Tottenham still has to think it has a shot of reaching the top of the Premier League, but it might take a perfect run-in from here to get the job done.
This match at Liverpool is a tough one though, especially with the Reds still clinging to European hopes.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool +160
Tottenham +170
Draw +230
Over/Under 2.5 (under -125)
ODDS ANALYSIS
This affair should really turn out to be a tight one. The Reds are the hosts, but they're going against what legitimately might be one of the best three teams in England at the moment. Neither side is anywhere near an odds-on favorite, as Liverpool is lined at +160 while Tottenham is +170. The two teams are both lined at a pick 'em on the Asian Handicap with a slight nod going to Liverpool at -115.
The total is fairly standard at 2.5 and -125 vig on the under.
KEY INJURIES
Christian Benteke was pulled out of Belgium's side during international friendlies last week, and his mystery injury could come back to haunt him this week when the Reds host Tottenham. He's also not on the best terms right now with Jurgen Klopp after he was blasted for missing an easy chance against Southampton.
Firmino was also hurt while on international duty with Brazil before he was replaced on the side. That only adds to the injury woes of Alberto Moreno, Divock Origi and Danny Ings for Liverpool.
The Spurs lost Nabil Bentaleb two weeks ago to a knee injury that might cost him the rest of the season. That's a devastating blow to a squad which had stayed relatively injury-free for much of the campaign. Ben Davies has a facial laceration, but we'd bet he plays for Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday in such an important match. Jan Vertonghen is close to returning from a knee injury, but he won't likely be ready for this match.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Still today, he tells me that I'm a striker who can do everything… I have variety to my game, but why am I not playing then? He has his choices, and I've got to respect them." – Liverpool striker Christian Benteke lashing out at Jurgen Klopp for leaving him on the bench more often than not
RECENT FORM
Of course, had Benteke finished off his opportunity against Southampton, the Reds would be sitting on 47 points right now in all likelihood instead of 44, and that might end up making all the difference in the world. Liverpool was beaten 3-2 after leading 2-1 late on, and Benteke missed a chance to put the affair beyond all doubt. That ended a run of eight straight matches with at least a point for the Reds.
Tottenham never had a shot against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League, but if you just look at its form in the Premier League, you have to be impressed. The Spurs easily dismantled Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their last two domestic fixtures, but the fact that Leicester City keeps winning is putting the Premier League title more and more in doubt.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
This is a really tough clash for both sides, and we could make the argument for all three possible results. The Spurs have finished the job against the teams which they should be beating, but they aren't playing at their best against the best sides in England, and that could be problematic with games against Man U and Chelsea still to go in this term.
Liverpool isn't playing with conviction right now, and we wonder if blowing that game at St. Mary's Stadium two weeks ago could play with its head.
In a match which is expected to be this close, the only result we could possibly forecast is a draw, especially at a price of well beyond 2 to 1. That result though, won't really be looked upon as a positive for either team in their respective situations.
Liverpool 1, Tottenham 1
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