My Football Facts & Stats | Tottenham Hotspur

Match Preview: Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur

Anfield, Liverpool, Merseyside (Cap: 45,276)

Wednesday 20th January 2010, Kick Off 20:00

Premier League, Match 22

Liverpool: 7th in Premier League, 34 points from 63

Tottenham Hotspur: 4th in Premier League, 38 points from 63

Referee: Howard Webb

Assistant referees: Peter Kirkup & Shaun Procter-Green

Fourth official: Martin Atkinson

COMMENT:

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Anfield in a re-arranged fixture which was due to be played 10 days previously but was called-off due to adverse weather conditions surrounding the ground. Spurs are in the highly unusual position of being three places and four points ahead of their Merseyside hosts. Not only that, Spurs have out-scored Liverpool and conceded fewer goals too. The reverse fixture was the opening match of the 2009-10 season at White Hart Lane and Spurs won 2-1 thanks to goals from two defenders - Benoit Assou-Ekotto and the newly-signed Sebastien Bassong, who was making his Tottenham debut after his big money move from Newcastle United. Liverpool's goal came from a Steven Gerrard penalty.

The last Spurs win at Anfield was 3-1 on 10th November 1998 in the League Cup 4th Round. Spurs also beat Liverpool at Anfield on 11th March 1995 in the FA Cup 2-1. But you have to go back even further for Tottenham's last League win at Anfield to the 25th August 1993 when we won 2-1 with two goals from Teddy Sheringham.

Both clubs drew their first Premier League fixtures of 2010 with Liverpool conceding a late goal away to Stoke City after Sotirios Kyrgiakos had given them the lead while Spurs played-out a goalless draw at White Hart Lane with Hull City, who's goalkeeper Boaz Myhill played an absolute blinder.

There were mixed fortunes for both clubs in the FA Cup Third Round, with Liverpool initially drawing 1-1 away to Reading with Steven Gerrard getting the Red's equaliser, only for Reading to win the replayed game at Anfield 2-1 after extra time. Liverpool's goal was scored by Ryan Bertrand, who deflected Steven Gerrard's cross into his own net while Spurs gave a solid performance to beat Peterborough United 4-0 with a brace of goals from Niko Kranjcar and goals from Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane.

The clean sheet kept by Heurelho Gomes in the Hull match was his sixth consecutive one in all competitions and the Brazilian has now gone an impressive 598 minutes since last conceding a goal against Wolves. If Spurs can keep a clean sheet for at least 64 minutes at Anfield, a new club record will have been set.

Two of Tottenham Hotspur's current strikers were on Liverpool's books recently. Peter Crouch was at Anfield from 2005 to 2008 and he scored 40 times in 132 matches in all competitions for the Reds while Robbie Keane's time in 2008 was somewhat shorter with 7 goals in 28 appearances.

Wednesday's match promises to be an absolute cracker between two of the clubs many tip to be in the running for a Top Four finish come May and Harry Redknapp will be eager to come away from Anfield with at least a point but if Spurs do manage to grab all three, they will become the 14th team to do the "Double" over Liverpool in the Premier League era.

TEAM NEWS:

Liverpool have Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, Glen Johnson & Nabil El Zhar all out injured.

Tom Huddlestone is a fresh injury doubt ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League. The midfielder has struggled with a knee problem this week and is unlikely to be fit for the crucial clash at Anfield.

Ledley King has returned to training having sat out Saturday's visit of Hull City, but the defender faces a late fitness test ahead of Liverpool. However, Jamie O'Hara, back from his loan spell at Portsmouth, is available for selection against Rafa Benitez's side.

Alan Hutton, Aaron Lennon (both groin), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (hip), Jonathan Woodgate (groin) and Carlo Cudicini (wrist/pelvis) remain sidelined.

MATCH FACTS:

Head-to-head

• Liverpool are unbeaten in 15 league games against Spurs at Anfield and have only lost one of their 22 home matches in this fixture since 1986 (W15, D6, L1).

• Spurs last earned all three points at Anfield in August 1993, when Teddy Sheringham scored twice in a 2-1 victory. Tottenham's last away win against Liverpool in any competition was a 3-1 League Cup success in November 1998.

