Win or bust for Liverpool and Spurs. Can Pep rally troops for El Gasico?

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Diogo Jota of Liverpool takes on Harry Winks of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 19, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images )

1) Win or bust for Liverpool and Spurs 

For the second week in a row, Liverpool can get their work done before sitting back to see how Manchester City fare. The extent of any European bounce or, in City’s case, hangover may be hard to predict but Jürgen Klopp’s men have certainly built up a fearsome head of steam to carry into the final four games. Like Liverpool, Spurs have a rival sitting just above them who, by and large, keep on winning: falling five points behind Arsenal this weekend could prove very costly going into Thursday’s north London derby and it adds to the sense that neither team can really afford anything but victory at Anfield. Spurs were not especially convincing in beating Leicester but, with an on-song Harry Kane and Son Heung-min kept fresh for the best part of a week, might fancy exposing any tired legs from that monumental comeback at Villarreal. Seasons are on the line for both sides, who would doubtless have preferred different opponents at this point. NA Liverpool v Tottenham, Saturday 7.45pm