Tottenham vs. Liverpool team news: Mauricio Pochettino backs Harry Kane
Spurs take on the Premier League leaders at Wembley Stadium
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.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
‘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)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
A growing iodine deficiency could bring back America's goiter
Under the Radar Ailment is back thanks to complacency, changing diets and a lack of public-health education
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Today's political cartoons - November 10, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - civic duty, uncertain waters, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 ladylike cartoons about women's role in the election
Cartoons Artists take on the political gender gap, Lady Liberty, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Can England's Euros team hold their nerve?
Today's Big Question Three Lions' 'lopsided' opening win over Serbia raises more questions than it answers
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
‘Captain fantastic’: Harry Kane’s most memorable England goals
feature Kane has overtaken Wayne Rooney as the Three Lions’s all-time leading goalscorer
By Mike Starling Published