Liverpool

• Liverpool have won three of their last five league games.

• They have only suffered one defeat in their last eight home league games, which was against Arsenal last month (W5, D2, L1).

• Exactly one year ago Liverpool were top of the Premier League, three points ahead of Chelsea.

• The Reds have already dropped 29 points this season, compared to 28 in the whole of last season.

• Fernando Torres has scored three goals in four matches against Tottenham, including both previous games at Anfield.

Tottenham Hotspur

• Spurs are on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, during which they have not conceded a goal.

• If they keep a clean sheet at Anfield it will set a new Premier League club record of six in a row.

• They are unbeaten in their last four away games in the league.

• Harry Redknapp has won 181, drawn 129 and lost 190 of his 500 Premier League matches in charge of West Ham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Tottenham.

• Robbie Keane has scored each of Tottenham's last four goals at Anfield - he scored four league goals for Liverpool at the ground during his short Reds career.

• Peter Crouch is poised to make the 300th start of his club career. He scored 42 goals in 134 games for Liverpool.

PETER CROUCH ON LIVERPOOL

Peter Crouch feels victory over his former club Liverpool on Sunday will send out a clear message in our fight for a Champions League place. We currently sit fourth in the Barclays Premier League table having suffered just one defeat in our last nine league games. The big striker, who achieved three consecutive top four finishes during his time at Anfield, knows this is the sort of form needed in order for us to maintain our lofty position.

But he is also well aware that maintaining our recent form going forward will be key - and that means going to Merseyside and proving we are a force to be reckoned with. ‘Crouchy' said: "Over the years, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool have dominated those top four places and that is where we need to get to. If we have a chance of getting in there then we have to show that consistency. "It is very important we come back with a good result on Sunday. Liverpool are very close to us in the league and if we have any aspirations of making the Champions League spots then you have to go to Anfield and try and get a result. If not a win then a draw at least.

"We believe we can go to Anfield and get a result. We know how difficult it will be because they are a fantastic side, but we are looking forward to a good game." ‘Crouchy' spent three seasons at Liverpool having arrived from Southampton in the summer of 2005, and went on to become something of a cult hero at Anfield with 40 goals in 132 games.

During that time, he experienced FA Cup success and helped the Club reach the final of the Champions League in 2007, so he is looking forward to returning to Merseyside. The England international added: "I had three fantastic years there. We won things and some of my best years of my career were spent at Liverpool, so I have fond memories. The fans are always good to me so I always look forward to going back."

LAST MATCH LINE-UPS:

Liverpool (D 1-1 Stoke City, A):

25 Reina yellow card

12 Aurelio

16 Kyrgiakos

22 Insua

23 Carragher

27 Degen (Maxi 78)

37 Skrtel

20 Mascherano

21 Lucas yellow card

18 Kuyt

24 Ngog (Aquilani 87)

Substitutes

01 Cavalieri

32 Darby

04 Aquilani

11 Riera

17 Maxi

26 Spearing

47 Pacheco

Goal: Kyrgiakos 57

Tottenham Hotspur (D 0-0 Hull City, H):

01 Gomes

03 Bale

19 Bassong yellow card

20 Dawson

22 Corluka

06 Huddlestone yellow card

12 Palacios yellow card (Jenas 55 yellow card)

14 Modric

21 Kranjcar

10 Keane (Crouch 62)

18 Defoe

Substitutes

27 Alnwick

16 Naughton

05 Bentley

08 Jenas

25 Rose

09 Pavlyuchenko

15 Crouch

MARK LAWRENSON'S PREDICTION (BBC):

Again, I'm going to go with a reversal of the opening day result and that means a Liverpool win.You know what you'll get from Tottenham - good attacking, flowing football that creates plenty of chances and yields plenty of goals.

But I just think that Liverpool are starting to get a few breaks now. They're still not playing particularly well and I don't yet think Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are 100% yet, but a couple of recent results will have built the confidence in the camp and this could be a good game for them.

Verdict: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

Saturday's match will be the 157th meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

The two teams contested the 1982 League Cup Final, which Liverpool won 2-1 and the 1982 Charity Shield, which Liverpool won 1-0. Both matches were held at Wembley Stadium.

