Jurgen Klopp: 'It is clear this is a very important game'

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Sunday’s clash at Anfield is a ‘six-pointer’ in the race for Champions League qualification.

Victory for us at Anfield would see us leapfrog the Reds back into the Premier League’s top four, just days after an excellent 2-0 home win over Manchester United in another high-profile game.

We’ve historically struggled away to the Reds, but after that triumph over United and having beaten Klopp’s men 4-1 at Wembley earlier in the season, we head north full of confidence.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the game at his pre-match press conference, Klopp said: “The Tottenham game at Wembley was not a good game from us. They had a good start, good middle of the game and good finish – that’s why they won the game.

“But it’s absolutely nothing to do with the next game. (With) the situation in the table, our targets and what we want to do and where we want to finish the season, it is clear it is a very important game.

“These are six-point games and the only advantage one team can have in a situation like this is to play at home, at Anfield in this case. That’s really good and I’m looking forward to it.”

Klopp, whose side won 3-0 at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday evening, kept a close eye on our midweek win against United and went on: “They know it was kind of a lucky start. There were a lot of long balls in the history of football and the second touch – but it doesn’t lead too often to a goal.

“They were awake the whole game, sharp over 95 minutes. It looked really good. You don’t keep Manchester United that often, so often, away from your own goal as Tottenham did in that game.”

Asked whether he expects to face a similar XI to that which beat the Red Devils, he added: “A few players are coming back. Maybe (Toby) Alderweireld is back, Lucas Moura is a new signing and may be involved.

“They are in a good moment, but our moment is not too bad as well. It will be interesting.”