Tottenham face two of the traditional top-six in their final run of Premier League fixtures, with Liverpool arguably Spurs’ hardest remaining game in the league.
The Anfield side are looking for their second title in three years, and Liverpool’s form in the Premier League in 2022 shows that they could well complete this remarkable feat, with the Reds unbeaten this year in the league and yet to lose a game at home.
As for Tottenham, their inconsistent form under Antonio Conte could make their encounter this month one to remember for Liverpool, who as well as having form on their side, have not lost to the north London side in any competition since October 2017.
In a season that would prove to be transformative for both sides, we take a look back at Tottenham’s XI that day, and what players could inflict some major damage on Liverpool when the two sides meet at Anfield soon.
GK – Hugo Lloris
Tottenham’s no. 1 for the past ten years, Hugo Lloris will be one of a few players in this XI who will start on the trip to Anfield in the coming weeks, with the veteran keeper hopeful of keeping out the likes of Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota.
Whilst Lloris was unable to deny Salah that evening in Tottenham’s 4-1 win against Liverpool, the French international could face a long day at the office given the form the Egyptian winger and his fellow attackers are currently in.
CB – Toby Alderweireld
This year saw Mauricio Pochettino bring in the 3-5-2 formation for Tottenham when facing more attack-minded sides, and the change meant a separation from Toby Alderweireld to his long-time centre-back partner.
Whilst the system shake-up was beneficial in some games, particularly this one against a Liverpool side still gelling into Klopp’s grand plan, Tottenham often faltered in the 3-5-2 formation under Pochettino, something Conte has learnt the hard way this season.
CB – Davinson Sanchez
Another player who struggled in the three-at-the-back formation, Davinson Sanchez started in the centre of defence for Tottenham against Liverpool, though it is unlikely that the Colombian will retain his spot for the trip to Anfield.
The 25-year-old has not started a game since February, and whilst Tottenham have failed to keep clean sheets in recent weeks, it is unlikely that Conte will reintroduce Sanchez back into the fold against Liverpool of all sides.
CB – Jan Vertonghen
Alderweireld’s partnership with Jan Vertonghen was one of the best Tottenham fans have seen in the Premier League era, and the duo was on top form against Liverpool in this fixture despite playing in a new system.
Despite Salah’s first-half goal, Liverpool were largely contained as Pochettino’s defensive formation worked to a tee, and it could be some time before Spurs supporters have a defender as reliable and as likeable as Vertonghen.
RWB – Kieran Trippier
With Kyle Walker joining Manchester City for a then-world record transfer for a defender, Kieran Trippier was tasked with taking the right-back spot, and the now-Newcastle United star was simply outstanding against Liverpool.
Another player Tottenham have found hard to replace since leaving in 2019, Trippier assisted Harry Kane’s fourth-minute opener against Liverpool in this fixture, and the England international would produce similar performances for Spurs throughout the season.
CM – Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen will forever be one of Tottenham’s great Premier League players, and the Danish midfield enjoyed one of his best seasons in north London this campaign, with the now-Brentford star hitting double figures in both goals and assists.
Whilst Eriksen didn’t score or assist in this fixture, the midfielder was still as important as always during this era for Pochettino’s Tottenham, with Spurs fans hopeful that a similar player can step up to the plate in the coming weeks against Liverpool at Anfield.
CM – Harry Winks
A year that would prove to be the breakout season for Harry Winks, it’s easy to forget just how highly-rated the 26-year-old midfielder was at the time, with the drawing comparisons to some big-name players and of course being hailed as a new saviour for England.
However, things have since come crashing down for Winks, and whilst the 26-year-old is still on Spurs’ books, it looks likely that the midfielder will depart north London this summer for a new challenge, a move that will be beneficial for all parties involved.
CM – Dele Alli
With a goal and an 8.6 WhoScored rating on the day, Dele Alli was at his brilliant best against Liverpool in this fixture, with the Tottenham star still on the top of the world and looking set to become one of the Premier League’s and England’s most exciting players.
Fast-forward to now, though, and all of that feels like a distant memory that sits on the border of fantasy, with Alli now a squad player at Everton and potentially playing Championship football if the Toffees are unable to undo the mess they find themselves in.
LWB – Serge Aurier
Another player who showed immense promise this season, Serge Aurier looked to be a bargain signing in the summer following the departure of Walker. However, like so many names on this list, things were not meant to be.
Eventually released in 2021, Aurier made the interesting move to Villarreal, where the defender has helped the club, alongside other Tottenham outcasts Giovani Lo Celso and Juan Foyth, to their third ever UEFA Champions League semi-final.
ST – Harry Kane
With two goals and an assist, Harry Kane was the star for Tottenham against Liverpool in this fixture, and if Spurs are to get anything from their upcoming trek to Merseyside, the England captain will have to be on top of his game.
Whilst the striker has been poor overall this season, huge performances against the likes of Everton and Manchester City have won vital points for Tottenham, and Conte will be expecting big things from Kane against Liverpool this month.
ST – Heung-min Son
Another player who starred for Liverpool five years ago and could well do so again this season, Heung-min Son has only gone from strength to strength in north London, with the forward proving to be a perfect strike partner for Kane.
With deadly pace and finishing, Son is arguably one of the best attackers in the Premier League, and the South Korean superstar currently finds himself Tottenham’s leading goalscorer this season, just a few of Liverpool star Salah.
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