Tottenham vs Liverpool: The clash of two unbeaten sides

Last season, both clubs would’ve felt like also-rans as they missed out on UEFA Champions League. Now both teams go into this weekend’s clash unbeaten, but still with points to prove. As we gear up for one of the biggest matches of the Premier League season so far, streaming live on Showmax Pro on Saturday, 30 September, courtesy of SuperSport, here’s what to look out for.

Another Spurs adversary for Klopp

We’re nearing the eight-year anniversary of Jürgen Klopp becoming Liverpool manager. In that period, there have been no fewer than six managers at Tottenham (permanent as well as caretaker ones).

Klopp has enjoyed plenty of success against whoever is in the Spurs hotseat. In 18 meetings with Tottenham, the German has only been on the losing side once and has had 11 wins (including one of his most memorable in the 2019 Champions League final).

However, in Ange Postecoglou, there’s a feeling that Spurs could well have found the right man to take them forward. As another manager that favours an attacking approach, how his style measures up to Klopp’s approach will be fascinating.

Losing the “Spursy” tag?

“Spursy” has become a term to describe the club’s soft centre and their tendency to surrender meekly in certain matches. This is clearly a tag that the current squad are keen to shed.

Their last two games in particular have gone a long way to dispel the label. A late come-from-behind win against Sheffield United and a North London derby where they equalised twice is a sign that this current crop may have a bit more fighting spirit than in the past.

James Maddison has been particularly outspoken about rubbishing the “Spursy” label. A good showing against Liverpool would go a long way in showing that he may have a point.

The Egyptian King is as dangerous as ever

While everyone has been mesmerised by the freakish goalscoring of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah’s consistent goal contributions have seemingly gone under the radar.

While the three-time Golden Boot winner has only scored three times this season (which is slow by his standards), he’s chipped in with four assists and has made at least one goal contribution in every game he’s played this season.

If you combine his rate of goals and assists, Salah has been as lethal as ever and as the senior member of the current Liverpool attack, a slight change in role may have changed his output but not his impact.

Time for Tottenham to show mettle at the back

While everyone has been waxing lyrical about Spurs revitalising their attack, there have been some clear concerns at the back that need addressing if they are going to genuinely compete with the top clubs.

They’ve conceded two goals in four of their Premier League games this season and there’s been a fear that they could be torn apart by one of the top attacks like Liverpool.

It’s not just Harry Kane’s loss that’s been felt in the team. Hugo Lloris has been frozen out of the team as a future transfer looks on the cards and the World Cup-winning goalkeeper’s presence and leadership at the back still needs to be replaced.

Spurs are sporting a new-look defence that hasn’t looked solid, but it hasn’t cost the team yet. A game against an attack as threatening as Liverpool’s will go a long way to show if there are any kinks in your defensive armour.

About Showmax Pro

Showmax Pro is a streaming service available for Showmax subscribers in Africa that bundles the Showmax entertainment offering with music channels, news and live sports streaming from SuperSport.

Subscribers can live stream the latest seasons of the English Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, UEFA Europa and UEFA Conference leagues, as well as FIFA World Cup qualifiers, every game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and more. Subscribers in selected regions can stream the UEFA Champions League.

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