Tottenham vs. Liverpool will pit two sides against each other who have traditionally struggled for consistency.
In what will be one of the more tightly-contested games of the weekend, SoccerSweep takes a look at some of the key battles across the pitch.
Michel Vorm vs. Simon Mignolet
If Hugo Lloris were not out for another three weeks, Spurs would have an easy winner here. However, while Mignolet has his howlers, he sandwiches them amongst moments of brilliance. Vorm, on the other hand, hasn’t really had a chance to shine.
Kyle Walker vs. Nathaniel Clyne
This is one of the tougher ones to call, but Walker’s performance against Crystal Palace deserves a special mention. His pace down the wing gives Spurs a big edge.
Toby Alderweireld vs. Dejan Lovren
Lovren improved towards the end of last season, but he’s still no match for Tottenham’s Player of the Year.
Jan Vertonghen vs. Ragnar Klavan
If Vertonghen plays like he did in the first half against Everton, this is Klavan’s game. Spurs’ Belgian defender is still coming back from an injury sustained at the Euros, and that lack of match fitness could still be costing him.
Danny Rose vs. Alberto Moreno
Alberto Moreno will probably never be compared to Danny Rose ever again, but for the sake of the combined XI, they’ve had to be pipped against each other. Rose wins, obviously.
Eric Dier vs. Emre Can
Germany international Can just edges Dier because he gets forward more. Dier is still struggling to adapt to the entrance of Victor Wanyama into the team.
Erik Lamela vs. Adam Lallana
Lallana is steady for Liverpool, but if Daniel Sturridge plays too, it’s unlikely he’s going to be the star of the show. Lamela is more of a special player.
Dele Alli vs. Philippe Coutinho
Alli definitely has the potential to be as good as Coutinho, but right now, only one of them is world-class.
Christian Eriksen vs. Georginio Wijnaldum
Eriksen has a tendency to go missing in the big games, whereas Wijnaldum stood out even for Newcastle last season.
Vincent Janssen vs. Roberto Firmino
It must be only a matter of time before Janssen gets on the scoresheet after two decent performances so far. Firmino can show him how it’s done.
Harry Kane vs. Divock Origi
Just as last season, Kane hasn’t had the best start, but at White Hart Lane, you would never bet against the Golden Boot winner scoring. Origi is another for the future, but he has a lot to learn from his Spurs counterpart.
Combined XI: Mignolet, Walker, Alderweireld, Klavan, Rose, Can, Lamela, Coutinho, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Kane
Check out Football Advisor for profitable betting predictions
