It’s the big Champions League final tonight as Tottenham Hotspur take on Liverpool in what will be the second all-English European final this week.
The Reds are in familiar territory, having made it to the final last season before losing to Real Madrid. Jürgen Klopp has an awful record in finals, and he will hope that changes at the Wanda Metropolitano tonight.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are in unchartered territory, and even though the pressure on Liverpool to win is more, expect Spurs to be a bit jittery in the early stages of the game.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side overcame Manchester City and Ajax in the previous two rounds in dramatic fashion, and will look to win their first ever Champions League crown.
Liverpool’s amazing come from behind win against Barcelona is fresh in the mind as well, and the fans will hope their team can get across the final hurdle this time and lift their sixth European crown.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – Team News
Pochettino has a few big decisions to make as Harry Kane is fit again and available for selection.
If Kane features, we might see Lucas Moura drop to the bench. The Brazilian is expected to play a part, however, as Kane isn’t 100% match-fit yet, and might not last the full 90 minutes or possibly extra time.
Harry Winks is also fit, and might play in a midfield role. With Victor Wanyama’s fitness a worry, we might see Pochettino using either Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli in a deeper role.
In Liverpool’s case, Klopp has fewer decisions to make as he has a fitter squad. Naby Keita is unavailable, but barring him, Klopp has everyone else available.
Also read: 3 Liverpool Players Who Will Have To Step Up Against Tottenham Hotspur
The defence and front three picks itself, and the only head scratcher is perhaps the midfield area. While Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are expected to feature, Klopp will have to choose between Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner for the remaining spot in midfield.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – Predicted Lineups
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup (4-3-1-2): Lloris; Rose, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Trippier; Eriksen, Sissoko, Winks; Alli, Kane, Son
Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Matip, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino, Salah
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool – Head to Head
Jurgen Klopp might not have a good record in finals, but he does have a good record against Pochettino, having lost just once to the Argentine manager. In the nine games the two have come up against each other, Pochettino has won ones, drawn four times, and lost four times.
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Additionally, Tottenham under Pochettino have beaten Liverpool just three times in 14 matches.
Liverpool won both their games in the Premier League against Tottenham this past season, and the Reds have lost just once in the last 10 games between the two sides.