Liverpool Echo

Liverpool owner John Henry returned to Anfield for the Reds chance to win the Premier League

Liverpool owner John Henry will be in attendance as the Reds look to clinch the Premier League title against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon. Arne Slot's side need a point against the North London club to claim top-flight success with five matches remaining.

The triumph at Anfield would see Liverpool move level with Manchester United as 20-time winners of the domestic title. Henry and his wife, Linda Pizzuti, will be at Anfield hoping that Virgil van Dijk can lead the Reds to a second top-flight triumph in five years.

It will be the first matches that the American owners have been on Merseyside for since Slot's first home league match against Brentford.

They were in attendance for the farewell for Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff last May as Henry appeared on the pitch

Throughout the campaign, Linda has showed her support for the Reds from afar and can witness them immortalise themselves against a struggling Spurs side.

She shared a series of stories on her Instagram firstly of the fans congregating and waiting for the bus to arrive with the caption: "Electric already," before showing the behind the scenes prior to kick-off where she said: "It's a beautiful day and the pitch is ready."

Should Liverpool avoid the banana skin against Ange Postecoglou's side, Slot will join the likes of Jurgen Klopp and other Liverpool managerial greats to lead the club to domestic triumph.

But the Dutchman admitted that he won't "go crazy". He said: “I enjoyed it a lot when Feyenoord won the title – but I don’t go crazy.

"It wasn’t like I ran three times around the stadium. I was just very, very happy inside and I shared my emotions with the people around me and the fans.

"But I will never be the one who is the loudest nor the weirdest in the moment. I’m not like that. It is for other people to judge.

"It would be a bit weird to judge myself, but I can judge the performance for my staff and the medical staff – and they should get a lot of credit over the course of the season.”

“If you start to work here, then quite quickly you get a certain feeling.

"I feel part of it. But to say I am a scouser now would be too much. The good thing about the people here is that they welcome you from the start and you feel part of them.

"But it would be weird if I said after 10 months that I feel the same as people who have lived here for 30 or 40 years. Ask me after 10 years."

Gary Neville was speaking before Liverpool's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur

Gary Neville has admitted he does not want to appear on Sky’s coverage of Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations. Arne Slot’s side need just a draw against Tottenham Hotspur to win a second title in five years, as only two league defeats all season has left them 12 points clear with five matches remaining.

Five years ago Jurgen Klopp’s team lifted the trophy in an empty stadium due to Covid restrictions, having won a first title in 30 years by 18 points. As a result, Anfield is gearing up for a party this afternoon.

But when put on the spot about the celebrations that could commence should Liverpool be crowned champions, Neville made his intentions clear.

Kicking things off, Sky presenter David Jones asked Neville: “If Liverpool get a point, will you join us at the end for the celebrations?”

To which Neville replied: “No! There is no point in me coming down here again. I think the Liverpool fans won’t let me get out of that commentary box.”

Looking ahead to this afternoon, in his column in the matchday programme, Slot wrote: "The overriding message today is very simple – we have a job to do.

"It is a job that everyone associated with Liverpool FC should be excited about because the possibilities it creates are there for all to see but, as with every other game we have played this season, hard work will be absolutely crucial.

"So focusing on the job at hand is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential. On and off the pitch, our aim has to be to get as close as we possibly can to our A-game.

"Reaching those standards will not be easy – it never is – but it needs to be the objective of everyone who is inside the stadium today.

"So what we have now and in the remaining weeks of the season is a wonderful opportunity that we should grasp with both hands.

"Finishing top of this league would be an incredible achievement and having put ourselves in a position to do so, we now need to finish the work that began all the way back in the summer of last year.

"The effort that has gone into each and every training session and each and every game since then has been remarkable but it has also been an absolute necessity.

"Imagine for a second if those standards had been dropped on only one or two occasions. I have no doubt that we would find ourselves in a different situation today if that had happened.

"That it hasn't is testament to every single player, every single staff member and every single supporter. The story of this season for us is that everyone has pushed each other on.

"I could pay endless compliments to all involved and hopefully the time for that will come but the most important thing right now is that we all recognise that this would not be the time to stop.

"To our supporters, this message is tinged with gratitude. Every time we have needed you so far this season, you have delivered. In our most testing moments you have lifted the team to a level that has helped us to win games that might have got away from us otherwise.

