Liverpool welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield in what promises to be an absorbing encounter. Join The Roar from 4:30am AEDT Sunday for all the action in the live blog.
Liverpool boast just the single victory so far this year, and that was an uninspiring one against League Two’s Plymouth Argyle, which they eventually got at the second time of asking.
It is clear to just about everybody that Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently lost deeply within a slump. They have yet to find their way out of it.
A hard fought draw with runaway league leaders Chelsea was meant to be the catalyst for a turnaround in their form, however they then lost 2-0 to Hull City.
The Tigers have undoubtedly been rejuvenated under the stewardship of new manager Marco Silva, but the Reds performance simply wasn’t up to scratch.
Reports after that match suggested Klopp let his players know that a similar display would not be tolerated again this season.
It will be interesting to see what type of reaction, if any, this warning generates from his players.
A season previously so full of positivity has fallen by the wayside somewhat after a dreadful January. The focus was on a title challenge after their New Year’s Eve win over Manchester City, however since then the Reds have gradually slid down the league standings.
A loss against Spurs on Saturday in the late kick-off will leave them seven points behind their London opponents, while it will push them even further away from the top four positions. A place back in the Champions League is absolutely vital to the side’s prospects of a successful rebuild.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will arrive on Merseyside in confident mood. They have steadily improved over the season and have now moved themselves up to second spot in the table. They haven’t lost in their last six fixtures in the league – during that same league spell Liverpool have won just once.
Due to this fact Spurs should go into the game as favourites, as along with Chelsea and Everton they are currently the most in-form side in the competition.
In the build-up to the game, Pochettino spoke of not underestimating Liverpool though. This is because despite their recent struggles, Klopp’s team still maintain a superior record against their top six rivals this season. Incredibly, they have played seven matches and lost none against the so-called ‘top’ sides.
Spurs’ manager was also keen to point out that a victory was desperately needed, if they are to have any chance of catching Chelsea. A draw simply will not do, as it will only further the points differential between them.
“It is a big gap – a massive nine points- but it is not decisive,” he told Sky Sports.
Heading into the showdown, Spurs will be without a number of vital first teamers – perhaps none more so than left back Danny Rose. He offers a significant threat going forward, so his pace and vision would have caused plenty of problems for a Liverpool defence which has constantly struggled against such players on the counter.
The England international went off injured against Sunderland and it is still unknown exactly how long he will be kept on the sidelines for. He will be joined there though by the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Erik Lamela who are also key absences.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are basically at full strength in regards to their first 11. Philippe Coutinho hasn’t hit the same heights since his return from injury, but coupled with the reintroduction of Sadio Mane, the spark shouldn’t be too far away from being reignited.
Squad players like Danny Ings and Marko Grujic remain long-term casualties. But Klopp essentially should be able to pick his original starting line-up from the beginning of the season for the first time in quite some time against Spurs.
Join The Roar from 4:30am AEDT Sunday for all the action in the live blog.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
Another hugely disappointing visit to Anfield for Spurs, who were thoroughly outplayed here. The Reds first half attacking display was, at times, unplayable. The movement of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane played havoc on an weakened back line; Dier and Davies in particular caught way off the pace. A first win of 2017 for Klopp's side will be most welcomed and they have regained their position in the top four for the time being. Other sides will have certainly been put on notice by that first half display- where they made the previously rock solid Spurs defence look amateur.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
A nice effort from Liverpool, though where has this team been for the last few weeks?
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
FT: Liverpool 2-0 Spurs (Mane, 16, 18)
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
Even into the last minute Wijnaldum and Lallana are relentlessly closing down Spurs. Anfield is in fine voice now as the final seconds tick away. It's going to be a first Premer League win of 2017 for Liverpool.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
92: Klopp's final change is to bring on local boy Trent Alexander Arnold on for two goal hero Mane. He's shown the Reds exactly what they were missing over January with a scintillating first half display.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
90: Into stoppage time now as Liverpool have comfortably seen out the final ten minutes. The board goes up and four minutes is to be added on.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
80: Dier goes into the book for a foul out wide- he is the seventh man to see yellow in this match. Not long after he competes with Firmino for a high ball, with the Brazilian going down. Dier wasn't too happy with his reaction to the challenge there. Meanwhile, Lucas is down and doesn't seem like he is okay to continue. Klavan is being prepared to ride out these last minutes
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
78: Dembele is replaced first for Sissoko. While it is Coutinho who makes way for Can. A sign that Klopp is trying to shore up the middle of the park here in the final ten minutes or so. Liverpool 2-0 Spurs
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
Shot! Coutinho tries his luck from the edge of the box but his shot is scuffed wide. That was a rare attack from the Reds. Meanwhile, Emre Can is being given his final instructions as he prepares to come on. He may be replacing Lallana who was flattened by Wanyama in a late challenge.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
73: Some nice foot work from Firmino fashions an opening for his side, but nothing comes of it. Speaking of nothing Walker drives down the right once again and smacks a cross that avoids everyone and goes out for a goal kick. The already unhappy Pochettino is making himself heard on the touchline after that one.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
71: Winks is on barely a few minutes before he gets a yellow for a foul on Milner. This second half has been a lot slower and a lot more feisty as both teams have cancelled each other out so far. The free kick for Liverpool is swung in from the far left and Matip wins the header. It is straight at Loris though. He should have done better with that one.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
68: Unnecessary from Kane and a sign of his frustration as he goes in heavy on Clyne. The England right back was going nowhere there. From the free kick though the Reds give away the ball, It is all a bit scrappy at the minute. First sub of the game- Winks comes on to replace Eriksen. Milner then goes into the book for a foul on Kane.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
67: Liverpool have conceded possession to Spurs- seemingly happy to just sit back and soak up the pressure. When the ball enters into the likes of Dier though, the press is sprung into action.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
64: Walker drives down the left and earns his side a corner. It is woeful though and provokes no pressure as Mignolet easily comes out and claims it. A break is on, but the keeper just cant find Mane.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
61: Matip goes in strongly and wins back possession for his side near the halfway line. He dances around a few challenges before laying it off to Coutinho. His ball, looking for Firmino, is over hit though and his compatriot is offside anyway. Liverpool 2-0 Spurs
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
60: A lot less frantic so far in this half as neither side are committing men forward in quite the same cavalier attitude. Pochettino may be looking at the likes of Sissoko soon to try and inject some pace and drive into his side.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
56: Matip is given a yellow after cutting down Eriksen. The free kick is whipped in and Kane gets a touch on it and it bounces off the post. The striker was offside though.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
55: Henderson fouls Alli as he broke away down the touchline, he is given a yellow while Lallana then gets into an argument with Wanyama. Spurs have struggled to get a foothold so far, with the Reds still looking threatening. Henderson tries to dink one over the top but he has over hit it.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
51: Liverpool have had nine corners to Spurs' two. Yet another example of their dominance so far in this game. Spurs do have the players to turn this around though, which they did against Manchester City only a few weeks ago when they were in a similar position.
Mark Molyneux
Roar Guru
47: Walker fouls Lallana near the left corner flag and gives away a free kick. From it Dembele gets his head to it, before Kane turns it behind for a corner.