The Premier League has its newest big time manager.
Liverpool will be debuting Jurgen Klopp on Saturday against Tottenham in a fixture which suddenly became significantly more interesting than it looked like it was going to be a week ago at this time.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Spurs are clearly going to be the favorites in this match even though Klopp and the Reds are going to draw a lot of attention as well. They're 2-2-0 in four EPL fixtures at home and have only been beaten once in eight tries thus far in 2015, which is why they are the slender +135 favorites on the moneyline, equating to a pick 'em on the Asian handicap.
The total is trending on the higher side at 2.5 and -130 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
The week off will not only give Klopp some time to get the Reds playing his brand of soccer, but it will also give them a chance to get some bodies healthy again. Christian Benteke should return from a hamstring problem, as should Philippe Coutinho from a groin issue. John Flanagan and Jordan Henderson are both long-term absentees for Liverpool.
Tottenham could get back Nabil Bentaleb for the first time since the beginning of September if he trains well this week, while both Ryan Mason and Danny Rose seem good to go after picking up some minor knocks as well. Eric Dier won't be available due to suspension after getting his fifth booking of the season to kick off October.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It is important we let the players feel the confidence and the trust of the people. They have to think they can reach the expectations of all the people, of all the fans, of the press." – New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on what has to happen to turn the Reds around in 2015-16
RECENT FORM
Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Everton was the end for Brendan Rodgers, who was never really on great terms at Anfield coming into 2015. The Reds have been generally disappointing home and away, as they have just one win in normal time since opening the EPL season with victories over Stoke City and Bournemouth.
Tottenham really needed this break to get over its incredibly tough slate of late. The team played road matches at Monaco and Swansea, earning draws in each to start October, and that came on the heels of a brilliant 4-1 win over Manchester City and an equally depressing 2-1 loss at home against rival Arsenal.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
We love the forward-thinking right now out of Tottenham. Harry Kane doesn't have to do this by himself any longer, knowing that both Son Heung-Min and Christian Eriksen are coming out of the midfield to provide great sparks offensively as well.
Liverpool's problems aren't magically going to be fixed by bringing Klopp in to manage this squad. Offensively, there are still going to be problems, and there still seems to be a lack of leadership now that Steven Gerrard has moved over to the L.A. Galaxy in the MLS.
There's a reason that, in spite of the fact that Liverpool has three great options at forward in Benteke, Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge, that Klopp wants to go back in Robert Lewandowski as quickly as he can to his new side.
Tottenham will probably find a way to eke out a couple goals in this match, and we think that will ultimately be enough to get three points over Liverpool, spoiling Klopp's debut.
Tottenham 2, Liverpool 1
BookMaker has live Premier League odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Tottenham opened as a +135 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5. Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Tottenham and Liverpool will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 7:45 a.m. at White Hart Lane. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
