance against West Ham showed his potential and the club will hope for more of the same against Spurs.
Trivia: Joe Cole is set to return from injury against Spurs, a club who tried to sign him on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer.
Stats: Liverpool have the best of this fixture from history, winning 73 of the games, while Spurs have only managed 43. The draw has happened 39 times.
Odds: Tottenham (2.10), Liverpool (3.60) and the draw (3.30) are on offer at Bet365, with Gareth Bale 21.00 to score two or more goals.
Prediction: Midweek exertions will test the strength of both squads, and a draw may be seen as a decent result for both sides.
Major hurdle in Reds' revival
Liverpool's Premier League revival could well and truly be underway if they manage to overcome the test of Tottenham on Sunday. A win at White Hart Lane would put the Reds level on points with their European rivals (although unless they win by three clear goals they won't overtake them), but they will certainly not be underestimating the test provided by the team who took the fourth Champions League spot last season.
Liverpool's own away form is their biggest obstacle to overcome. Winning just one game in seven away from home, the club have struggled on their travels and recently drew with Wigan and lost against Stoke before their 3-0 destruction of West Ham back at Anfield. The return to form of Fernando Torres is a major boost, as the Spanish striker has netted four goals in his last six games, but they will need more than their talismanic striker to beat Harry Redknapp's side.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have only lost once at White Hart Lane this season - a 1-0 defeat to Wigan back at the end of August - and the goals have been flowing with Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart stealing all the headlines. The confidence is flowing after an incredible turnaround against Arsenal and recent history suggests that Spurs favour their home ground for this tie: winning 8-4 on aggregate.
Tottenham player to watch: William Gallas. When he was signed by Harry Redknapp, many doubted whether the former Arsenal defender could continue at the highest level in England. A few early dodgy performances put him in the spotlight but, after the first half, his Man of the Match display against his old club in the 3-2 comeback win silenced some of his detractors. Strong, committed and a leader on the pitch - if not necessarily the dressing room - Gallas has taken over the captain's armband at his new club and has made himself a vital part of their defence in the absence of Ledley King.
Liverpool player to watch: Glen Johnson. The subject of criticism in the media, with stories suggesting that he had fallen out with manager Roy Hodgson, Johnson's goal against West Ham went a long way to proving his loyalty. Not the soundest defensively, his surging runs up the flank give Liverpool another attacking option and he is certainly not short of stamina in his ability get back and do his primary job. Of course, against Spurs, that will be to stop the threat of Gareth Bale and, if he wants to show everyone that is rightfully England's best right back, Johnson has the stage set to do so.
Key battle: Rafael van der Vaart v Christian Poulsen. The Dutchman has arguably been the player of the season thus far as his six goals in ten starts has captured the imagination of the Premier League. A key goal threat, his role in linking the midfield and the strikers is incredibly important for Tottenham's tactical approach and, when he is on the ball, Spurs are always dangerous. In Poulsen, Liverpool have a man more than capable of ruffling his feathers and breaking up the attacks before they happen. The Dane has not enjoyed a great start to his Anfield career but, in filling in the boots of Javier Mascherano, he was always going to struggle to win over the fans immediately. His performance against West Ham showed his potential and the club will hope for more of the same against Spurs.
Trivia: Joe Cole is set to return from injury against Spurs, a club who tried to sign him on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer.
Stats: Liverpool have the best of this fixture from history, winning 73 of the games, while Spurs have only managed 43. The draw has happened 39 times.
Odds: Tottenham (2.10), Liverpool (3.60) and the draw (3.30) are on offer at Bet365, with Gareth Bale 21.00 to score two or more goals.
Prediction: Midweek exertions will test the strength of both squads, and a draw may be seen as a decent result for both sides.
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