The match will pit two clubs for whom qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League is more than an aspiration. It is the motivating factor behind every bit of work they will do for the next 8 1/2 months.
Both teams like to attack, so an open and entertaining affair will most likely be on offer. LFC supporter @YetiTheRed summed up the anticipation surrounding the match perfectly:
"Sunday can't come quick enough for #Spurs #LFC," the fan tweeted.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is hoping his team will rebound from last Saturday's 1-0 loss at Stoke City. The Reds controlled the game, but were on the losing end of two contentious penalty decisions that led to the result.
"That's the most important thing, for everybody to stick together,” he told LiverpoolFC.tv. "If we lose a game we have to stick together. There is a disappointment which is good, but no one is walking around with a petty lip or feeling sorry for themselves.
"They've trained well all week and I'm sure they will go into the game on Sunday in the right frame of mind and with the right attitude.
"We know what Spurs and Harry (Redknapp) stand for. We know what type of game we will be in for and we know it will be a good game."
Liverpool has no major selection issues ahead of the game, as most of the first team trained all week at Melwood.
Defender and captain Jamie Carragher should start and make his 468th league appearance for LFC. It will put him sixth all time in league appearances for his boyhood club.
Tottenham won both league games against LFC last season and finished fifth in last season's English Premier League — one spot above the Reds. Spurs' finish earned them a spot in this season’s UEFA Europa League.
Their 2011-12 EPL season got off to a wretched start, suffering heavy defeats against both Manchester United and City. They notched their first win of the season last Saturday, winning 2-0 at Wolverhamton Wanderers. Tottenham also commenced the group stage of their Europa League campaign Thursday when they traveled to Greece and played PAOK to a scoreless draw.
That match should have little bearing on Sunday's against LFC, as manager Harry Redknapp fielded a team of substitutes and reserves. Star men Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and newly joined holding midfielder Scott Parker will be fit and looking to play key roles against LFC.
LFC Injury News:
Glen Johnson is the only one definitely out of Sunday's contest. The right back strained his hamstring during a cameo appearance in last Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Stoke City.
Young defenders Martin Kelly and John Flanagan are available for selection. Captain Steve Gerrard is back in training, but it is unlikely he will play a part against Tottenham.
Prediction:
This one should be wide-open, with both sides attacking each other with equal vigor. I see quite a few goals too. I’ll expose myself to ridicule and come out and say it. This one ends 2-2.
Photo courtesy of LiverpoolFC.TV
