October 17, 2015 12:45pm – White Hart Lane

The Premier League is back this weekend and what better to way to kick things off than with the debut BPL appearance of one of world football’s most intriguing managers. White Hart Lane will be the venue as Tottenham Hotspur welcome a Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool to North London.

Klopp’s arrival on Merseyside has been met with resounding approval from most observers in the game and even fans of other clubs have admitted to harbouring a hint of jealousy at Liverpool’s latest appointment.

After a seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund during which he was hailed, alongside the likes of Pep Guardiola, as one of the hottest new coaches in the game – the maverick man of European football has finally arrived on British shores and the world will be watching.

After promising “full throttle” football, Liverpool fans could be forgiven for being a little excited but they may need to wait a while before the Klopp effect kicks in for real.

The German has certainly lifted the despondent mood that had plagued the Anfield club since the middle of last season. With the euphoria of the 2013/4 title push and the genius of Luis Suarez all but a distant memory, the club was beginning to look and feel more like mid-table nobodies than genuine title-hunters. The weight of expectation that suddenly took its toll on Brendan Rodgers, seems to sit very comfortable on the German’s shoulders.

So what can we expect from Klopp’s first game in England? In his first press conference, he played down the need to adapt to English football by insisting that it’s still the same game. As a man who has guided his team past opponents of many nationalities in the Champions League, it is hard to disagree with him.

Managers often enjoy a honeymoon period when taking over at a new club, and if anyone seems capable of riding a wave of positivity before stamping their own mark on a team, it is Klopp. He will have had a week to prepare for this match – although many of his players will have been away on international duty – so we may just see a glimpse of what he has in store for Liverpool.

He will be up against one of the form teams in the league in the shape of Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs. The Londoners have yet to lose on home soil this term and will be looking to exact revenge for some resounding defeats inflicted on them by the Reds in recent times.

In their last league game, Tottenham comfortably beat title contenders Manchester City 4-1 and will be full of confidence going in to this game. Their only defeat this so far season came against Manchester United on the opening day, since then, they have looked more impressive with each game that has passed.

Teams

Tottenham will have to make do without Eric Dier who is suspended for card accumulation and Hueng-Min Son who is suffering from a foot injury. However, they could welcome back one or more of Mabil Bentaleb, Ryan Mason and Danny Rose, who are all close to recovery.

Liverpool’s list of injured absentees includes Captain Jordan Henderson, midfielder Roberto Firmino and defender Dejan Lovren. Meanwhile, Philippe Countinho and Christian Benteke could be available to play for their new boss.

Prediction

Liverpool will be looking to make it six wins in a row against Spurs and their third on the trot at White Hart Lane. In their last two visits they have put eight goals into the Spurs net without reply.

The reds certainly have the upper hand in this fixture and will be boosted by Klopp’s arrival. You can back the away win at 2/1 with Bet365.

Danny Ings has been impressive in recent games and may once again start as Benteke continues his recovery from injury. You can back Ings to score first at 6/1 with Bet365.