Liverpool - Tottenham 27-04-25

The date is May 19, 2024. Jürgen Klopp stands tall on the Anfield pitch, accepting the fans' tribute. A legend in the club's proud history is saying goodbye, and there is hardly a dry eye in the entire city. At least not in the red section. The tall German, known for his counter-pressing and passionate approach to football, looks out over the sea of ​​people. He came in like a breath of fresh air several years ago, took hold of the club, and picked up one important piece after another. Slowly but surely, he built a winning football team. If only it hadn't been for Pep... Anyway, now the adventure is over, and the fans are trembling. Where will the club go from this? Who can take this further without tearing apart what has carefully become a football team to be reckoned with? The man with the impossible task is called Arne Slot. A Dutchman with a past at Feyenoord. The fans wipe away a few tears, the man with the chalky smile strolls off the grass, and the future seems uncertain.

We jump forward a little over a year, the date is now April 27, 2025, and Arne Slot leads his team at home against Tottenham. A Tottenham with a disastrous league season, and who by all accounts are mostly focused on artificial turf and long underwear these days. Where is Bodø anyway? Ange Postecoglou is trying to save the stumps by outmaneuvering these Vikings from the north. It's going to be tough. Slot, for his part, is rubbing his eyes. Anfield is loud, and the roar from the sections fills the stomach with a certain expectation. The fans can hardly wait for kick-off, and a fine Mohamed Salah, with his new contract in his pocket, wants to end a magical season in style. Because, a year after Klopp resigned, Liverpool are back in position. The Dutchman with the polished ice has done it. Liverpool will win their 20th league title with points against Spurs this Sunday. All the uncertainty before the season is like dew on the sun. Beams in the team like van Dijk, Salah and Alisson have only gotten better, while others have taken the step, and are now beams themselves. The referee takes the whistle to his mouth, the stands tremble. If you listen extra closely, you can hear the words from Jürgen a year ago; "Arne Slot, La la, la la la!"

Liverpool – The balloons are inflated, the champagne is chilled

When Mateta elegantly placed the ball over Raya on Wednesday night, Liverpool were close to becoming champions without lifting a finger. Just one more goal from Palace and the party would have begun. But, fittingly, the match ended 2-2. For Liverpool, this is as good as a perfect scenario, because now the Reds will be league champions with points in their own big room next Sunday. There's something special about securing the gold on their own, in front of their own people. Anfield will be decked out for a party when Spurs are on the other side this weekend.

The match will be special. Liverpool has been England's best football team this season, and it is now only theory that can stop Arne Slot's men. Because, if Liverpool lose their last five matches, while Arsenal win their last four, then they will end up level on points. There is of course a possibility that this could happen, but the chance is hardly measurable at this point.

Liverpool have been in good form recently. At least in terms of points. Performances have varied, and we have seen individual errors from players who don't usually do that. The captain has messed up, the Scot at left-back has looked fragile, and Konate has had unfortunate involvements. But, the points have come. The Reds are one of the form teams in the league, and at home at Anfield they are rock solid. It would be a big surprise if they don't let loose next Sunday, and want to win the title in convincing fashion. This is the day for the extra runs, the last sprint, the slightly more well-placed shots, and energy boost from the stands. Spurs could have a tough time.

What can also happen in these games is that you start a bit convulsively. There is a lot at stake, and suddenly you have hit a loose back pass that results in a goal the wrong way. We have seen this time and again, teams that have something to defend can go for a blister or two. And it is far from unusual for both teams to get on the scoresheet when Liverpool and Spurs meet in a league context. The last nine league games between the lily-whites and the reds have ended with goals both ways, eight of these nine have been matches with at least three goals. The previous league game, in December, ended 6-3 to Liverpool. The one before that stopped at 4-2. This could be goal-rich, once again.

