PREM: Liverpool v Tottenham preview

Liverpool v Tottenham preview

Liverpool will be targeting their first Premier League win in 2017 when they host Tottenham in a top-four battle.

The Reds have earned just one win in all competitions since the turn of the year - an FA Cup third-round replay against League Two side Plymouth - with three draws and four losses in the top flight.

Liverpool have not lost a game to Tottenham in their last eight meetings, and manager Jurgen Klopp is urging his side to step up against second-placed Spurs.

"Against a team like Tottenham we need everything we have got," Klopp said. "It's a strong opponent. If we play like we did in the first half against Hull, no chance, if we play like we did in the second half, better chance, but we should play better."

Mauricio Pochettino's side are four points ahead of their Saturday opponents, and can maintain their push on Chelsea at the top if they win this weekend.

But despite their recent run of poor results, Pochettino is aware of the Reds' threat, saying: "They are not on a good run but Liverpool have very good players, for me it is one of the best squads, not only in England but also in Europe."

Klopp is hopeful of having Adam Lallana available for the match after missing two days of training this week with a slight Achilles issue, while Dejan Lovren (knee) is also touch and go.

Ragnar Klavan has also been suffering with illness during the week and could miss out while the decision of who starts in goal is one Klopp is keeping under his hat.

Tottenham will be without defenders Danny Rose (knee) and Jan Vertonghen (ankle), meaning Ben Davies and Eric Dier are expected to continue in defence.

Erik Lamela is still struggling with pain in his hip but Kieran Trippier is available again after overcoming an injury to his ankle.