"There are so many good examples of this but the most recent fixture at Anfield is probably one of the best as it helped get us over the line against West Ham.

"It must feel like I am always asking for things from you but the reason for this is simple – like many at Liverpool before me, I have seen the difference that our crowd can and does make.

"This is why our players and our supporters have been able to create something special between them. Today we have an opportunity to do the same again. We should make the most of it."

How to watch Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur - TV channel, live stream details and highlights

Liverpool will be crowned Premier League champions - if they avoid defeat to Tottenham Hotspur - at Anfield on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm).

Liverpool will win a record-equalling 20th league title if they avoid defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. The Reds are 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal - while a single point from any of their remaining five games will be enough to secure a first Premier League title success in five years.

And given that Reds fans were unable to celebrate the triumph of Jurgen Klopp's side five years ago due to the Covid-19 restrictions that were in place, Sunday afternoon is set to be a memorable afternoon at Anfield. So will today be the day that it happens?

Here, we take a closer look at how to watch and follow today's clash;

When is Liverpool vs Tottenham and what time is kick-off?

Liverpool welcome Spurs to Anfield on Sunday, April 27. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 4.30pm.

Is the Liverpool vs Tottenham

Yes. As usual for the 4.30pm kick-off on any Sunday afternoon, this game will be shown live on Sky Sports on the Premier League and Main Event channels. A valid subscription with the broadcaster is required.

Can I live stream the Liverpool vs Tottenham game?

Again, yes. Sky Sports - with a valid subscription - can be watched online or via the Sky Go app, which is available on mobile phones, laptops and other such devices. Alternatively, you can follow every single kick through Now TV, as long as you are signed up to that popular online service, of course. Full details are available by clicking these links to the Sky Sports or Now TV websites.

How else can I follow Liverpool vs Tottenham?

You can follow Liverpool vs Tottenham via the ECHO's live match blog from Anfield - where Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle and Theo Squires will be in place to bring you all the build-up, live coverage, post-match reaction and analysis. On what could be a historic day, we will pick up the bits even TV cameras might miss!

When can I watch the Liverpool vs Tottenham highlights?

Highlights will be shown on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One and iPlayer at 10.30pm on Sunday night. Fans will also be able to watch highlights via the Sky Sports website and app, plus Liverpool's YouTube channel shortly after the full-time whistle.

Liverpool need just a point against an underwhelming Tottenham side in the league - who will be prioritising the Europa League anyway - in order to become Premier League champions again

As the Premier League season draws to a close, Liverpool F.C. stands on the cusp of glory. The Reds are gearing up for a pivotal clash against Tottenham Hotspur at their home ground, Anfield, this coming Sunday. With just five games left in the season, Liverpool knows that a win or even a draw would be enough to clinch their 20th English top-flight title, matching the all-time record.

The team managed by Arne Slot edged closer to this landmark with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Leicester City last weekend. This victory, coupled with Arsenal's midweek stalemate (2-2) against Crystal Palace, has primed the atmosphere for what could be an unforgettable title party at Anfield.

However, standing in their way are Tottenham Hotspur, a team that has had a challenging season. Spurs' recent 2-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest marked their 18th league setback, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone. With Ange Postecoglou at the helm, it appears that Spurs have shifted their focus towards the Europa League as their domestic campaign flounders.

Despite Tottenham's woes, Liverpool cannot afford any complacency. They must maintain their concentration and resolve to avoid any slip-ups at this critical stage. The Reds are on the brink of creating history, and their fans are on tenterhooks as they hope for a title-clinching performance.

Liverpool vs Tottenham

Liverpool to win to nil - 27/20 (CopyBet)

Mo Salah to score anytime - 4/9 (CopyBet)

Liverpool vs Tottenham

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Liverpool will be crowned Premier League champions on Sunday (4:30pm kick-off) if they earn at least a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool need just a single point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to be crowned as Premier League champions. Arne Slot's side are set to face a celebratory atmosphere at Anfield as they look to equal Manchester United's record of 20 English league titles.

The Reds have had a week to prepare since their 1-0 victory over Leicester City last weekend put them on the brink of history. Slot's men sit 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the summit, having lost just twice in the league all season.

