Liverpool vs Tottenham predictions: Reds to edge close clash
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- Liverpool are third and are guaranteed to finish in top four
- Tottenham are fifth, seven points off fourth
- Recommended bet: Liverpool to win and both teams to score
Out-of-form duo Liverpool and Tottenham square off at Anfield on Sunday with both sides keen to make amends for recent disappointing performances.
The Reds' title bid has faltered, although at least they head into the clash with Ange Postecoglou's men knowing they have secured a top-four finish this season.
For Spurs, reaching that same objective remains their aim, but Thursday's dismal 2-0 defeat at Chelsea has left them with a mountain to climb as they sit seven points behind current fourth-placed Aston Villa, though they do still have a game in hand.
Team news
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has not trained fully this week and is a major doubt but Conor Bradley is available again after a fortnight out.
Diogo Jota is still absent for Jurgen Klopp's side, while Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Ben Doak will miss the remainder of the season.
Tottenham have a full treatment room and are without Ben Davies, Timo Werner, Destiny Udogie, Manor Solomon, Fraser Forster and Ryan Sessegnon for the Anfield clash.
Several other players will be assessed due to the quick turnaround following Thursday's game with Chelsea and Postecoglou is likely to ring the changes.
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The stats
Liverpool have lost only one of their last 29 home league games against Tottenham – a 2-0 defeat in May 2011.
The Reds have conceded the opening goal in 16 league games this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last eight top-flight matches.
Spurs have won only two of their last 11 away league fixtures, drawing four and losing five.
Postecoglou's side have kept just two clean sheets in their previous 25 league outings.
Prediction
Liverpool have failed to stay the pace in the title race as recent defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton, plus last weekend's 2-2 draw at West Ham, has left them trailing rivals Arsenal and Manchester City at the top.
Their display at the London Stadium was, however, much improved and they look in better shape than the visitors, who have now lost their last three games.
Postecoglou admitted his side were deservedly beaten by inconsistent Chelsea and that result – coming off the back of a home 3-2 North London derby defeat to the Gunners – was particularly galling.
The visitors should be competitive at Anfield as they look to keep their top-four hopes alive and are more than capable of playing a full part in the game but they are likely to go home empty handed.
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