Here are the results of the previous 156 matches with Spurs' score shown first:

26-Dec-1894

Friendly

3 - 0

Hunter, Payne jnr, Payne snr

12-Apr-95

Friendly

6 - 0

Wilkinson, Laycock, Hunter (2), McElhaney (2)

13-Nov-1909

Division 1

22,000

1 - 0

Middlemiss

26-Mar-10

Division 1

15,000

0 - 2

29-Oct-10

Division 1

12,000

2 - 1

Minter, Humphreys

04-Mar-11

Division 1

25,000

1 - 0

Minter

11-Nov-11

Division 1

23,000

2 - 0

Minter, Middlemiss

16-Mar-12

Division 1

15,000

2 - 1

Newman, Mason

02-Nov-12

Division 1

15,000

1 - 4

Minter

08-Mar-13

Division 1

20,000

1 - 0

Middlemiss

29-Nov-13

Division 1

21,000

1 - 2

Cantrell

04-Apr-14

Division 1

19,800

0 - 0

31-Oct-14

Division 1

12,000

2 - 7

Clay (pen), Bliss

06-Mar-15

Division 1

12,000

1 - 1

Minter

25-Mar-21

Division 1

40,000

1 - 1

Bliss

28-Mar-21

Division 1

35,000

1 - 0

Smith

22-Oct-21

Division 1

31,593

0 - 1

29-Oct-21

Division 1

25,000

1 - 1

Dimmock

04-Nov-22

Division 1

35,068

2 - 4

Clay (pen), Grimsdell

11-Nov-22

Division 1

29,000

0 - 0

29-Mar-24

Division 1

22,000

0 - 1

05-Apr-24

Division 1

22,470

1 - 1

Grimsdell

13-Dec-24

Division 1

25,604

1 - 1

Hargreaves

18-Apr-25

Division 1

12,000

0 - 1

24-Oct-25

Division 1

29,952

3 - 1

Osborne (3)

06-Mar-26

Division 1

26,355

0 - 0

11-Dec-26

Division 1

26,640

1 - 2

Blair

30-Apr-27

Division 1

15,756

0 - 1

17-Dec-27

Division 1

21,234

3 - 1

Osborne, Elkes (2)

28-Apr-28

Division 1

31,780

0 - 2

23-Sep-33

Division 1

33,080

0 - 3

03-Feb-34

Division 1

30,809

1 - 3

Hunt GS

15-Dec-34

Division 1

24,688

1 - 4

O'Callaghan

27-Apr-35

Division 1

15,613

5 - 1

Bolan, Hunt DA, Evans W (3)

06-Sep-50

Division 1

39,015

1 - 2

Medley

05-May-51

Division 1

49,072

3 - 1

Walters, Murphy (2)

01-Dec-51

Division 1

51,342

2 - 3

Walters, Bennett

19-Apr-52

Division 1

36,898

1 - 1

Duquemin

10-Sep-52

Division 1

49,869

1 - 2

Baily

15-Sep-52

Division 1

37,319

3 - 1

Groves (2), Harmer

12-Sep-53

Division 1

47,535

2 - 1

Ramsay, Walters

23-Jan-54

Division 1

43,592

2 - 2

Walters, Lock og

12-Apr-63

Division 1

54,463

2 - 5

Jones, Dyson

15-Apr-63

Division 1

53,727

7 - 2

Jones (2), Saul, Greaves (4, 1pen)

27-Mar-64

Division 1

57,022

1 - 3

Norman

30-Mar-64

Division 1

52,904

1 - 3

Mullery

28-Nov-64

Division 1

41,198

1 - 1

Greaves

12-Mar-65

Division 1

50,760

0 - 1

09-Apr-65

Division 1

28,441

3 - 0

Saul, Low, Gilzean

18-Sep-65

Division 1

46,925

2 - 1

Clayton, Gilzean, Greaves (2)

01-Apr-67

Division 1

53,135

2 - 1

Greaves (2)

