Liverpool host Tottenham on Sunday in what could prove to be a pivotal match in the race for the Premier League top four.

Here, we look at five talking points ahead of the game at Anfield.

VICTORS IN THE DRIVING SEAT 

A few weeks ago, Spurs appeared to have left themselves a mountain to climb to seal Champions League qualification but after Wednesday’s impressive win over Manchester United, they are right back in contention.

Now only two points behind Liverpool and Chelsea, and five adrift of United, Tottenham can jump above their opponents on Sunday with a victory.

But Jurgen Klopp’s men are in form, the only side to have taken more points from their last six league games than Spurs. Both teams might settle for a draw.

TOTTENHAM’S ANFIELD WOES

It is seven years since Tottenham last won away at Liverpool, who have emerged victorious from five of the last seven meetings on their home turf.

Spurs’ problems at Anfield are not a one-off. While strong at home against the top sides, they have struggled away, winning only one out of 18 games on their travels against the top six under Mauricio Pochettino.

It suggests a team that has been either tactically naive or mentally fragile but there are signs of progress this season. They took four points from trips to Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Now they need to do it domestically.

Tottenham celebrate their win over Real Madrid

 

KANE TO HIT PREMIER LEAGUE No.100

Kane moved onto 99 Premier League goals with his header against Southampton last month but has had to wait two weeks to make the century.

An excellent all-round display against Manchester United on Wednesday was not accompanied by a goal but it will not be long before the striker reaches this latest milestone.

Kane scored twice as Tottenham thrashed Liverpool 4-1 in the reverse fixture back in October and against Liverpool’s shaky defence, he will fancy his chances again.

ALL EYES ON VAN DIJK

Since his eye-watering £75million move to Liverpool at the start the January transfer window, Virgil van Dijk has not had an easy ride.

He scored on his debut against Everton but then struggled in defeats to Swansea and West Brom, before being left on the bench for Tuesday’s win over Huddersfield.

Jamie Carragher has said Van Dijk needs to lose weight and it will be interesting to see if Klopp brings him back in this weekend. If selected, there will be no room for rust, given his opponent is likely to be the razor-sharp Harry Kane.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk

LIVERPOOL’S PACE TO HURT SPURS

They may not boast the resilience, or even organisation, of Tottenham but Liverpool’s speed in attack is their most dangerous weapon.

Last season, this fixture was decided by Sadio Mane, who scored twice and ran Ben Davies – not the quickest of full-backs – ragged.

With Danny Rose still regaining fitness after injury, Davies is likely to play again this weekend and it would not be a surprise if Klopp pinpointed that flank as an area to exploit.

Spurs will press Liverpool up the pitch with a high defensive line and that will leave their opponents with ample space to run in behind. Liverpool, and Mane, will be looking to capitalise.

Provided by Press Association Sport