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Key matchups in Tottenham vs Liverpool

By Matt English

Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (C) applauds supporters at the final whistle during the EFL (English Football League) Cup fourth round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool north west England on October 25, 2016.Sturridge scored both their goals as Liverpool won the game 2-1. / AFP / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
Liverpool's English striker Daniel Sturridge (C) applauds supporters at the final whistle during the EFL (English Football League) Cup fourth round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool north west England on October 25, 2016.Sturridge scored both their goals as Liverpool won the game 2-1. / AFP / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Hotspur’s Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane in London, on January 14, 2017. / AFP / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur’s Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane in London, on January 14, 2017. / AFP / Glyn KIRK / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images) /

Firmino vs Toby Alderweireld

Another huge defensive matchup for Spurs will be that of Alderweireld and Firmino. The Belgian has been the leader of the defense in the absence of international partner Jan Vertonghen, keeping Tottenham’s defensive record in tact. He will need to continue to shut down the opposition attack, limiting the chances Liverpool create.

One man who will challenge Alderweireld will be Brazilian attacker Firmino. A staple in the Liverpool side this season, Firmino has the second most minutes in the team for League matches. Able to play center forward, attacking midfielder and striker, Firmino has been a key aspect to Klopp’s game plan this campaign. He will be up against a very tough task in Alderweireld, relying on his dribbling skill and quick movement to get him out of the physical side of the matchup.

Liverpool will need to be at the top of their game offensively if they hope to get any sort of opportunities on net. With Vertonghen not due back for a few weeks still, Alderweireld will have to rely on partner Eric Dier to provide cover. The two will not have a moment’s rest during the match. Liverpool will be throwing everything they have at the Spurs back line, looking for any way they can to get a goal.

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