I don’t think new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could have asked for a better start than facing in-form Tottenham Hotspur in his first Barclays Premier League fixture this weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side currently lie in eighth spot (just one point ahead of Liverpool) and haven’t lost since the opening day of the season defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford back in August.

While the London side have still managed to draw too many games so far this term, they’ve also thumped league leaders Manchester City 4-1 at White Hart Lane. So that makes Saturday’s game extremely intriguing, get a £30 free bet at Betfred with this promo code.

Now some might say that Klopp would prefer an easier test than going away to a decent Spurs side, but the game on Saturday will give him plenty of insight into what kind of squad he currently possesses at Anfield.

By playing against a club generally seen as an equal, it can show Klopp what needs to be done and what is currently working well. It could also see his players produce more for their new boss and see the Reds win in the capital and leapfrog over their opponents after the full time whistle.

So far this season Spurs have looked pretty tough to breakdown. It will be interested to see how Klopp sets up his frontline. Will he go for big-man Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge as a partnership for the first time or go with just one up-top? Can Sturbridge continue to show his goalscoring qualities after his long lay-off?

A lot of eyes are also on new boy Roberto Firmino and whether or not Jurgen Klopp and spark the Brazilian into some form after his slow start in England. But the creative attacker has missed his sides last two games through injury and Klopp may not start Firmino in such a contested fixture against Tottenham this weekend. That said the Firmino question will remain unanswered until he proves himself one way or the other by the end of the campaign.

Liverpool’s main troubles during the Brendan Rodgers reign seemed to come from the back. Can Klopp come in and sort out those defensive frailties? They’ll certainly be tested on Saturday afternoon with a busy Harry Kane breathing down their necks. Concentration levels will also have to be top notch with Christian Eriksen and a resurgent Erik Lamela playing in forward roles for Spurs.

Obviously Klopp’s tenure in charge of Liverpool won’t be judged on this opening game. But nevertheless he will learn a great deal about English football, expectations that will be placed upon him and most importantly he will learn a huge amount about his own group of players.

That’s why for me, an away trip to Tottenham this early on could be invaluable for Jurgen Klopp’s long term plans for his new club!

Posted on October 14th, 2015 by scott
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