Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur preview
Posted on | September 21, 2006 | No Comments
Liverpool have had a sluggish start to the season. The Reds were tipped by many to challenge for the title this season, but an indifferent start to the season sees them languishing in mid-table. In midweek, Dirk Kuyt’s first goal for Liverpool and Xabi’s wonder strike saw the Reds beat Newcastle 2-0 and they would like to maintain this winning habit when they come up against a struggling Spurs side on Saturday.
Rafa Benitez does like to tinker with his first team squad. In recent weeks, both Gerrard and Xabi Alonso have started on the bench against ‘weaker’ opposition. So, it should not be a surprise if either of the two is chosen to start on the bench. One person who will surely not be on the bench, though, is Harry Kewell ; the Australian is out with a knee injury.John Arne Riise is also ruled out for the game. Peter Crouch has been in stunning form for England, but for his club he has been mostly anonymous. It will be interesting to see who starts up-front for Liverpool, although my bet will be Kuyt partnering Bellamy.
Tottenham have flattered to deceive. For a squad that boasts of world-class players in every position, Martin Jol’s men have failed to deliver the goods. Tottenham have won just one game this season, that too against lowly Sheffield United. They drew against Fulham at home last week. All the big boys are back for Spurs ; Ledly King being the most notable player to recover from injury. Didier Zokora was very impressive in the World Cup but he needs to adapt to the Premiership game better to make the same kind of impact. On the attacking front, Dimitar Berbatov will not be available. Mido and Robbie Keane will lead the line with pacy England striker Jermaine Defoe most likely to be used as an impact player.
My verdict: For a team which missed out on Champions League by barely a point, being sixteenth in the table is no great achievement. Spurs will go all out to upset Liverpool’s applecart at Anfield but I don’t see them getting a win past Rafa’s Reds. In 14 past League encounters at Anfield, Spurs have won just once.
A draw perhaps. 1-1 with Kuyt and Keane to score. 0-0 at halftime.
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