Liverpool vs Tottenham: Origi hattrick or Firmino to make a difference? The Champions League final big prediction

Just chill

Reds, just 12 months removed from wondering if we’d ever be back during the Jurgen Klopp era, we find ourselves on the precipice of greatness as yet another Champions League final awaits.

However, unlike last year when everything carried a “just happy to be here” underdog vibe to it, this year’s reality is much different, much more stressful.

Headed into the game, not only are Liverpool favorites, but they’re desperate. Given the heartbreaking result of the Premier League season, Liverpool finds themselves on the brink of oblivion if they should end this season – one of the most successful in their history – trophyless.

And despite the baked in anxiety that comes with playing a fellow Premier League such as Tottenham Hotspur, I am here to simply say this: fear not.

Heading into the final, every Liverpool fan I spoke to would have preferred Ajax in the final. Is that because Ajax is a less talented team? Absolutely not. It was because of the inherent stress that comes from playing a team whose potential victory over the Reds would hit too close to home.

But here’s the thing: Liverpool is much better than Spurs. Like, 26 points better. Like 2-0 against them this season better. But most importantly, like “we beat them 2-1 at their own stadium” better. And that, to me, holds the key – the away victory at Spurs earlier in the season.

Liverpool knows – in their heart of hearts, whether Harry Kane is on the pitch or not – that they are far and away the better squad. That confidence, combined the utter desire to legitimize both themselves and their beloved manager, will ultimately prove too much for Spurs.

I’m taking the Reds 2-0.

Eric Italiano