Liverpool Will Be Too Strong For Sickness-Hit Spurs

Tottenham will hope to return from their Covid-enforced break on Sunday with a home encounter against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Spurs have not been in action since beating Norwich 3-0 on December 5 due to the virus. Liverpool have not escaped its effects either, with Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones all testing positive in recent days.

Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp’s squad should have the strength to navigate this awkward fixture and a price of 1.64 is attractive for the in-form Merseysiders. Tottenham can be backed at 5.3 while the draw is on offer at 4.5.

Spurs seek recovery

It has been a long couple of weeks for Spurs, whose squad has been ravaged by illness, stunting the momentum that Antonio Conte had brought to the team after arriving at the club on November 2.

The Italian has overseen three wins and a draw in the four Premier League matches in which he has been in the Tottenham dugout.

Recent events, though, have complicated their preparations for Sunday’s difficult fixture, with numerous players in the squad falling ill.

Conte is a wise tactician and has proven a difficult rival for Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp in the past. Indeed, he is undefeated in his last three matches against the German, which all took place while the 52-year-old was still with Chelsea.

Extending that run would be a fine achievement.

Antonio Conte has guided Spurs to 10 points from their last 12

Liverpool have earned their Spurs 

Liverpool are a team in form. The Reds have won their last eight matches in all competitions and impressed as they came from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 on Thursday, with Trent Alexander-Arnold capping the victory with a memorable goal.

After grinding out successive 1-0 wins over Wolves and Aston Villa, this hinted at a return to the spectacular form they showed in hitting four in successive league matches against Arsenal, Southampton and Everton.

It was a performance that augurs well for them to continue their remarkable record against Spurs. They have won their last seven against the London side, including a 3-1 away victory last season.

Certainly, the potential of further Covid cases represents a potential curveball to the Anfield outfit, but Klopp has instilled in them a strong mentality and his side are sure to be ready for this match.

Conte to be cagey

Historically, this has been a high-scoring fixture but the context surrounding this game is unique.

Doubtless Tottenham are feeling the after-effects of Covid, which could cause them to be conservative against a dangerous Liverpool side.

Conte has shown in the past how effective he is at setting up teams to stifle their opponents, and it may well be these skills come to the fore in this match.

Odds of 1.63 are available on more than 2.5 goals, but those of 2.3 on under appear more enticing.

Recommended bets:

Liverpool to win @ 1.61
Under 2.5 goals @ 2.3