Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool
- When: Saturday 15 September
- Where: Wembley Stadium, London
- Kick-off time: 12.30pm
- TV channel: live on Sky Sports
England manager Gareth Southgate has said that star striker Harry Kane needs a rest following his exploits at the World Cup, but Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is backing the frontman to keep leading the attack at the north London club.
Kane started for England in the 1-2 defeat against Spain last weekend and came on as a sub against Switzerland. His recent performances have worried not only Southgate but also Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who believes that the Three Lions skipper should not have featured in the internationals.
Neville said: “I am concerned about Harry Kane. Since 2015 he has played 175 matches and he’s struggling. Forget the physical side, he needs a mental break as well. I don’t think he should have been here for the two weeks. I think there is a welfare thing in terms of looking after players. He has not had enough of a break since 2015.”
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‘I think he is fit’
World Cup golden boot winner Kane is expected to be in action for fifth-placed Tottenham when they face Premier League leaders Liverpool tomorrow (12.30pm kick-off).
Despite scoring two goals in four league matches, talkSPORT says that Kane “appeared to labour through the first few games of the new season”.
Speaking ahead of the Wembley clash, Spurs boss Pochettino said he was not concerned by Kane’s form, despite the fears that his forward is risking burnout.
“I think he is fit,” Pochettino told Sky Sports. “I do not read and do not listen to what is going on around. The most important [thing] is that we trust.
“For me, there is no doubt that he is one of the best strikers in the world. When a striker does not fill the net and does not score goals, always you need to find some reason why but I think he is fit.
“It is only time before he starts to score goals. For us, Harry Kane is so important. I have no doubt that he is one of the best players in England and in Europe.”
Tottenham vs. Liverpool team news
Lloris and Alli ruled out
Although Kane is expected to play, Spurs will be without Hugo Lloris and Dele Alli. Goalkeeper Lloris is out because of a thigh issue, while midfielder Alli suffered a hamstring injury during England duty.
The Daily Telegraph says Heung-Min Son could return to the Tottenham squad after playing for South Korea at the Asian Games and in the international fixtures.
Brazil trio boost Reds
After winning their opening four league matches this season, Liverpool have been given a further boost with the return of Brazil stars Roberto Firmino, Alisson and Fabinho from international duty a day early.
The trio were at training yesterday, the Daily Mirror reports, after catching a private jet from Washington DC, where Brazil were in action against El Salvador.
The BBC reports that back-up keeper Simon Mignolet has recovered following a hand injury, but midfielder Adam Lallana could miss the game because of a groin strain. Croatian defender Dejan Lovren is also out, because of a pelvis injury, the Telegraph reports.
Premier League fixtures
Saturday 15 September (3pm unless stated)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Leicester City
- Chelsea vs. Cardiff City
- Huddersfield Town vs. Crystal Palace
- Manchester City vs. Fulham
- Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
- Watford vs. Manchester United (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 16 September
- Wolves vs. Burnley (1.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Everton vs. West Ham United (4pm, live on Sky Sports)
Monday 17 September
- Southampton vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