And several Liverpool players have hinted they will feature against Ange Postecoglou's side this weekend. Alexis Mac Allister and Darwin Nunez are among the Reds players to have put pre-match graphics of the match on their Instagram stories.

Historically, players who share the graphics have tended to be involved in the match. Slot did not reveal any new fitness concerns when previewing Sunday's clash on Merseyside.

He was, though, asked about Conor Bradley’s readiness to complete a full match after playing 68 minutes against West Ham United and 71 at Leicester City last time out.

“That depends of course on the upcoming two sessions, but he was getting closer and closer to 90 minutes,” he said.

“The first and the second one were approximately the same amount of minutes and it’s normal if you played twice around 70 minutes then the chance of you being able to play 90 is getting closer and closer.

“But we are also taking very good care of him because he had two injuries that were similar. Let’s wait and see how he does today and tomorrow if he’s able to play, and if he’s able to play if he can make 90.”

Liverpool are on the verge of the Premier League title. Avoid defeat against Tottenham at Anfield today and the Reds will be crowned English champions for a 20th time.

But the job is not done yet. And you can bet Arne Slot will not be looking past Ange Postecoglou's inconsistent side as he prepares his team for a pivotal game.

So who will the Liverpool boss pick to face Spurs? Our writers choose their starting line-ups...

Ian Doyle

One more point. That's all Liverpool need to win the Premier League this afternoon. And if they don't do it then, they've got four more chances remaining.

Probably best to get it sorted as soon as, though, with Tottenham Hotspur the visitors to Anfield. What, then, is Reds boss Arne Slot to do?

It's time to pick the strongest and freshest team possible. That means Alisson Becker in goal, Conor Bradley at right-back, Ibrahima Konate alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back and Andy Robertson returning at left-back.

In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai can have a rest with Curtis Jones coming in as the number 10. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister continue in the deeper roles.

And up top, Mohamed Salah is on the right, Luis Diaz is back down the left and Diogo Jota can come in as the number nine.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Jota.

Theo Squires

Liverpool could be Premier League champions today. After waiting 35 years to win the title in front of supporters, it’s a rather surreal thought.

Of course, they need to get at least a point against a Tottenham side who will likely be distracted by a looming Europa League semi-final. The Reds might not have been at their best recently, but surely they will have enough in their locker to get the job done?

So who do we task with starting against Spurs to clinch that last point? Trent Alexander-Arnold might have been the hero when making his return from injury last weekend, but he can remain on the bench with Conor Bradley keeping his place at right-back.

Such a decision is nothing to do with next season and whether the Liverpool vice-captain is Real Madrid-bound or not. Rather, he’s been out for the best part of six weeks with an ankle injury and still needs to be managed carefully.

Kostas Tsimikas can continue at left-back too ahead of Andy Robertson, while Dominik Szoboszlai just about keeps his place at number 10. He’s not been at his best recently, but shone in his two meetings with Tottenham this season, returning two goals and assists, so gets the chance to torment them again.

In attack, Diogo Jota returns upfront with Luis Diaz switching back to left-wing. Darwin Nunez will just have to remain frustrated with his lack of Liverpool starts.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.

Joe Rimmer

Liverpool are one point from immortality. Avoid defeat against Tottenham and the Reds will be champions for a record-equalling 20th time. And in Arne Slot's first season, too.

Winning the title at Anfield is a tantalising prospect, but Liverpool must remain professional if they are to put a chaotic Spurs side to the sword.

Alisson Becker is in goal, and I'd bring back Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. His influence at Leicester last weekend was clear for all to see. Kostas Tsimikas retains his place at left-back with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk continuing their partnership at the heart of the defence.

The midfield virtually picks itself, with Dominik Szoboszlai getting the nod ahead of Curtis Jones alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Hopefully Harvey Elliott sees some action, too.

Darwin Nunez made sure his name was in the headlines Saturday and he might have challenged for a start here, but Diogo Jota seemingly enjoys playing against Spurs and he's my pick alongside Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz in the front three.

Latest Liverpool and Tottenham injury news ahead of Sunday's decisive fixture in the Premier League title race

Liverpool could be crowned Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon. Facing Tottenham Hotspur, all they require is a single point to ensure second-placed Arsenal are unable to catch up in the final four rounds of the season.

