On Sunday, April 30th, 2023, Liverpool will be hosting Tottenham at Anfield in the 33rd round of the Premier League. Liverpool are looking to win their fourth straight Premier League match for only the second time this season, while Tottenham have had more managers in the last five weeks than Liverpool have in the last 11 years.
Good news on injuries for Liverpool as Ibrahima Konate could start after Jurgen Klopp declared he “will be back” and Diogo Jota “should be alright” after getting a knock on his back last time out. Naby Keita is also expected to train on Friday. Roberto Firmino remains out through injury along with long-term absentees Stefan Bajcetic and Calvin Ramsay.
Klopp is expected to stick by his mantra that a “readiness to counter-press” is the key attribute when picking his team. With that in mind, it is likely that Curtis Jones will retain his spot in midfield and Jota will also start if fit. Both have repaid their manager’s faith in recent weeks after spells on the sidelines. Jordan Henderson or Fabinho could be rotated due to Liverpool playing six games in 19 days – Thiago would be the most likely man to replace either of the midfield pair.
Tottenham have been in turmoil lately, sacking Antonio Conte didn’t improve their form, and interim boss Cristian Stellini was removed from his post when Spurs suffered humiliation at St James’ Park. Now, Ryan Mason holds the reins until the end of the season and has already said he feels “ready” to take the job permanently. Tottenham remain without their injured captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, after he was withdrawn at half-time in the embarrassing display at Newcastle. Other absentees include Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma, Emerson Royal and Rodrigo Bentancur, who are all set to miss the Anfield clash.
Fabinho can finally sleep easy knowing that only a red card would see him serve a suspension in the Premier League. His nine cards have now been wiped, though, and should free the Brazilian up to make a cynical foul if needed. Liverpool have the opportunity to complete a fourth double in five years over Tottenham, after beating them 2-1 in north London back in November. Mo Salah was at the double himself that day as Liverpool took a 2-0 lead into half-time, before Harry Kane pulled one back to make it a nervy finish.
With Champions League qualification seemingly out of reach, Liverpool have been left to fight Tottenham, Brighton and Aston Villa for the remaining European places. Finishing in fifth or sixth position would be enough to qualify for the Europa League, while seventh spot would secure a first-ever appearance in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
If Salah plays it will be his 300th appearance for Liverpool – that’s the most of anyone in the squad except Henderson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino. The Egyptian’s next goal will see him become joint-fifth on the club’s all-time league goalscorers list, joining Harry Chambers on 135. The referee for this one is Paul Tierney, with Richard West and Matthew Wilke as assistants, while David Coote is the lead VAR and John Brooks is the fourth official.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham will be live on Sky Sports Premier League, with kickoff at 4.30pm (BST). TIA’s matchday live blog will be up and running from 3.45pm, with Henry Jackson tasked with keeping viewers entertained and up-to-date. Liverpool are looking to win their fourth straight Premier League match for only the second time this season against a Tottenham side who have had more managers in the last five weeks than Liverpool have in the last 11 years. With Champions League qualification seemingly out of reach, Liverpool are left to fight Tottenham, Brighton and Aston Villa for the remaining European places.