Team news and expected line up versus Liverpool

After a magnificent derby-day win against the Arsenal on Saturday, everyone involved with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club will be hoping that we carry our momentum forward into our next game.

Facing us tomorrow is another tough task– as we take on Liverpool, at Anfield, for an 8 o’clock kick off.

A relationship that reeks of revenge

There used to be a time when playing Liverpool was fun for Spurs in recent years, but in our last four PL meetings – we have lost all four, while the Reds outscore us 15 goals to 2. In fact, we haven’t beaten Liverpool since November 2012 – when goals from Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon set us on our way to a 2-1 victory.

Last season however, the men from Merseyside humiliated us both home and away. Rodgers’ men famously beat us 5-0 a WHL back in December 2013, which led to the sacking of AVB, and then 4-0 at Anfield in March 2014, described as another “capitulation” by then-boss Tim Sherwood.

We have also been beaten by Liverpool already this season, this time 3-0, at the end of August. Although it was only three PL games into our new managers reign, the result does hold significance – as it consigned Mauricio Pochettino to his first competitive defeat as Spurs boss.

Tottenham team news

Once again this season, and testament to the training methods of the staff at THFC, we find ourselves without any first-team injuries going into this clash.

The only change anticipated is as to whether Nacer Chadli could return to the squad in a starting position, following his return to match-fitness after being granted personal leave away from the club - after the passing of his father.

The only headache for Pochettino, albeit a good one, is to whether he will want to stick to the side who trumped the Gunners, or will he bring in fresh faces to match the very different challenge posed by Liverpool.

What’s been said

On the game, boss Mauricio Pochettino has said: “[On picking the same team again on Tuesday] Maybe. We analyse how the players are and how the medical staff and sport scientists see it – they do a brilliant job.

“ [On Spurs' recent record v Liverpool] The past is the past, we are in the present and need to change the past. The last time I went there with Southampton we won last season, but my feeling is not that, my feeling is that we can play well. We need to believe that it’s possible to get the three points.”

Mousa Dembele, also added to the belief of an improved Spurs side, telling the press: “I know I can do better. I think we played well on Saturday but I think even the team can do better because we know we have a lot of talent, a lot of experience. We have everything here.”

Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers, chose to talk of the exciting football that will be on display, as well as mentioning some of Spurs’ home-grown talent. Rodgers said: “It will be a great game with two teams in good form. They come back off a good result. We played very well against them earlier on in this season and their philosophy is still the same; they want to press the game and dominate the ball, and for us it’s similar so it will be a very fascinating game.

On the threat posed by Spurs, Rodgers said: “They’re playing very well, got a lot of young players and the big difference is the introduction of two home-grown players [Mason and Kane]. [On Kane] He has shown all his life, he is a finisher. He’s got different types of finishes. When you play a high-pressure game, you need your striker to run and press. He leads the line very well in that aspect.”

Likely line-up

(4-2-3-1) Lloris (c); Walker; Dier; Vertonghen; Rose; Mason; Bentaleb; Lamela; Eriksen; Dembele; Kane.

 

Cant recall Poch naming an unchanged side for Spurs, but it does have a nice ring to it. As we dont play the weekend we can surely give our all at Anfield, and what a scalp it would be! Expect to see Lamela on the bench maybe. Lets hope we can continue our weekend form and this will be a good test for the Dier/Verts partnership. Am also wondering if Davies will get the nod at LB. Coys.

 

Wouldn't mind if changes are made, would make sense either way. Some of the lads might be feeling Saturday still, in which case we have more than able replacements. Would also make sense to leave a winning formula as is, after that fantastic result

 

As much as I'd love us to remain unchanged, I think that Saturday's performance will still be in the legs of some. As fit as our squad obviously is, I believe that the high pressing game doesn't suit a schedule with 2 or 3 games in 7 days. I wouldn't be surprised to see Chadli in for Dembele and potentially Dembele himself dropping back to CM alongside Mason with Bentileb being rested following a tough ACN campaign. Either way, 3 pts at Anfield would be an incredible statement of intent. COYS!

 

Don't really see a reason to change the line-up. Our midfield play is very important in controlling the game that I can't see Dembele starting on the bench. Think Dier should start again to match the Sterling's speed, ahead of Fazio. I expect Chadli to come on for Dembele around the hour mark again.

Lloris; Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose; Mason, Bentaleb; Lamela Dembele Eriksen; Kane