Returning from the international break, it was on the Gunners to chased down Liverpool though they have been unable to fulfil that quest as points have been dropped in three of their last five fixtures. The latest slip came on Wednesday against Crystal Palace, which opened up the floor to the Reds to win the 20th English league title in their history in front of their own supporters at Anfield against Spurs.

Thankfully, Arne Slot has all but one of his stars to call upon for such a momentous match in the club's history as Joe Gomez remains the only man on the sidelines.

Speaking on Friday, Slot revealed: "If his recovery goes well, he would be able to [play] in the last one or two games of the season but he is still not training with us yet. But he is coming closer and closer to training with the team."

The 27-year-old suffered another setback in the form of a hamstring injury last December - just as he had been granted a run in the starting XI whilst Ibrahima Konate was injured too.

Gomez then returned for the FA Cup trip to Plymouth Argyle in February but lasted only 11 minutes and hasn't been seen in action since.

Meanwhile the team that would stand in the way of Liverpool and the title - who are coincidentally Arsenal's biggest rivals - have plenty of decision-making to do before coming to Anfield.

On Thursday they begin a Europa League semi-final tie against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, with winning the competition now their only opportunity to qualify for European competition next term.

"With the programme we have coming up, Thursday obviously is a big night for us, so it will be a matter of playing a few [against Liverpool] that need the game time and others we feel may need less exposure, we’ll have a look at it," admitted manager Ange Postecoglou.

Regardless of who he decides to play, Spurs will be without two stars for certain.

As captain Heung-min Son has missed the last three games with injury, Postecoglou confirmed on Friday: "In terms of rehab, the only one is Sonny who is still going through that process, improving but not ready for Sunday.

"We'll see [if he's available to face Bodo/Glimt on Thursday]. He's improving. First time he's got out on the grass today and he said it's better than what it was. It's a day-by-day situation."

The South Korean international has scored 11 goals in all competitions this term.

And the visitors are to be without central defender Radu Dragusin too, as he has been missing from action since February after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury.

Overall it means the Reds are set to face a much stronger Spurs squad than the one that came to Anfield in the Carabao Cup two months ago as several key players have overcome their various fitness doubts.

Darwin Nunez allegedly hit out at his lack of game-time ahead of Liverpool's title decider against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday

Based on his latest message Darwin Nunez now seems ready to play his part in one of Liverpool's biggest matches in recent memory, with the club able to be crowne Premier League champions against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. His newest post comes hours after the striker allegedly deleted a tweet hitting out at his lack of playing time this season.

The 25-year-old has made 42 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this term, though only 17 of those have been as part of the starting XI. His goalscoring exploits have taken a nosedive with only seven strikes to his name and appeared to take aim at his current situation at the club, a cryptic post was shared to X on Saturday morning then seemingly deleted straight away.

Nunez allegedly wrote: "No wonder I didn’t play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…"

On his account, @Darwinn99, the striker since seemingly changed his profile picture, causing him to lose his blue verified tick, and posted a selfie with Alexis Mac Allister accompanied by the caption: "Good morning." The account now has its blue verified tick back.

It is a strong message to allegedly send on the eve of such an important fixture for Liverpool, but the Uruguayan at least has his mind set on the task ahead. On Saturday evening he posted a matchday graphic teeing up tomorrow's title decider.

Following Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace last Wednesday, the Reds require only a single point from their next match to be crowned 2024/25 Premier League champions.

Nunez would hope to get back in the starting XI, though has not been in that position since Liverpool played Southampton on March 8, which was also the last time he netted.

Though he has been out of Arne Slot's starting plans of late, a report emerged from Portugal last week claiming that if Nunez is selected once more then it would be his 60th in the Premier League and Champions League combined for the Reds, who would subsequently owe a €5m (£4.2m) bonus payment to Benfica.

The ECHO understands that the striker is not being omitted for financial reasons and such ideas were rejected by Slot when speaking to the media on Friday morning.

With the Reds expected to pursue a new No.9 in the upcoming transfer window Nunez's future remains unclear.

The pundits have been having their say ahead of Premier League champions-elect Liverpool's massive match at home to Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool are tantalisingly close to winning the Premier League. A draw or victory at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and the Reds will get their hands on the top-flight title for the 20th time.