06-May-67

Division 1

40,845

0 - 0

04-Nov-67

Division 1

47,682

1 - 1

Jones

09-Mar-68

F.A. Cup 5

54,005

1 - 1

Greaves

12-Mar-68

F.A. Cup 5 Replay

53,658

1 - 2

Jones

29-Apr-68

Division 1

41,688

1 - 1

Greaves

19-Oct-68

Division 1

44,122

2 - 1

Greaves (2)

21-Dec-68

Division 1

43,843

0 - 1

16-Aug-69

Division 1

50,474

0 - 2

07-Oct-69

Division 1

46,518

0 - 0

10-Oct-70

Division 1

44,547

1 - 0

Peters

06-Mar-71

F.A. Cup 6

54,731

0 - 0

16-Mar-71

F.A. Cup 6 Replay

56,283

0 - 1

17-Apr-71

Division 1

46,363

0 - 0

04-Sep-71

Division 1

50,124

2 - 0

Chivers, Peters

18-Dec-71

Division 1

43,409

0 - 0

25-Nov-72

Division 1

45,497

1 - 2

Chivers

06-Dec-72

League Cup 5 Replay

34,565

3 - 1

Pratt, Chivers (2)

25-Mar-73

UEFA SF (2L)

46,919

2 - 1

Peters (2)

31-Mar-73

Division 1

48,477

1 - 1

Gilzean

10-Apr-73

UEFA SF (1L)

42,174

0 - 1

22-Sep-73

Division 1

42,901

2 - 3

Chivers, Peters

04-Dec-73

League Cup 5

48,677

1 - 1

Peters

08-May-74

Division 1

24,618

1 - 1

McGrath

07-Sep-74

Division 1

47,538

2 - 5

Perryman, Chivers

22-Mar-75

Division 1

34,331

0 - 2

23-Aug-75

Division 1

42,729

2 - 3

Jones, Duncan

13-Dec-75

Division 1

29,891

0 - 4

18-Sep-76

Division 1

47,421

0 - 2

09-Mar-77

Division 1

32,098

1 - 0

Coates

02-Sep-78

Division 1

50,705

0 - 7

22-Nov-78

Division 1

50,393

0 - 0

17-Nov-79

Division 1

51,092

1 - 2

Jones

08-Mar-80

F.A. Cup 6

48,033

0 - 1

29-Mar-80

Division 1

32,114

2 - 0

Pratt, Hoddle (pen)

06-Dec-80

Division 1

39,545

1 - 2

Archibald

25-Apr-81

Division 1

35,334

1 - 1

Hoddle

13-Mar-82League Cup Final 100,000WemL 1 - 3 (a.e.t) Archibald

03-May-82

Division 1

38,091

2 - 2

Perryman, Archibald

15-May-82

Division 1

48,122

1 - 3

Hoddle

21-Aug-82Charity Shield 82,500WemL 0 - 1

27-Nov-82

Division 1

40,691

0 - 3

30-Apr-83

Division 1

44,907

2 - 0

Archibald (2)

12-Nov-83

Division 1

44,348

2 - 2

Archibald, Hoddle (pen)

10-Mar-84

Division 1

36,718

1 - 3

Stevens

02-Jun-84

Tour/RSSC

2 - 5

Thomas, Falco (Royal Swazi Sun Challenge in Swaziland)

09-Jun-84

Tour/RSSC

1 - 1

Brazil (Royal Swazi Sun Challenge in Swaziland)

12-Oct-84

Division 1

28,599

1 - 0

Crooks

31-Oct-84

League Cup 3

38,690

1 - 0

Allen C

27-Jan-85

F.A. Cup 4

27,905

0 - 1

16-Mar-85

Division 1

43,852

1 - 0

Crooks

28-Sep-85

Division 1

41,521

1 - 4

Chiedozie

03-Dec-85

SSS Cup Gp.

14,855

0 - 2

(Screen Sport Super Cup)

14-Jan-86

SSS Cup Gp.

