This will be the first test for Liverpool all season. The Reds entered the first international break at the top of the table, with their goal differential giving them the edge over unbeaten Chelsea and Watford. However, they have largely gotten fat off of mid-table and bottom of the table teams, and they have yet to face one of the other Premier League contenders. That will change when they travel to the national stadium to take on Tottenham Hotspur.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Wembley Stadium in London at 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool +141
Tottenham Hotspur +179
Draw +261
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Tottenham have looked pretty good at times this season. Spurs left no doubt who the better team was when they faced Fulham back on Matchday 2, and their 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United in Old Trafford led many to question Jose Mourinho’s future with the club.
That latter game doubled as the most impressive victory of the young season to this point. Spurs survived a game effort from Manchester United in the first half of the match, and then roared back to seize the second half with a goal from Harry Kane and a brace from Lucas Moura.
However, Spurs have looked questionable at other times. They were somewhat fortunate to get a win over Newcastle in their first match given the Magpies’ chances, and two weeks ago it came back to bite them on the road against Watford. In that match, Tottenham had the lion’s share of possession, but it couldn’t hold on to a 1-0 second half lead, surrendering two goals in the span of eight minutes in a 2-1 loss.
Liverpool are not running over bad teams like they did last year. The Reds crushed West Ham 4-0 in their opener, but they left something to be desired in wins over Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Leicester City. It felt like Liverpool just did what it needed to in order to win, and then packed it in. That style won’t work against a dangerous team like Tottenham, and Jurgen Klopp knows it.
Key Injuries
For the Reds, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Connor Randall are long-term injuries, with Ox not coming back until next season. Adam Lallana is considered questionable to play in this one after needing some time to recover from a groin injury, and backup goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is probably in case Alisson goes down with a wrist injury. Dejan Lovren is probably fit enough to play, but Liverpool want to take no chances with one of their key defensive pieces, and he won’t play here.
Tottenham only has one player that definitely won’t play this Saturday, Vincent Janssen. Juan Marcos Foyth and Moussa Sissoko are considered doubtful, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is listed as questionable due to a thigh issue. Erik Lamela and Dele Alli are both listed as probable.
Matchup to Watch
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool take advantage of Tottenham’s inability to defend set pieces. Both of the goals that Spurs allowed in the 2-1 loss to Watford were headers that came off of set pieces, as their midfielders were unable to keep Watford’s physical forwards from getting to the ball.
Liverpool are a more finesse team, and a large share of their goals come in play as the result of skilled, technically proficient football. Spurs fare better in the open field, and the Reds may not be able to score off of a set piece without the imposing forwards other teams have.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
A draw feels like the most likely option in this match. Players are just coming back to their clubs after the international break, and there is usually a small adjustment period as a result.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 1, Tottenham Hotspur 1
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