ENGLAND: Premier League
Date: 19-12-21
Time: 5:30 PM
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
As the Premier League (PL) deals with a tsunami of Covid-19 cases and match cancellations, a heavyweight clash is set to go ahead when Tottenham Hotspur welcome high-flying Liverpool to North London. Spurs have had three successive matches called off due to the pandemic, therefore both their squad depth and fitness will surely be tested should they take the field for the first time in a fortnight.
Manager Antonio Conte has made an instant impact in the Spurs dressing room, going undefeated in his first four PL matches (W3, D1), while introducing some of that famous Italian-style defending, securing three clean sheets. The hosts will be delighted to play their Covid-comeback game at home, having secured 18 of their 25 PL points thus far on their own turf.
Spurs might well be looking to edge closer to the European spots, but there is no time to shake-off the cobwebs when facing Jürgen Klopp’s rampant ‘Reds’. The visitors have dominated home, away and on neutral ground against Spurs recently, having lost only one of the last 19 H2H fixtures (W14, D4), including victories in each of the last seven.
The Merseysider’s came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 last time out despite high-profile Covid casualties such as Virgil Van Dijk and Fabinho, securing their 2000th top-flight victory – the first English club to do so. That victory also made it nine wins on the bounce for Klopp’s men who’ll be full of confidence having scored triple the amount of league goals as their hosts this season – although having played three more games.
Players to watch: Spurs will be hoping Harry Kane can rediscover his magic, as they’re undefeated in the last 22 PL matches in which he’s scored (W16, D6). For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah can break another record here, as he’ll become the first player to score or assist in 16 consecutive PL matches should he do so.
Recent Stats:
- Tottenham’s form in last 5 matches: WWLWD.
- Liverpool’s form in last 5 matches: WWWWW.
PREDICTION: Away Win
