Tottenham‘s flying forwards can deal Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes an almighty blow this weekend, as Anfield hosts one other enormous sport.
The Reds reached the Champions League closing on Tuesday night time, following a nervy-but-thrilling 3-2 win away to Villarreal.
There is no such thing as a time to get pleasure from that achievement, nevertheless, as Spurs make the journey to Merseyside for a Saturday night showdown.
Antonio Conte’s aspect are proper within the top-four race, which means it’s a large event for either side, with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in worrying type for the guests.
Forward of the sport, we spoke to soccer.london journalist Rob Visitor (@RobGuesty) to get his ideas on the important thing battles at Anfield, in addition to the thrilling title and top-four battles.
How do you assess Tottenham’s season to date?
It has been a combined bag since August, to be sincere.
Following some dreadful performances in direction of the top of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure, Tottenham acquired again on observe in November below Antonio Conte however then they have been extremely inconsistent firstly of 2022.
That inconsistency crept again into their sport lately in opposition to Brighton and Brentford, however fortunately, they managed to get again to successful methods final day out in opposition to Leicester.
Spurs are bang within the race for fourth with Arsenal, though they may arguably have a Champions League spot for subsequent season wrapped up if it wasn’t for his or her combined type in January and February.
How blissful are you with Conte, and do you suppose he’ll keep?
Spurs have top-of-the-line managers within the sport in Conte, however it stays to be seen if he’ll nonetheless be on the membership subsequent season.
His long-term future has been a speaking level ever since he walked in by means of the door, with the Italian even hinting that he may stop following their defeat in opposition to Burnley in February.
His refusal to decide to the membership has irked sections of the fanbase and he has additionally by no means been shy in stating that he believes he’s higher than the stage Spurs are presently at.
All shall be hoping that he stays in north London for subsequent season, as he has executed an excellent job and Spurs will solely enhance below him, however his future could all come right down to his assembly with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici on the finish of the season.
Who’ve been Spurs’ three greatest gamers this season?
Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Cristian Romero have been Tottenham‘s standout three gamers.
Son has chipped in with vital targets and assists over the course of the season, with Kane actually hitting his stride in 2022 to ship some unimaginable performances after such a sluggish begin to the marketing campaign, by his extremely excessive requirements.
Romero has additionally wowed in defence, following his change from Atalanta, and appears set to turn into one of many world’s greatest centre-backs.
Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier and Dejan Kulusevski additionally deserve honourable mentions for his or her performances.
Which people have struggled?
Conte modified to his favoured 3-4-3 system after arriving on the membership in November and that has seen a few the gamers attempt to adapt to new positions.
Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon have spent their entire profession enjoying as full-backs, however now they’re making an attempt to adapt to working as wing-backs.
Each have struggled going ahead and that would doubtlessly see Conte and Paratici look to handle each positions this summer time.
Looking forward to Saturday, how extremely do you fee this Reds aspect?
Very extremely. The Liverpool aspect that gained the Premier League title two seasons in the past have been wonderful, however they’ve simply gone up one other stage or two since then.
Jurgen Klopp has added much more high quality to Liverpool’s assault, with Luis Diaz, who was linked with Tottenham in January, excelling to date.
It’s all about successful trophies season after season now, although, they usually have the standard to do exactly that.
The place do you see the important thing battles going down at Anfield?
The important thing battle shall be within the broad areas at each ends of the pitch.
Spurs have to try to nullify each Diaz and Mohamed Salah, with Liverpool then having Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson providing assist in assault.
It’s going to be a really robust night for the likes of Emerson and both Ryan Sessegnon or Reguilon.
Spurs then have gamers comparable to Son and Kulusevski who may cause Liverpool large points, with the battle between Alexander-Arnold and Son set to be a really fascinating one.
Utilizing your crystal ball, who will win the title and end within the prime 4?
It will likely be very shut within the title race, however Man Metropolis will come out on prime once more and reclaim the Premier League trophy.
I simply can’t see the place Metropolis are going to drop factors of their final 4 video games.
When it comes to the highest 4, it could all depend upon how this weekend pans out with Spurs at Liverpool and Arsenal dealing with Leeds at house.
I’ll go for Spurs simply to pip their rivals to fourth, as I feel Mikel Arteta’s males may doubtlessly drop some factors of their remaining matches.
Lastly, what’s your prediction for the sport?
Liverpool 1-1 Spurs.