Liverpool takes on Tottenham today looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, but the pundits are in disagreement on how the Reds will fare in north London
Alan Shearer and Paul Merson are in disagreement on their predictions for Liverpool’s game at Tottenham today, with only one of them backing the Reds for a victory.
Arne Slot takes his side to north London looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League after victory over Brighton last weekend. If Liverpool can overcome Spurs, it would be the first time since September that it has won two league games in a row.
The Reds come up against an under-pressure Tottenham side, with manager Thomas Frank feeling the heat from his own supporters after picking up just two league wins at home so far this season.
Despite Spurs’ struggles, Shearer is backing the hosts to frustrate Liverpool and claim a point. The former Newcastle and England striker feels Mohamed Salah’s absence, with the winger away at the Africa Cup of Nations, could prove to be a big miss for the visitors.
“It's a tough one to call,” Shearer told Betfair. “After what happened to Spurs last week, and Liverpool have got a couple of results. I'm going to go draw.
“I'm going to go sit on the fence. I think that won't be great for either side, but it wouldn't be a disaster coming out with a point apiece. So, I'm going to go draw.
“Salah came on last week and did really well. I guess he had an hour last week and I thought his performance was excellent. He brought an energy, still looked as if he was strong and fit and did really well. He should have scored though missing a big chance.
“I think they'll miss that. They haven't got him to do that if that happens again this week, particularly with the injuries Liverpool have got. So yeah, without doubt, even with all the noise that was around him, there's no doubt that they'll miss him as an option.
“I would still have Liverpool getting into the top four, despite what I've seen all season. I still think they've got enough to make a push, and they might even sign one or two in January. So, for me, it would still be Liverpool getting in the top four.”
Unlike Shearer, Merson is confident that Liverpool will pick up another win, citing Tottenham’s poor run of form as his reasoning for what he expects to be a ‘comfortable’ victory for the Reds.
Predicting a 3-1 win for Liverpool, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Tottenham were atrocious last week against Nottingham Forest. If you take away the games against Brentford and Slavia Prague, Spurs have struggled so bad in recent weeks.
“Liverpool have not set the world alight with their performances but they are unbeaten in their last five games with three wins. I can see them beating Tottenham comfortably.”