The Kopite View Spurs Preview

The Kopite View Spurs Preview

Liverpool face a tough fixture at White Hart Lane, where their last league success there was way back under Rafa’s reign at the end of the 2007-08 campaign. Liverpool go into the match on an 8 match unbeaten run in the league, and with back to back clean sheets, the latest being a 0-0 draw at Swansea on Sunday. Spurs are buoyed by their impressive 3-1 win over London rivals West Ham last Sunday.

Injury Update

Spurs have William Gallas and Dembele pushing for a starting place on Wednesday. But Adebayor remains suspended from his sending off against Arsenal last week. Scott Parker, Assou-Ekotto and Kaboul are long term absentees for the hosts.

Liverpool welcome Andre Wisdom to the squad after recovering from a knee injury which kept him out of the Swansea match at the weekend. Lucas will not feature, although he did play for an hour on Friday for the reserves in his return from injury. Liverpool still have Borini and Martin Kelly as long term absentees.

The Kopite View Team

Pepe Reina – Reina looked back to his best on Sunday at Swansea and made some really good saves and he will have to be at his best against Spurs with their talented attack.

Glen Johnson – I would like to see Johnson at right back although Wisdom is fit again and been playing brilliantly in this position, but I feel Liverpool need Johnson’s experience against the dangerous Gareth Bale who can tear the best of defenders to shreds. Glen Johnson has been playing superbly and I think he would be the best player to combat the threat of Bale.

Enrique – At left back, in his more familiar role to deal with the threat of the speedy Lennon who should play on the right. Downing played left back against Swansea on Sunday, but I think he would struggle against Lennon. Enrique is experienced, strong and quick to deal with Lennon.

Agger – left sided centre half, where he has been outstanding this season, and will have to be again against the dangerous Spurs attack which could include Defoe.

Skrtel – right sided centre half, who has formed a very impressive partnership with Daniel Agger over the last season or so.

Sterling – left midfield, was on the right on Sunday but with Enrique at left back I would switch him to the left where I also feel he is more effective as he like to cut inside on the left.

Allen – centre midfield, been struggling a bit lately, and I would have dropped him if Lucas was fit. Need a big game from him as he will have to protect the defence from the lightning breaks that Spurs can create. His passing has to improve too, because in recent games too many stray passes have been giving possession away.

Gerrard- centre midfield, his legs seem to be going but so important to the team with his killer passes and deliveries from set-pieces.

Shelvey – attacking midfielder, I would pick Shelvey he looks the most likely to get forward from midfield and can give Suarez the support he needs from midfield.

Henderson- right midfield, where he played so many times last season. But I would play him here because he is good defensively and is a strong runner and I would hope he could give Johnson some protection from Bale.

Suarez – Striker, has to be, who else do we have ? Best striker in the league right now and so lucky to have him. Hopefully he can keep his good scoring form going.