That would equal the record currently held by bitter rivals Manchester United and it would be the first time Liverpool have won the championship in front of supporters in 35 years. Their last league success, in 2020, was sadly played out behind closed doors.

Little wonder, then, that Reds supporters cannot wait for the visit of Tottenham to come around.

Thousands will line the streets before the 4.30pm kick-off before even more will cheer on Arne Slot's table-toppers inside what will be an emotional and fervent Anfield.

Few give Tottenham a chance. Not only are Ange Postecoglou's side enduring a dreadful domestic campaign - they currently sit 16th in the standings - they will also have one eye on their must-win Europa League semi-final first leg at home to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

It would come as a major surprise, then, if Spurs were to spoil Liverpool's party and record their first win at the ground since 2011.

And the pundits certainly believe that the Reds will roll over their under-performing opponents.

"Liverpool will win the title this weekend by winning against Tottenham," said 1995 title winner Alan Shearer to Betfair.

"However, Spurs can't afford for it to get messy after losing at home to (Nottingham) Forest and there's every chance that it could.

"It could turn ugly if Liverpool score early and the party celebrations begin at Anfield. This will definitely be a home win."

Gary Neville, who won eight Premier League titles during his career, agrees with his old rival.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: “A procession. It will be barbaric.

"I think it will be 4-1. Liverpool will score four. It will be one of those celebratory [afternoons]."

Chris Sutton, who was Shearer's strike partner in Blackburn's stunning success 30 years ago, is also going 4-1 to the Reds.

He told BBC Sport: "Liverpool only need a point to make sure of the title and it is going to happen against Tottenham on Sunday.

"There is an argument that Spurs, and Manchester United too, should go strong in these Premier League games to try to find the rhythm they have been lacking all season, and get the team playing the way we know they can to help them in their Europa League semi-finals.

"But I don't see Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou doing that before his side play Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and I can only see one outcome.

"Liverpool have hardly been that sharp of late but they will be determined to win the title in front of their own fans for the first time in 35 years.

"They were not able to do that when they last won the title in 2020 because of the Covid regulations at the time, so doing it now is a big deal for them.

"I am expecting them to raise their game and blow Spurs away to get the job done."

Latest Liverpool news as Virgil van Dijk issues a clear message to Reds supporters ahead of the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur

Virgil van Dijk has issued an emotional message to Liverpool supporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Reds will host Spurs at Anfield in a game that could see them officially crowned Premier League champions. Liverpool need just a single point to win the league title for the 20th time in their history, after Arsenal were forced to settle for a draw against Crystal Palace in midweek.

Van Dijk has played a key role in helping guide Liverpool to within one point of the Premier League title, including his winning goal against West Ham earlier this month. The Dutchman, who recently signed a new two-year contract extension with the Reds, explained the mindset he and the squad have going into potentially a historic fixture.

“To win the Premier League is special, however and wherever you do it," Van Dijk said in Liverpool's matchday programme, via the club website.

"But to do it at Anfield, in front of the most incredible supporters in the world? That’s something else entirely. It’s our dream, it’s your dream, and our aim on Sunday is to make sure that dream comes true.

“We can only do that, however, by doing the things that have put us in this position in the first place.

“By working hard, by being together, by being willing to run and to suffer and to sacrifice for one another, for the cause. After all those months, all those games, do you think we’re going to change our approach now? No chance."

If Liverpool were to either win or draw against Tottenham, they would be confirmed as Premier League champions with four matches left to play this season. Van Dijk went on to send an emotional message to Reds supporters who will be in attendance to watch the clash against Spurs on Sunday afternoon.

“We are planning to be at our best, and we need you guys to be at yours too," Van Dijk said.

"I have spoken many times about the importance of Anfield. It really can make the difference and I can’t wait to see, hear and feel you all on Sunday. You all have a part to play.

“So be loud and be proud. Get to the stadium early and give us your support. Make the place a sea of red, a wall of noise. Sing your hearts out and let’s do this together. One more push. One more.”

With Arne Slot’s men on the brink of a 20th league title, the Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur matchday programme is a must have for Reds. Inside you'll find the regular columns from head coach Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk, first team features, a round up of the latest match action, a quiz and more.