Liverpool welcome Tottenham to Anfield tonight in a match that may well have a massive bearing on who finishes in the top four come May.
Both teams have been enjoying some much improved form of late, with Liverpool the Premier League’s in-form side prior to their goalless draw at Everton on Saturday.
It has been a fantastic couple of weeks for Tottenham supporters who have seen their side record back-to-back Premier League wins after booking their place in the Capital One Cup Final – the most recent of which came against the old enemy Arsenal.
Two in-form sides going head to head makes for an exciting game tonight with the last four meetings between the sides producing 17 goals – 15 of which have been in Liverpool’s favour.
That will count for little this evening though and has also counted for little as we have come up with the combined Liverpool and Tottenham XI.
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Click on Brendan Rodgers and Mauricio Pochettino to reveal the Football Transfer Tavern’s combined Liverpool & Tottenham XI.
Click below to see Liverpool vs Spurs LIVE!
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Hugo Lloris
Whilst there has been an improvement in the form of Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet of late, Tottenham and France captain Hugo Lloris falls into that ‘world class’ category.
Lloris has been outstanding in recent weeks and produced a match winning performance in the recent game against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
He is considered up there with Thibaut Courtois and David De Gea as the Premier League’s finest goalkeepers.
Emre Can, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Jan Vertonghen
Six weeks ago, the thought of Liverpool having three defenders that made it into any positive combined XI would have been scoffed at. But Brendan Rodgers’ decision to play a back three of Emre Can, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho has been inspired with the Reds recording four consecutive league clean sheets, and having not conceded in open play once in their last eight matches in all competitions.
Jan Vertonghen has rediscovered his best form at Tottenham alongside Federico Fazio and slots in at left back with Can filling the right back role.
Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva / Ryan Mason, Christian Eriksen
A big part of Liverpool’s defensive improvement has seen Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva form an excellent partnership in the middle of the park.
The Reds have been rocked by the news the Brazilian is set to miss a month of the season with a groin injury – a major loss when you consider Liverpool have not lost in 12 Premier League matches since he has been reinstated.
Ryan Mason has had a similar impact in the midfield for Tottenham and whilst Lucas would get in ahead based on experience, the homegrown talent is enjoying an excellent season.
Christian Eriksen meanwhile is establishing himself as one of the best young playmakers in the game with 11 goals in all competitions already this season.
His ability from set pieces is perhaps what sets him apart with his free-kick goal in the Capital One Cup semi-final at Sheffield United recently representing a contender for Tottenham’s goal of the season.
Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Philippe Coutinho
Raheem Sterling is set to miss tonight’s game with a foot injury which comes as a major blow to Liverpool given the fact he has been the star man for the majority of the season.
Sterling has nine goals to his name in all competitions and has been a constant thorn in defences in a new role as a central striker. He has formed an excellent understanding with Philippe Coutinho who after a slow start to the season, is really starting to come into his own.
Meanwhile, who else could lead the line than Harry Kane?
The 21-year-old has been scoring goals for fun this season with his total of 22 in all competitions more than any other Premier League striker.
He celebrated signing a new five-year deal with a superb double to win the North London derby on Saturday and will be heading to Anfield full of confidence this evening.
