Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming task has become that much trickier following Liverpool’s appointment of Jürgen Klopp to replace fired manager Brendan Rodgers. Clubs have managed to rebound quickly under new managers, revitalised by a sudden change in circumstances. Saturday’s lunchtime promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Expectations
Over the first four games of the season, Tottenham had not yet won a game. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino was able to turn things around in winning three-straight before drawing 2-2 away at Swansea. All in all, it has been a good run for Pochettino. In fact, the argument has to be made that the international break came at a terrible time for Spurs.
At the time of writing, there are still games remaining for the international break. Thus, there is no telling whether or not important first-team players will incur injuries. Spurs had managed to return to form thanks to the return of the creative Christian Eriksen. Without the Danish international in the side, Spurs have greatly struggled to create goals.
So long as Eriksen is in the team, Spurs can attempt to capitalise on a Liverpool defence that needs to be entirely reorganised. While Klopp could be able to inspire positive attacking performances at this early stage, it cannot be denied that Rodgers has left an awful mess behind in defence.
Martin Škrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Touré, and Joe Gomez will all be available at centre-back for Klopp, Dejan Lovren is going to miss out with an ankle injury. Škrtel is a likely starter, whereas there is no guarantee that Sakho walks straight into the team. The former PSG man has rarely impressed since he joined Liverpool.
Having halted their rich run of form for the international break, Tottenham could easily draw or lose at the hands of a Liverpool side now under the command of one of Europe’s most talented managers.
Match Tips
Tip one: Liverpool on double chance @ 1.61
Tip two: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85
The arrival of Klopp will put pressure on Spurs and could force a couple of mistakes.
