Tottenham and Liverpool play for the biggest
prize in club football on Saturday as the two
Premier League teams go head-to-head in the
Champions League final.

Liverpool are aiming to win their sixth European
Cup in Madrid while a surprise victory for Spurs
would earn them their first.

Here, AFP Sport looks at five key battles that
could decide the contest.


Pochettino v Klopp


Mauricio Pochettino has said he expects this
match to be a battle of emotions, not tactics, but
his duel with Jurgen Klopp could go a long way
to settling the final.

For Pochettino, the big call will be around Harry
Kane, who could be fit enough to start but will he
be sharp enough to merit the risk?

Klopp’s biggest selection dilemma is in midfield,
where he has to pick three from Jordan
Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner
and Fabinho.

His choice could offer a clue as to Liverpool’s
approach, whether they want a fast, open game,
the kind they usually favour. It is the kind
Tottenham, with their speed in attack, might be
happy with too.


Salah v Rose


Mohamed Salah played only 30 minutes of last
year’s final, forced off after a collision with Sergio
Ramos, and the Egyptian will surely be eager to
make up for lost time.

Even if his season has not had the explosiveness
of last, Salah remains Liverpool’s deadliest threat
and how Danny Rose handles him will be key to
Tottenham’s hopes.

Rose was outstanding during Tottenham’s
quarter-final triumph over Ajax, showing the kind
of form that once made him one of the finest full-
backs in Europe. A repeat this weekend would
give Spurs a good chance.


Eriksen v Wijnaldum


Georginio Wijnaldum was the star of Liverpool’s
incredible comeback against Barcelona in the
semi-finals and Klopp is likely to rely on him
again in Madrid.

Wijnaldum’s versatility has been invaluable to
Klopp, who will hope the Dutchman can use his
athleticism and power to set the tempo in
midfield.

For Tottenham, Christian Eriksen will be looking
to run the game too, but more quietly, the Dane’s
craft and vision will be essential if Spurs want to
break down Liverpool’s stubborn defence.
If Eriksen is denied space to thread balls for the
likes of Kane, Son and Dele Alli to find, Liverpool
could be halfway there.


Liverpool v Expectation


It has been a long time since Liverpool last went
into a European final as favourites and much
could depend on how they handle the pressure.
Liverpool finished 26 points above Tottenham in
the Premier League this season, beat them home
and away, and have lost to them only once in the
last 13 matches.

They also know what it feels like to play in a
Champions League final, with most of this team
there in Kiev last year, when they were beaten by
Real Madrid.

That experience should be an advantage but
expectation can create tension too. Liverpool
must not blink.


Tottenham v Nerves


Tottenham are the underdogs but there is never
nothing to lose in a game of this magnitude.
For some of their players, it is likely to be their
only shot at winning club football’s biggest prize
and for all of them except Toby Alderweireld, it
will be their first Champions League final.

Alderweireld and Hugo Lloris, who won the World
Cup with France last year, will be among those
trying to keep their team-mates calm because
against Liverpool, notorious for fast starts, there
will be no time for adjustment.

After three weeks to stew, Spurs have to ensure
nerves do not strangle their performance.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/05/tottenham-vs-liverpool-five-key-battles-to-decide-champions-league-final/

Dominique

aderweild is Belgian bro