Colin Harvey's pre-match report: Liverpool v Spurs

Oct 6 2007

TOTTENHAM arrive at Anfield tomorrow on the back of a remarkable fightback against Aston Villa and further progress in the UEFA Cup.

While cup success was already in the big after their 6-1 first leg win, the point they gained against Martin O’Neill’s side was achieved when they looked down and out as they trailed 4-1.

But Villa dropped off too much as if they were content to settle for what was already on the board and Tottenham’s pressure paid off.

Given the quality of their front four – a set of players any club in the country would gladly have – Tottenham will always score goals, but they are susceptible to leaking them as well.

At times this season, they have been surprisingly poor at defending set-pieces. Against Villa, the keeper blundered for one goal and the defence went to sleep at a quick free-kick for another. Lack of concentration and a lack of confidence don’t always help.

Defence

BOTH Tottenham full-backs like to get forward, and while they may be told to rein that in for an away game, Villa found plenty of joy going forward down the flanks.

Gareth Bale looks very comfortable going forward and is more of a wing-back than a full-back with a lot of Tottenham’s play coming from his side. If Teemu Tainio is in front of him, then the midfielder tends to tuck inside.

That leaves space for Bale to push forward in but also leaves room for the opposition to get at the full back.

Both centre-backs are good headers of the ball, but if the full-backs have pushed too far forward they are not as happy covering across the back line in one on one situations. In fact, Gabriel Agbonlahor scored one of Villa’s goals when he outdid Michael Dawson for pace.

Jermaine Pennant is the sort of player who could prosper by making the most of any spaces left by the full-backs.

Midfield

TOTTENHAM do not have an out-and-out play-maker in the middle of the park, but are a mobile unit who are all comfortable on the ball.

The potential return of Jermaine Jenas will add to that.

Tom Huddlestone may make way. He has a nice touch on the ball and can be very dangerous when given time to play, but if the opposition get in and around him he can be stifled.

Tottenham can get a bit narrow at times, but Aaron Lennon seeks to redress that by getting down the sides as often as possible. He is very right-footed and Liverpool will try and force him inside to negate much of his threat.

Steed Malbranque is another good footballer with an eye for a goal.

Tottenham’s midfield poses a threat on the ball, especially if afforded too much time, so Liverpool will want to get on top of them quickly.

Attack

ROBBIE KEANE does not have out and out pace, but he is a quick thinker. A clever, alert player who is full of tricks, Liverpool’s defenders must concentrate on the ball and not his feet as he runs through his repertoire of stepovers and dummies.

Dimitar Berbatov had a tremendous finish to last season, and although he has seemed lethargic at times this season he still poses a goal threat as he showed against Villa.

With Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe also at Martin Jol’s disposal, Tottenham have plenty of attacking options, with Keane also being able to drop off the front-line and play more of a link role with the midfield players.

Dangerman

ROBBIE KEANE–- expect the unexpected from a player with a great appetite for football.

Overall verdict

LIVERPOOL to win against a side that leaks too many goals.