By Liam McLaughlan
Liverpool only need a point from their clash with Tottenham on Sunday to clinch a 20th league title, equalling Manchester United’s record tally.
Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace has brought the Reds within touching distance of winning only their second Premier League title in 35 years.
Liverpool’s previous Premier League title victory, secured under former manager Jurgen Klopp in the 2019/20 season, was celebrated in front of an empty Anfield stadium during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In front of a packed Anfield crowd, Liverpool will be hoping to wrap up the title against a Tottenham side languishing in 16th place, and who will have one eye on their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt as they look to salvage the remainder of their season.
Slot keen to get the job done
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has emphasised the team’s responsibility to secure the title at Anfield, especially given that their last league triumph was celebrated behind closed doors.
In a press conference, Slot said:
“First of all, that’s a big responsibility because we are aware that the last time this club won the league it was Covid time so everybody is looking forward to Sunday but we know that there is still a job to be done and that’s at least one point
“That’s what we know and, hopefully, our fans know as well and they support us in the best possible way they can – like they have all season – and are aware of the fact that we still need a point.
“We are definitely aware of that. It’s a nice game to look forward to but it’s also a responsibility we have for Sunday.”
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Reds in dominant home form
Liverpool have the best home record in the league this season, having secured 41 points from 48 and only losing once.
The Reds will be looking to extend this record against a floundering Tottenham side who have struggled on the road, having only picked up 16 points away from home this season.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 15 home games against Tottenham, having last won at Anfield in 2011 under former manager Harry Redknapp.
A victory against Tottenham will see Liverpool match their tally of 82 points from last season with 4 games to go.
Liverpool team news
Liverpool have all but one senior player available for selection, with Joe Gomez still unavailable following his hamstring injury in February.
The centre-back is still expected to feature toward the end of the season as his recovery is managed.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is in contention to start in Sunday’s fixture, after coming off the bench to score the winner for Liverpool away to Leicester.
Slot may choose to persist with Conor Bradley at right-back, with the head coach commenting that the full-back is ‘getting closer and closer to 90 minutes’, following his return from injury.
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Postecoglou eager to delay title celebrations
Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou will want to dampen the mood in Anfield on Sunday to raise Tottenham higher up the table in what has been a deeply disappointing Premier League campaign for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham lie in 16th place in the table, only one point above West Ham United, who could go above them with victory over Brighton.
A defeat at Anfield on Sunday would be a record-equalling 19th for the club in a league season.
In a press conference, Postecoglou was asked about his previous support for Liverpool and whether that had any bearing on Sunday’s match.
“No mate, I’m an almost 60-year-old adult, I’ve gone past my boyhood crushes, so it’s got no impact whatsoever,” Postecoglou said.
“I have great admiration for the football club. Yes, I supported it when I was younger, but that was 50-odd years ago, so we’ve well and truly moved on since then.
“You want to go there and compete against obviously a very good side and compete well. And it’s not just about getting through unscathed, you want to get through having played well against the top team.
“I think irrespective of what’s on the horizon, that’s the primary importance.”
Tottenham have already faced Liverpool three times this season, conceding 10 goals in a 6-3 Premier League defeat and a 4-0 loss in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
They’ve won just two of the last 24 league meetings against the Reds, both at home.
Tottenham team news
Tottenham have no fresh fitness concerns but will be without captain Son Heung-Min, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
Postecoglou will hope to have his Talisman back for the Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.
When asked about Son’s availability for that game in a press conference, Postecogolou replied, “We’ll see.”
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