vs 
Tottenham
Hotspur - Liverpool
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Liverpool kick-off their assault on the 2009/10 Premier League
title with a difficult fixture at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, The
Reds impressed last season but ultimately finished four points
adrift of eventual champions Manchester United.
Rafa Benitez, though, is confident his side can go all the way
this campaign, with the club desperate for a first league crown
since 1990.
For Spurs, the new term is a chance to right last season's
wrongs that saw them initially flirt with relegation under former
boss Juande Ramos. Harry Redknapp took over from the Spaniard and
helped manoeuvre the club up to a final standing of eighth in the
table.
Having bolstered during the winter and summer transfer windows,
Redknapp will be targeting European football this time around.
Redknapp has brought in Peter Crouch from Portsmouth and the
towering striker will be pushing for a starting role versus his
former club Liverpool.
Defender Sebastien Bassong has been given the green light to
feature following uncertainty over a previous ban. The ex-Newcastle
United centre-back's availability is a massive boost for Redknapp,
given that Jonathan Woodgate (groin) is out, while Ledley King
(back) and Michael Dawson (Achilles) are doubts.
Reds manager Benitez will monitor captain Steven Gerrard's
fitness ahead of the clash at White Hart Lane. Gerrard sat out
England's draw against Holland in midweek after suffering a groin
injury.
Central defenders Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel could both
be available after ankle and hamstring problems respectively.
Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and new signing Alberto Aquilani are
sidelined through injury.
Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Bassong, King,
Assou-Ekotto, Jenas, Palacios, Modric, Lennon, Crouch, Defoe.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Agger, Carragher,
Insua, Kuyt, Lucas, Mascherano, Riera, Gerrard, Torres.