10,078

0 - 2

(Screen Sport Super Cup)

02-Mar-86

Division 1

16,436

1 - 2

Waddle

11-Oct-86

Division 1

43,139

1 - 0

Allen C

22-Mar-87

Division 1

32,763

1 - 0

Waddle

28-Nov-87

Division 1

47,362

0 - 2

23-Apr-88

Division 1

44,798

0 - 1

17-Sep-88

Division 1

40,929

1 - 1

Fenwick

26-Mar-89

Division 1

30,012

1 - 2

Fenwick (pen)

29-Oct-89

Division 1

26,550

0 - 1

21-Mar-90

Division 1

25,656

1 - 0

Stewart

04-Nov-90

Division 1

35,003

1 - 3

Lineker

11-May-91

Division 1

36,192

0 - 2

18-Dec-91

Division 1

27,434

1 - 2

Walsh

21-Mar-92

Division 1

39,968

1 - 2

Stewart

31-Oct-92

FA Prem

32,917

2 - 0

Nayim, Ruddock

08-May-93

FA Prem

43,385

2 - 6

Sedgley, Sheringham

25-Aug-93

FA Prem

42,456

2 - 1

Sheringham (2, 1pen)

18-Dec-93

FA Prem

31,394

3 - 3

Samways, Hazard (pen), Caskey

26-Nov-94

FA Prem

35,007

1 - 1

Ruddock og

11-Mar-95

F.A. Cup 6

39,582

2 - 1

Sheringham, Klinsmann

22-Mar-95

FA Prem

31,988

0 - 0

26-Aug-95

FA Prem

31,254

1 - 3

Barnes og

03-Feb-96

FA Prem

40,628

0 - 0

02-Dec-96

FA Prem

32,899

0 - 2

03-May-97

FA Prem

40,003

1 - 2

Anderton

08-Nov-97

FA Prem

38,006

0 - 4

14-Mar-98

FA Prem

30,245

3 - 3

Klinsmann, Ginola, Vega

10-Nov-98

League Cup 4

20,772

3 - 1

Iversen, Scales, Nielsen

05-Dec-98

FA Prem

36,125

2 - 1

Fox, Carragher o.g.

01-May-99

FA Prem

44,007

2 - 3

Carragher o.g., Iversen

03-Jan-2000

FA Prem

36,044

1 - 0

Armstrong

09-Apr-00

FA Prem

44,536

0 - 2

19-Nov-00

FA Prem

36,036

2 - 1

Ferdinand, Sherwood

22-Apr-01

FA Prem

43,547

1 - 3

Korsten

22-Sep-01

FA Prem

44,116

0 - 1

27-Apr-02

FA Prem

36,017

1 - 0

Poyet

26-Oct-02

FA Prem

44,084

1 - 2

Richards

15-Mar-03

FA Prem

36,077

2 - 3

Taricco, Sheringham

27-Aug-03

FA Prem

43,778

0 - 0

17-Jan-04

FA Prem

36,104

2 - 1

Keane (pen), Postiga

14-Aug-04

FA Prem

35,105

1 - 1

Defoe

01-Dec-04

League Cup 5

36,100

1 - 1

(a.e.t) Defoe (Spurs lost 4-3 on pens)

16-Apr-05

FA Prem

44,029

2 - 2

Edman, Keane

10-Sep-05

FA Prem

36,148

0 - 0

14-Jan-06

FA Prem

44,983

0 - 1

23-Sep-06

FA Prem

44,330

0 - 3

30-Dec-06

FA Prem

36,170

0 - 1

07-Oct-07

FA Prem

43,986

2 - 2

Keane (2)

11-May-08

FA Prem

36,063

0 - 2

01-Nov-08

FA Prem

36,183

2 - 1

Carragher o.g., Pavlyuchenko

12-Nov-08

League Cup 4

33,242

4 - 2

Pavlyuchenko (2),Campbell (2)

24-May-09

FA Prem

43,937

1 - 3

Keane

16-Aug-09

FA Prem

2 - 1

Assou-Ekotto, Bassong

09-Jan-10

FA Prem

LAST TIME WE MET...

