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The Premier League is back in action with a high-octane fixture this week as reigning champions Liverpool take on Jose Mourinho's in-form Tottenham Hotspur outfit at Anfield on Wednesday. The two teams are currently vying for the top spot in the Premier League and will battle it out in what is set to be a crucial game.
Liverpool have largely failed to meet the standards that they set for themselves last season and slumped to a 1-1 draw against relegation-battlers Fulham over the weekend. Jurgen Klopp's outfit has had a few issues with the club's hectic schedule this season and cannot afford to suffer another setback in the Premier League this week.
Tottenham Hotspur have exceeded expectations under Jose Mourinho so far and have stunned teams in the league with their efficient performances. The Spurs were also held to a 1-1 draw by a feisty Crystal Palace outfit in their previous game and will look to shock the reigning champions on Wednesday.
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are both involved in the title race
Liverpool have several injury concerns at the moment and Jurgen Klopp's makeshift defence will have to take it up a notch to keep a clean sheet against the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.
Tottenham Hotspur did not focus on their possession statistics against Arsenal in the North London Derby and are likely to adopt a similar plan in this fixture. Both teams have excellent players at their disposal and will need to win their individual battles to gain the upper hand on Wednesday.
#5 Roberto Firmino vs Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Roberto Firmino has copped his fair share of criticism from fans and sceptics alike this season for his lack of final product but has started to show improvement over the past few weeks. The Brazilian forward has earned Jurgen Klopp's trust and is key to Liverpool's high press and energetic style of play.
Tottenham Hotspur are likely to employ a low block against Liverpool and Firmino's propensity to drop into the midfield is likely to bring him in the vicinity of Danish enforcer Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The tenacious midfielder has started all 12 games for Jose Mourinho's side in the Premier League and is one of his team's most important players.
Roberto Firmino has a point to prove at Liverpool this season and will view this game as an opportunity to hit back at his detractors. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has enjoyed an excellent season, however, and will not make it easy for the Brazilian star.
#4 Sadio Mane vs Toby Alderweireld
Toby Alderweireld has been his reliable self for Tottenham Hotspur this season and has played his part in maintaining Jose Mourinho's robust defensive set-up. The Belgian defender is on now on the wrong side of 30, however, and has his task cut out for him against the pacy Sadio Mane this week.
Sadio Mane is yet to hit his stride this season and has scored only four goals in his 10 starts in the Premier League. The Senegalese winger has a knack of stepping up on the big stage, however, and can be lethal on his day.
Mane is one of Liverpool's most dangerous players and will attempt to scythe his way through Tottenham's rigid lines. Alderweireld may well be the Spurs' last line of defence against Sadio Mane and needs to be at his best in this fixture.
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#3 Heung-Min Son vs Trent Alexander-Arnold
Heung-Min Son has been a revelation for Tottenham Hotspur this season and seems unable to stop scoring for his side. The South Korean forward will be his side's chief threat on the flanks going into this game and will be up against Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold has not met expectations so far this season and needs to hit his stride to improve Liverpool's title defence. The English right-back has been prone to several lapses this season and will have to hold his own against a dangerous Tottenham Hotspur attack.
The Spurs attacker has also racked up 10 goals and four assists this season and his diagonal runs have tormented defensive lines in the Premier League. Trent Alexander-Arnold is known for his creative ability in the final third but will also have to focus on his defensive responsibilities against the dangerous Heung-Min Son.
#2 Mohamed Salah vs Eric Dier
Liverpool's star Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah has become something of a phenomenon at Anfield. Salah has shouldered much of the goalscoring burden for Liverpool this season and will play a crucial role against Tottenham Hotspur this week.
With Roberto Firmino dropping into the midfield and Trent Alexander-Arnold pushing up the right flank, Salah often drifts into central positions for Liverpool and wreaks havoc in the penalty area. The speedster has made a considerable impact this season and has 10 goals from 11 appearances in the Premier League.
Eric Dier will have to be at his best to keep Mohamed Salah quiet and cannot afford to put a foot wrong against Liverpool on Wednesday. The English centre-back is prone to the odd mistake and will need to win his battle with Salah to give Tottenham Hotspur a chance this week.
#1 Harry Kane vs Fabinho
Harry Kane has hit yet another purple patch for Tottenham Hotspur this season and has led his side admirably in the Premier League. The lethal English striker is in the running for the Golden Boot after an excellent start to the campaign and has already scored nine goals in the Premier League.
Kane has also managed to surprise his critics this season and has racked up 10 assists in 12 Premier League games. The striker has become a focal point in Jose Mourinho's counter-attacking side and his link-up play with partner-in-crime Heung-Min Son has yielded incredible results for the North London outfit.
Liverpool's massive injury list this season has left a bitter taste in Jurgen Klopp's mouth but Fabinho has quelled the Reds' fears to an extent with a series of reliable performances. The Brazilian midfielder will play as a centre-back yet again this week will have to step up to the daunting task of marking the seemingly unstoppable Harry Kane.
Also Read: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction, preview, team news and more | Premier League 2020-21
