5 reasons Liverpool will defeat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
By David Gate
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal with Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and Spartak Moskva at Anfield on December 6, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal with Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and Spartak Moskva at Anfield on December 6, 2017 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6a2f689a4efe6b7e026ac32df01678e178987195dbadd3fcf4de579fbec6c1a1.jpg)
No.4: Mane Return
Sadio Mane is in the worst run of form we have seen from him since he joined Liverpool in August 2016. He is certainly not in the full flow we witnessed last season. Perhaps that is down to injuries or maybe a positional change. So why I am picking him to be the difference in this game?
Despite his disappointing form he has 9 goals and 6 assists this year. That is comparable to Son Heung-Min who has 12 goals and 4 assists. Nobody is worrying about the Korean’s form. Even in this more barren run Mane has 2 goals and 2 assists in his last seven appearances. Including a cracker against Burnley and laser strike against Manchester City.
The Senegalese forward bagged two goals in his last game against Spurs – including one-off the left hand side. He missed the fixture in October with injury. His return for this game will really help Liverpool.
Yes we have lost Coutinho but the Brazilian was not a key factor in the win last season. Also he was easily marshaled by Serge Aurier and Kieran Trippier who doubled up on him. The sheer pace of Mane will give the Spurs back four much more to consider this time out.