Liverpool’s hopes of ending their 19-year title drought were dashed last Saturday, when Manchester United hammered out a 0-0 draw with Arsenal to equal the Scousers’ record of 18 English top-flight championships.
Thus, Rafael Benitez’s men head into the final round of the 2008-09 Premier League season with only second spot to aim for – but Steven Gerrard insisted earlier this week that the club’s fans deserve to see their team end the season in style.
The skipper said, "We haven't got much to play for really, but I think every time you put the Liverpool jersey on in front of your home supporters, the least they deserve is effort and if we go into it with that attitude, we can finish on a high with three points."
‘Pool will also be motivated to give Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back who has spent ten years at Anfield, a rousing send-off before he joins Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur travel to the North West hoping to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for continental competition.
Harry Redknapp’s charges sit eighth in the standings, two points behind Fulham, who occupy seventh spot. Thus, Spurs must beat Liverpool – and hope the Cottagers slip up against Everton – to have any chance of claiming the final Europa League place.
Interestingly, the Lilywhites have the wood over their upcoming opponents. Only four teams have beaten Liverpool in any competition this season – Tottenham have done it twice, in the League and the League Cup.
However, both of those victories came at White Hart Lane. Travelling to Merseyside is a different prospect altogether, as Spurs haven’t won a league game in front of the Kop since 1993.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
May 17 West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
May 9 West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
May 3 Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
May 16 Tottenham 2-1 Man City
May 9 Everton 0-0 Tottenham
May 2 Tottenham 1-0 West Brom
Apr 25 Man United 5-2 Tottenham
Apr 19 Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Hyypia is expected to start beside his long-time defensive partner, Jamie Carragher, in what would be his final appearance for the Reds.
Hence, Daniel Agger may have to settle for a place on the pine – although he could miss out altogether if Martin Skrtel is named in any capacity.
Benitez demonstrated with last weekend’s line-up that he is determined to finish the season strongly, and that means the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and the much discussed Xabi Alonso should all feature.
Probable XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua – Mascherano, Alonso – Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun – Torres
Tottenham Hotspur
The big absentee for Spurs is Tom Huddlestone. The 22-year-old starred last weekend against Manchester City but has since undergone knee surgery.
With Wilson Palacios out of the picture due to personal circumstances, that leaves only Didier Zokora to play the holding role in midfield.
Aaron Lennon (groin), Michael Dawson (ankle) and Jamie O’Hara (knee) are also out, while Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will undergo late fitness tests.
Probable XI: Gomes – Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto – Modric, Jenas, Zokora, Bale – Keane, Pavlyuchenko
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool
It’s all about big Sami Hyypia as far as Reds fans are concerned. Expect a typically accomplished performance that belies his 35 years. Also watch out for the in-form Xabi Alonso, who (if some reports are to be believed) could also be playing his final game for the club.
Tottenham Hotspur
As a Liverpool legend bids farewell, one of the club’s most high-profile failures returns. Robbie Keane found goals hard to come by during his six-month stint on Merseyside, and the Irish striker will be desperate to find the net on Sunday and help his side claim a rare treble over ‘Pool.
Thus, Rafael Benitez’s men head into the final round of the 2008-09 Premier League season with only second spot to aim for – but Steven Gerrard insisted earlier this week that the club’s fans deserve to see their team end the season in style.
The skipper said, "We haven't got much to play for really, but I think every time you put the Liverpool jersey on in front of your home supporters, the least they deserve is effort and if we go into it with that attitude, we can finish on a high with three points."
‘Pool will also be motivated to give Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back who has spent ten years at Anfield, a rousing send-off before he joins Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur travel to the North West hoping to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for continental competition.
Harry Redknapp’s charges sit eighth in the standings, two points behind Fulham, who occupy seventh spot. Thus, Spurs must beat Liverpool – and hope the Cottagers slip up against Everton – to have any chance of claiming the final Europa League place.
Interestingly, the Lilywhites have the wood over their upcoming opponents. Only four teams have beaten Liverpool in any competition this season – Tottenham have done it twice, in the League and the League Cup.
However, both of those victories came at White Hart Lane. Travelling to Merseyside is a different prospect altogether, as Spurs haven’t won a league game in front of the Kop since 1993.
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool
May 17 West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
May 9 West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
May 3 Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
May 16 Tottenham 2-1 Man City
May 9 Everton 0-0 Tottenham
May 2 Tottenham 1-0 West Brom
Apr 25 Man United 5-2 Tottenham
Apr 19 Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool
Hyypia is expected to start beside his long-time defensive partner, Jamie Carragher, in what would be his final appearance for the Reds.
Hence, Daniel Agger may have to settle for a place on the pine – although he could miss out altogether if Martin Skrtel is named in any capacity.
Benitez demonstrated with last weekend’s line-up that he is determined to finish the season strongly, and that means the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and the much discussed Xabi Alonso should all feature.
Probable XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua – Mascherano, Alonso – Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun – Torres
Tottenham Hotspur
The big absentee for Spurs is Tom Huddlestone. The 22-year-old starred last weekend against Manchester City but has since undergone knee surgery.
With Wilson Palacios out of the picture due to personal circumstances, that leaves only Didier Zokora to play the holding role in midfield.
Aaron Lennon (groin), Michael Dawson (ankle) and Jamie O’Hara (knee) are also out, while Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will undergo late fitness tests.
Probable XI: Gomes – Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto – Modric, Jenas, Zokora, Bale – Keane, Pavlyuchenko
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Liverpool
It’s all about big Sami Hyypia as far as Reds fans are concerned. Expect a typically accomplished performance that belies his 35 years. Also watch out for the in-form Xabi Alonso, who (if some reports are to be believed) could also be playing his final game for the club.
Tottenham Hotspur
As a Liverpool legend bids farewell, one of the club’s most high-profile failures returns. Robbie Keane found goals hard to come by during his six-month stint on Merseyside, and the Irish striker will be desperate to find the net on Sunday and help his side claim a rare treble over ‘Pool.
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