Jose hopes to spoil Scouse party – Tottenham v Liverpool

April 2014. Anfield. Steven Gerrard has just slipped, and Liverpool’s grip on the Premier League trophy fell with him. ‘Twas destructive chaos created by one man.

Jose Mourinho.

For a preview article, it sounds too much like a movie trailer – but we’ll roll with it. Liverpool visit the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for the first time tomorrow, with Jurgen Klopp’s side on a run akin to perfection barring a draw at Old Trafford.

Jose’s time at Spurs hasn’t been as fruitful as some may expected, leaving signs that maybe the cuts of Madrid lay deeper than Mauricio Pochettino and his dismissal.

Wins against West Ham, Burnley and Wolves have been hampered by inconsistency – but the Portuguese maestro still finds his side only six points from the Champions League places.

Klopp’s men continued their incredible run into the New Year with a victory over Sheffield United, before their literal C team defeated Carlo Ancelotti’s first string Everton eleven. I’m sure that the XI in Red will be significantly changed against the Lilywhites.

Team news

Dejan Lovren and Fabinho have returned to training alongside Joel Matip and Xherdan Shaqiri for Liverpool, with the former pairing closer to full fitness than the latter and could feature. Naby Keita, Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner are all ruled out. Takumi Minamino could make his league debut for the Reds if required.

Spurs have a well publicised injury list, especially with the absence of England captain Harry Kane until April. Tanguy Ndombele, Moussa Sissoko, Ben Davies and Hugo Lloris are all out too, with Danny Rose perhaps able to make a return.

From the dug out

Mourinho wary of injuries and Liverpool:

“We have injuries but if I think about the injuries, who is not playing, I’m not as confident and motivated as I am so I have to focus on what we did in the week, concentrate on the effort and enthusiasm the boys put in this week.

“If the boss arrives with a solution to face these difficult months ahead of us then so be it, welcome. If not then we will wait for the summer for the next evolution of the team.”

Klopp ‘not sure’ on Spurs:

“I’m expecting an organised Spurs side putting some emphasis on defending for sure, counter-attack. But their team is too good technically to do just that.

“Eriksen, Alli, Lo Celso, lots of midfielders who can create with speed. Moura and Son, too. Aurier and Sessegnon have speed.

“We cannot be 100% sure what they will do but we have signs from what Mourinho did at Man United against us.

Head-to-head

Tottenham wins – 48

Draws – 42

Liverpool wins – 84