Can Spurs Put A Dent In The Reds’ Title Challenge?

Tottenham is still finding their identity and a new way of playing under manager Antonio Conte, while Liverpool is very much the finished product under Jurgen Klopp and looking to keep up their drive for the title.

“Tottenham has world-class club structures. The team must be up to it. Today there is a gap between investments made by the company and sporting results. We have to fill it,” said Conte. “The team is young and has a lot of room for improvement, but the competition is fierce with the four giants Chelsea, City, Liverpool, United, and then Arsenal, West Ham, Everton.”

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, wants his side to continue their rhythm: “Now we look like we are in a better moment, [but] the season is too long to think about this kind of things,” said the German tactician. “We are able to play good football so we have to force ourselves to do it always.”

Key players

Son Heung-min – The Korean attacker represents Spurs’ most potent threat to Liverpool’s defense, with his pace and intelligent movement always tough to track. Son will hope to inspire Tottenham to a rousing home win over the Reds on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool’s brilliant Egyptian striker has continued to rack up the goals and assists through this season when he has truly become one of the absolute best players in the world. Tottenham’s defense will be on high alert for this Pharaoh’s flyer.

Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head stats, Tottenham and Liverpool have met in 177 matches across all competitions since their first clash back in 1909. The Reds have claimed 87 wins compared to 48 for Spurs, while 42 games have been drawn.

Liverpool completed a league ‘double’ over Tottenham last season, winning 2-1 at Anfield in December 2020 and 3-1 in North London in January 2021 – Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino scored in both games for the Reds.

Battles to watch

Antonio Conte v Jurgen Klopp – One would have to go a long way to find two more passionate and demonstrative managers than Conte and Klopp, with the pair’s touchline antics likely to be as entertaining and furious as the action on the pitch!

Pierre-Emile Hjobjerg v Thiago Alcantara – Liverpool’s Spanish international midfielder has shown signs of being at his brilliant best in recent weeks, but he’ll face a stiff challenge from Tottenham’s rugged and robust Hjobjerg.

Harry Kane v Virgil Van Dijk – A clash of two world-class operators, with Kane hoping to use his movement and striking power to bypass the effortless defensive brilliance of Van Dijk, who will be determined to lead his team to a key away win.

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Match broadcast details

All times CAT

Sunday 19 December

18:30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 1