Liverpool are almost injury-free. Gomez is the only absence, and the competition for places is fierce. Trent was back last weekend, and celebrated it all with the match-winning goal and wild celebration. The rumors took off in the same second. Does a man celebrate on his way out of the gates like this? Will he sign a contract extension after all? How attractive is it to run around in the shadow of Mbappe and Vini in Madrid? No one knows, maybe except Alexander-Arnold himself, but for now we have to keep all options open. Liverpool will present their strongest cards on Sunday.

Tottenham – The top of the Premier League has been replaced with artificial turf and snow

What in the world has happened to Tottenham? A miserable season from start to finish. They are in 16th place in the Premier League, and have, hold on tight, lost 18 (!) league games. 18 losses out of a possible 33. It is downright embarrassing. Their continued existence in the top flight has never been threatened, the gap down to the bottom three is too great. But, they are close. They are the last house that is not swept away by the avalanche. They are the one who loses the ice on a sunny day, but just manages to save it before it hits the asphalt. There we have Tottenham in 2025. By all accounts, this means thank you and goodbye to Ange after the end of the season.

There is hope for the old big club. Like Manchester United, who are experiencing a fairly similar season, they are in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Amorim has announced that the league is more or less finished, and that all the focus is on European games. Ange has not come out and said this in clear terms, but it is questionable whether he does not have the same thoughts. The league is not going to lead to anything. You are not relegated, you are not moving particularly far up. It is and will be finished. What is not finished are the matches against Bodø/Glimt. This could lead to a somewhat reduced crew on Sunday. It is difficult to say, but it would be surprising if you take the really big chances. A victory in the Europa League gives a long-awaited trophy, lots of money in your book, and a ticket to the coolest party in the fall. Do you want to risk this?

Tottenham have lost four of their last five league games. It has looked shabby for a long time now. Even with a game-winning advantage against Nottingham last time out, it was another loss. The home team fell behind 2-0 relatively quickly, and were never able to break down the away team. But, the goal came in the end. It often does for Tottenham. The only problem is that in the meantime they have conceded two and three. We will see on Sunday who gets the nod, and who is spared. In any case, it will probably be more of what we have seen in recent weeks; Good attacks, and complete headers in the back rows.

Conclusion – Nerves in high gear and the redeeming goal

Liverpool will get their point on Sunday. Anfield is coming off its hinges. Arsenal will have to stand guard of honour when they visit in a little while. The Beatles town will be on its feet, and the number 20 will be brought home. The undersigned has been pondering the way it will be done for a while. For a scenario where the big Virgil yells at Robertson, Robertson yells at Konate, and Konate looks questioningly at Alisson, is not unthinkable. The nerves must be controlled. It is never easy, no matter how big a favorite you are. Suddenly the ball is in the net, and the roar in the stands stops. But then they come. Led by Salah, Diaz, Jota or Gakpo, there will be running, and there will be fighting. The finishes will be hailed, and Tottenham will crack. They always do that away from home against Liverpool.

We've barely touched on that. There are goal-rich matches between these two. 6-3 to Liverpool in London last time, 4-2 to the Reds at Anfield in the match before. A goal average of about four sets over a long period. Most of it is really in place for another addition to the series.

The home team obviously wants to decide this now. On their own turf, in front of their own fans, it would be the perfect time. Given Tottenham's focus on Europe, the favourites seem to be massive. We still think the match fits into the series, and contains goalscoring from both players. The big event may temporarily kick Liverpool's ass, but they will probably jump back on their horse and pull this off before it's all over. We recommended several red goals last weekend, but despite a strong xG, a huge number of chances and corners, it ended with one goal. Could this be the occasion to try for a red goal celebration again?

Liverpool were cheated out of the big party five years ago. On Sunday, no virus will be able to put a stop to the joy. Everything is in their own hands now. Slot has every reason to be proud.

England at 17:30: Liverpool - Tottenham: Both teams score + Over 2.5 goals (1.80)

Alternative game

England at 17:30: Liverpool - Tottenham: Liverpool scores over 2.5 goals (1.73)

England at 17:30: Liverpool - Tottenham: Salah scores two or more (3.55)