Preview Panel - Liverpool

In our latest Preview Panel, Paul Miller, who helped us beat the all-conquering Liverpool team of the 1980s three times in 1984/85, and Dominic King of the Daily Mail give their thoughts on our huge match at Anfield on Wednesday evening (8pm).

Introducing the panel

Paul Miller - Centre-back during the glory, glory days of the early 1980s, ‘Maxi’ progressed through the youth system to make 285 appearances for us between 1979-87, winning the FA Cup twice and the UEFA Cup in 1984. Part of the team that ended a run of 73 years without victory at Anfield in 1985.

Dominic King - Dominic knows Liverpool inside-out as north-west football reporter for the Daily Mail. @DominicKing_DM

Paul Miller

“I think this game has come at the right time. Liverpool, undoubtedly, alongside Manchester City, have been the best side over the last two, three years. However, they have a few injuries, and some big players amongst them. Maybe if there’s a time to play them, it’s now. We’re flying. Okay, a bit disappointed how the second half at Palace panned out, but that happens, and a point at Palace isn’t a bad thing, they’ll make it difficult for most teams. The two of us are at the top of the league, that’s nice. It takes me back to those days in 1985 when we were doing the same thing with Everton at the top. We won at Anfield in March, 1985, the first time since 1912. It was always the one about not winning there since the Titanic went down! We always had that rammed down our throats! But we played well that day. I just think at Anfield, you have to keep it tight. What you don’t want to do is let an early goal in, that makes it difficult. It’s a great opportunity for us. To stay top would be great. It’s a very open season, and we’re in with a chance.”

Dominic King

“I think it will be a tight game. This is no disrespect to Jose, who I think is doing a fabulous job, but I think he will come to frustrate Liverpool, be compact and try to use the weapons of Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and then maybe Steven Bergwijn or Gareth Bale to counter and take advantage of any weakness in Liverpool’s defence. Liverpool are going through a dreadful time with injuries. I couldn’t even begin to think who will play, maybe Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips alongside Fabinho. I would think Jose will being looking at it and hoping everything is kept tight, and how Spurs then get the chance to attack Liverpool’s defence. You know how Liverpool are going to approach it, they are very patient, enjoy keeping possession and it’s a bit of a misconception that it’s 100mph all the time, it’s not... it is when they are trying to win the ball back, but when they are in possession, they are very patient, and they have world-class talent up front to make a difference.”