Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool 2014 EPL Round 3 preview, tips and teams

Liverpool head to White Hart Lane on Sunday for one of the showdowns of the weekend as Spurs look to exact revenge on the Reds for the thrashings administered so ruthlessly last season. Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino is yet to make a decision on the role of Fazio, a new signing from Sevilla who only arrived last Wednesday. Forward Soldado is likely to be left out after sustaining knocks to his neck and back with Kyle Walker also a doubt.

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On the Liverpool team sheet new signing Mario Balotelli may, and probably will feature with Adam Lallana making a return for selection. Alberto Moreno remains a doubt after rolling his ankle against Manchester city on Monday, as do Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel who will also be assessed before the match. Jon Flanagan is still working on his match fitness, having almost recovered from his knee injury, while Daniel Agger is also unlikely to feature.

Last season saw this fixture finish with Liverpool running out five goals to the good while Spurs failed to hit the target. This will be a high tempo game with Liverpool looking to control the pace from the beginning, however Spurs will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season’s embarrassment and are likely to play a deep line and attack on the counter. Spurs are not without pace in the form of Chadli and Lamela and have a very experienced striker in Adebayor of ex-Arsenal fame.

Liverpool’s opening form is indifferent, having won one and lost one in their opening two games. They will however be looking to turn on the style with Sturridge likely to start in front of the tricky and pacey Sterling and the little magician, or as he is better known – Coutinho. Should Liverpool managed to hit the form of last season, expect the goals to flow, especially should Balotelli be able to pick up where Suarez left off.

The scoreline will reflect one of two things: the mood inside the stadium, or Liverpool’s flair should they decide to turn it on.

Tip: Predicted scoreline: 3-1 in Liverpool’s favour.

Teams:

Spurs (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Lloris; Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Capoue, Bentaleb; Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Adebayor.
Out: Walker (pelvis).
Test: Soldado (back).

Liverpool (Possible, 4-3-3): Mignolet; Manquillo, Lovren, Skrtel, Moreno; Gerrard, Allen, Henderson; Sterling, Balotelli, Sturridge.
Out: Agger, Assaidi, Flanagan (all knee), Borini (shoulder).
Tests: Moreno (ankle), Skrtel (unspecified), Johnson (thigh), Enrique (knee).

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