Are Tottenham the biggest test left for Liverpool this season?
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We’re in for a massive game this Sunday
The Premier League roars back this weekend with Liverpool’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur the pick of the action.
With Spurs battling for a top-four spot, this will be a major test of Liverpool’s title credentials.
The Reds currently stand at 2/1 to end their long wait for the title. If the Merseysiders win on Sunday, they’ll end the weekend top of the table with six games to go, albeit having played a game more than Manchester City.
Would it be smooth sailing from there? We’ve cast our eye over the challenges lying ahead…
It’s a huge game for Tottenham too
Liverpool are 6/10 favourites against Spurs, but they can’t take anything for granted. The Reds have only won two of the last seven league meetings between the two sides.
Spurs will be just as determined to win as Liverpool too. They’ve got a very loose grip on third place, with Arsenal and Manchester United in hot pursuit. They’ll be in a scrap to secure Champions League football if they drop points at Anfield.
With Harry Kane looking increasingly sharp and Dele Alli back to fitness, the North Londoners will also be as close to full strength as they have been for a long time.
Fixture pile-up
Even if Jurgen Klopp’s side win this weekend, the tests don’t stop there. They face Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals, which is arguably the kindest draw they could have got.
But both European ties are either side of a crucial league tie against Chelsea. We all remember what happened last time Chelsea came to town as Liverpool chased the title.
If Liverpool make it to the Champions League semi-finals, they’ll face either Ajax or Juventus, with a trip to Newcastle in between the two legs. They haven’t won on any of their last three trips to St James’ Park.
Their final league game of the season then sees Wolves come to town. Wolves may well have a FA Cup Final to focus on, but they’ve shown they can mix it up with the big boys this term.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side dumped Liverpool out of the cup and they’ve either beaten or drawn with all of the other Big Six sides in league action since getting promoted.
Can they raise their game?
Another issue for Liverpool is that they’ve not been fully firing lately. The sensational form of Sadio Mane has helped to cover up for Mohamed Salah’s run of one goal in his last 10 appearances.
The defence isn’t quite as secure as it had been earlier this term either. After conceding just 15 goals in 29 league games, they’ve now failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous three outings. It’s hardly a disaster, but it’s a sign that the level has slightly dipped across the team.
The international break will have given Klopp a chance to reset. He’ll hope his team are back to their best for the rest of the campaign, starting this weekend.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
