Premier League: Robin Bairner has a banker for Liverpool vs Tottenham on Saturday night

Hardest remaining fixture

Liverpool took another step towards a historic quadruple on Tuesday and turn their attention back to the Premier League on Saturday with a tough home match against Tottenham. 

On paper, this is their hardest remaining fixture as they seek to hunt down Premier League leaders Manchester City, who may still be in a state of shock after their Champions League exit in midweek. 

Liverpool can be backed at 1.47 to overcome Antonio Conte’s dangerous side, who are available at 7.2. A draw, meanwhile, is on offer at 5.1.

Liverpool given a shake

If Liverpool were starting to gain a sense of hubris thanks to recent results, Tuesday’s trip to Villarreal ensured that their feet stay firmly planted on the ground.

They were expected to cruise through in Europe but instead were shaken as they saw a two-goal aggregate lead whittled away. The introduction of Luis Dias changed the course of the game, and though the Reds won 3-2 on the night, they were given a sizeable scare. 

Nothing less than perfection will likely do in the final four matches of the league season, with Jurgen Klopp’s men having won all of their last six matches. Victories, though, appear to be coming with increasing difficulty. Both Everton and Newcastle have threatened to frustrate them in recent weeks. 

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has had a week to prepare his side for the trip to Anfield

Unpredictable Spurs 

Tottenham, meanwhile, have plenty of reason to be giving this match their all. Sitting in fifth place, Champions League football is well within their grasp. Indeed, with Burnley and Norwich to come in their final two fixtures, plus a rescheduled midweek encounter with Arsenal, they are the masters of their own fortune. 

Conte has shown himself capable of masterminding some impressive results since arriving at Spurs in the Autumn. His highlight since joining the club was a 3-2 win over Manchester City away from home, but that was followed up by a 1-0 loss against Burnley just four days later.

In Italy, the manager has the reputation of being outstanding when he has a whole week to build towards a fixture with his team, but fallible when a midweek game is on the cards. This week, he has been able to focus fully on finding Liverpool’s weaknesses.

Reds to get a tough test 

Liverpool’s record against Tottenham is outstanding. In the last eight meetings of the clubs, they have won seven. However, the exception was the previous fixture, in which Conte devised a 2-2 draw in London, despite his side being hit by injury problems. 

Despite the Reds’ dominance of this head-to-head, they have typically been close matches. Given the fatigue levels that Klopp’s side must be feeling after such an action-packed season, if they do win this one, it is likely to be hard work. Backing Tottenham +1 or +1.5 on the Asian Handicap market holds promise. 

Standout value appears on the both teams to score market, last matched at 1.91. Seven of the last eight meetings between these clubs at Anfield have seen both teams hit the net, and after the 2-2 draw they shared earlier this season, the chances seem high of a repeat. 

Recommended bets 

Tottenham +1 AH @ 2.16

BTTS @ 1.66