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2-1 LIVERPOOL

Premier League, Opening Game of the 2009-10 Season, 16th August 2009

Liverpool's quest to end a 20-year wait to win the title started with the disappointment of an opening-day defeat against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Rafael Benitez can have few complaints as Liverpool - heavily tipped to end Manchester United's run of three successive Premier League titles - delivered a lame display which lacked attacking invention and genuine quality. Spurs, in contrast, showed the greater ambition and the scenes of delight at the final whistle reflected the renewed optimism felt by Harry Redknapp and his players at claiming one of the top flight's prized scalps.

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane wasted three glorious openings before Benoit Assou-Ekotto's thunderous drive gave Spurs a deserved lead a minute before the interval. Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes' rush of blood threw Liverpool a lifeline they barely merited after 56 minutes when he dashed from goal and brought down Glen Johnson, allowing Steven Gerrard to level from the spot. But Spurs were swiftly back in front when defender Sebastien Bassong marked a hugely promising debut following his £8m switch from Newcastle by heading Luka Modric's free-kick past Pepe Reina.

Liverpool finally sparked into life and were infuriated when referee Phil Dowd dismissed late claims for a penalty after substitute Andriy Voronin tumbled under a challenge from Assou-Ekotto. It capped Liverpool's intense frustration and assistant manager Sammy Lee was sent from the dug-out after an exchange with the fourth official. Liverpool also have an injury worry over defender Martin Skrtel, who struggled throughout with a jaw injury after a clash of heads with Jamie Carragher.

Benitez 's side failed to make a serious attacking impact on Spurs, with Fernando Torres well-shackled by Bassong and Ledley King, and their midfield lacking cohesion without the departed Xabi Alonso. Spurs were comfortably the more accomplished side, with Wilson Palacios and the gifted Modric dovetailing well in midfield and their reshaped defence looking assured throughout. White Hart Lane proved a bogey ground for Liverpool last season, with one of only two Premier League defeats at Spurs - and boss Benitez will be hoping this represents little more than a false start.

Redknapp gave Keane the nod ahead of new boy Peter Crouch in attack - and he was not short of opportunities in a first half that started slowly but ended with Spurs in command. The first incident of note came with a nasty clash of heads between Liverpool's central defensive duo Carragher and Skrtel that left both players needing lengthy treatment. Carragher was forced off to be patched up, and while Skrtel stayed on he was clearly troubled by the heavy blow to his jaw and needed further attention as the game progressed.

Gerrard provided Liverpool's only moment of danger in the opening exchanges with a low drive from 25 yards that was always drifting wide of Gomes' goal. Spurs showed the greater attacking invention, but Keane could find his touch in front of goal and wasted three presentable chances to punish the club where he had a short and unfulfilling spell last season. He should have given Spurs the lead after 33 minutes when he had the goal at his mercy after a clever delivery by Modric, but he allowed Reina to scramble across his goal and save.

Keane then failed to chip over the onrushing Reina before blazing another wasteful finish well over when unmarked in the area. Spurs deserved something for their superiority - and they got it in the most spectacular fashion a minute before the interval, with Assou-Ekotto lashing a rising 25-yard drive beyond Reina after Tom Huddlestone's free-kick rebounded back off Emiliano Insua. Reina had been Liverpool's star performer, and he emphasised his quality again seven minutes after the break when he dived acrobatically to turn over a powerful effort from Palacios.

The importance of the save was underscored seconds later when Liverpool drew level from the penalty spot. Spurs' keeper Gomes needlessly hauled down Johnson as he dashed from his goal and Gerrard slammed home the spot-kick. Liverpool's spell of equality was brief as Spurs restored their advantage three minutes later when debutant Bassong rose high to meet Modric's free-kick and beat Reina.

Johnson had shown glimpses of the attacking dimension Benitez hopes he will give Liverpool after his £17m move from Portsmouth when he delivered an inviting cross that Torres could only direct wide at the far post. Liverpool pressed in the final moments but could not break through - they could not fashion an equaliser and it would have been cruel on Spurs had they done so.

Tottenham Hotspur

01 Gomes yellow card

19 Bassong Goal 59

22 Corluka

26 King

32 Assou-Ekotto yellow card Goal 44

06 Huddlestone

07 Lennon yellow card

12 Palacios

14 Modric (O'Hara 83)

10 Keane (Crouch 68)

18 Defoe (Pavlyuchenko 90+2)