English Premier
2009-05-24 - Liverpool vs Tottenham
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: England, Premier League
Sunday, 24th May 2009 - Kickoff 16:00
Liverpool (2nd - Home Rec : 11-7-0 38:12)
Liverpool fans will not quite know what to make of this season, as the Reds have sustained an impressive league challenge but not quite been able to match the depth of squad at Manchester United.
Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are vital to Liverpool, and with these two players there is no obvious replacement (yet) at Anfield to handle injury situations.
Early eliminations in the FA Cup at the hands of City rivals Everton, and Champions League at the hand of Chelsea, mean that it will be another trophy-less season - but still one of Liverpool's best in 10 seasons.
Recent goalscoring form has been fantastic for Liverpool with nine wins from the last 10 league games, the exception being that wild 4-4 draw with Arsenal here at Anfield.
Team News :
Sami Hyypia, who is joining Bayer Leverkusen this summer, is set to play his 464th and final game for Liverpool.
Hyypia may not start the match but is expected to feature at some stage.
Tottenham (8th - Away Rec : 4-4-10 23:32)
It looks like Tottenham will fall just short of European qualification this season, needing to win at Anfield on the final day of the season - and also needing Fulham slip up against an understrength Everton (who will be eyeing their upcoming cup final).
Still, given where Tottenham were sitting when Harry Redknapp took over the second part of the season has been a great success, and it is looking positive for SPurs in 2009/10.
Spurs total away form looks rubbish, but there have only been two losses in the last six road games, and one of them was that incredible game at Old Trafford where Spurs were 2-0 up at HT, before slipping to a 2-5 defeat.
There are a few missing players for this final game - and it's just looknig a step too far - this season.
Team News :
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon (groin) misses out while Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) will have late fitness tests.
Michael Dawson (ankle), Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Jamie O'Hara (knee) are sidelined and Wilson Palacios is on compassionate leave.
The Betting Verdict
Liverpool are in red-hot form, have a complete squad, and there is no pressure on the side for this final game, and with a packed home crowd behind them I'd expect to see a fully motivated effort.
Tottenham on the other hand are injury hit, and need to press for maximum points, which could open up gaps at the back for Liverpool to exploit.
I have Liverpool edging this game - and it should be a good one to watch for neutrals too.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take LIVERPOOL at a fair price.
