English Premier
2010-01-20 - Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: England, Premier League 2009/2010
Wednesday, 20th January 2010 - Kickoff 8pm
Liverpool
It seemed like some of the grey storm clouds were lifting above Anfield as Liverpool looked certain to grab 3 vital points at Stoke on Saturday. Unfortunately for them, Robert Huth scored an injury time equaliser before Dirk Kuyt inexplicably hit the post from 6 yards with seconds to play. It was not all bad news as their rivals for a top 4 berth, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City all failed to win.
Liverpool are 7th in the Premier League but are still only 4 points off 4th spot in the table. They are 6-2-2 at Anfield this season, scoring 26 goals and conceding only 11.
The problems and criticisms of Liverpool became much louder and clearer after their disappointing cup exit to Reading leaving them with only the Europa League as a realistic trophy this season. However, form in the Premier League has been solid of late as they are 3 games unbeaten and only have 1 defeat from their last 5. Liverpool had a huge win at Aston Villa before the turn of the New Year and were moments away from winning at Stoke although both performances were more than questionable.
Liverpool have not lost at Anfield in 3 games within 90 minutes since back to back losses against Fiorentina and Arsenal.
Ryan Babel has been restored to the squad after his 'tweets' got him in trouble at the weekend. Albert Riera, Albert Aquilani and new signing Maxi are hoping for starts but the big 2 of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are out for 6 and 2 weeks respectively.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Redknapp must have seen the correlation of starting Robbie Keane and dropping points at home against lesser sides at the weekend after their 0-0 draw with Hull City. For all the praise Tottenham receive, if they do fail to finish in the top 4, they will look at some of their home dropped points as the source of frustration.
Spurs do indeed occupy 4th at the moment through a superior goal difference over Manchester City, but a couple of bad results could see them fall down to 7th. They are 4-4-2 away from home, scoring 16 goals and conceding 14, and have already lost heavily at Arsenal and Chelsea.
Although there would have been some real disappointment at the result on Saturday at White Hart Lane, Tottenham have extended their unbeaten run to 6 in all competitions. Just as impressive, they have kept clean sheets in their last 6 games. Tottenham have only won 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 away games in all competitions.
Ledley King is going to need a late fitness test here and Tom Huddlestone is also struggling. Peter Crouch is expected to get the nod up front and Jamie O'Hara is available after returning from his loan spell at Portsmouth. Aaron Lennon is still missing.
Head to Head
Tottenham have won 3 of the last 4 meetings with Liverpool but all of those have come at White Hart Lane.
Liverpool have not lost at Anfield in 15 games against Tottenham. They have also won 3 of their last 4 at home.
Prediction
Liverpool will need to improve their performances if they want to start winning games and this is a big one in terms of getting back into the top 4 at the end of season. The team that started did not have enough goals in them and this may be a problem against a surprisingly solid Tottenham team.
Tottenham will not have a better chance to beat Liverpool and they will look to cement their challenge for a Champions League place with a win here. The loss of Lennon, while important, can be covered with the likes of Modric and Kranjkar and I am sure both Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane will be itching to go against their old club.
This is going to be a tense night for both teams and I am leaning towards Tottenham at the odds provided. They have more attacking options, while looking good at the back, and I think they can take advantage of a Liverpool team lacking confidence. The Kop have been restless at Anfield, so if Tottenham can keep the home side quiet for 20 minutes, I see them winning this game.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Liverpool 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
