Sutton analyses and predicts Liverpool v Tottenham top of the table clash

Chris Sutton has used his column on the Daily Mail to analyse Tottenham’s match against Liverpool at Anfield this evening.

Both teams are on the same points with Tottenham top of the Premier League table only on goal difference.

The Lilywhites have abandoned the possession-based approach that they were known for under Mauricio Pochettino to becoming one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe this season.

Their approach is different from that of Liverpool who like to have possession of the ball and to press high when they lose possession.

Sutton analysed what should be a very intense game, saying that he expects Spurs to defend with a back five or six with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko joining their four defenders when Liverpool attacks them.

He spoke about how the strategy had worked for them in wins against Manchester City and Arsenal before this game, he then predicts the game to end in a 1-1 draw.

Some excerpts read: “When Liverpool attack, they have Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, but also Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. Mourinho won’t want his defence to be overloaded, so we can expect Tottenham to set up with a back five out of possession. In recent games, Moussa Sissoko has dropped 10 yards from the midfield into the defence. If Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg joins him, we could see a back six.

“Salah and Mane like drifting inside, into that space between the centre back and full back. But if Sissoko or Hojbjerg is there, it will be congested and Klopp will have to find another way.

“That may leave Tottenham light in midfield but, in Tanguy Ndombele, Mourinho has a player who runs his socks off.

“That’s how I expect the game will play out. If Mourinho rocks up at Anfield and springs a surprise by playing expansive football, I’ll eat my hat!”