Liverpool and Tottenham each had their own miracle in the semifinals, creating an all-English Champions League Final in Madrid. On Saturday, two of the Premier League’s highest quality sides will take the pitch to battle for one of Europe’s most coveted trophies, and there is plenty to talk about in the build up.
Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur were seconds away from falling out of this competition in the semifinals. It took a Lucas Moura hattrick that was completed in the 96th minute to overcome Ajax on the aggregate scoreline. Despite his heroics, Lucas may find himself on the bench for the start of this match, as star striker Harry Kane has been cleared to play in the Final. Kane hasn’t played since April 9th, but his scoring numbers force manager Mauricio Pochettino to have to make a tough decision. Kane leads Spurs with 23 goals in all competitions this season, but Lucas Moura is the inform striker, scoring six goals in his last nine games, including scoring the biggest goals in Spurs season so far. Whichever striker Pochettino decides to go with needs to bring his scoring boots, as Tottenham are looking to avoid a third straight defeat at the hands of the Reds this season. Spurs lost both games in the league to Liverpool, but they have also shown an ability to turn their game up a notch in the Champions League. After all, this is the same Spurs side that was able to take care of Man City over two legs. Let’s see if they can duplicate the same world class performance in the Final in Madrid on Saturday.
Spurs did not finish their season with too much success. Tottenham has won just one of their last five games, and have a record of 2-1-3 in their last six matches. This is a side who have had their struggles in the Champions League as well. Spurs have a record of 6-2-4 in the tournament, losing one of the two legs in each of their last two matchups.
Tottenham Expected Starting Lineup
Lloris, Rose, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Trippier, Sissoko, Wanyama, Eriksen, Alli, Son, Kane
Tottenham Champions League Form
| DATE | STAGE | FIXTURE | FT | HT |
| 08.05.2019 | Semi Final Leg 2 of 2 | Ajax Tottenham |
2 3 |
2 0 |
| 30.04.2019 | Semi Final Leg 1 of 2 | Tottenham Ajax |
0 1 |
0 1 |
| 17.04.2019 | Quarter Final Leg 2 of 2 | Man City Tottenham |
4 3 |
3 2 |
| 09.04.2019 | Quarter Final Leg 1 of 2 | Tottenham Man City |
1 0 |
0 0 |
| 05.03.2019 | Round of 16 Leg 2 of 2 | Dortmund Tottenham |
0 1 |
0 0 |
Liverpool
It has been a season full of winning for Liverpool, but they have yet to capture a trophy to show for their consistency. The Champions League trophy would be a perfect ending to this Liverpool season, especially after the unbelievable 4-0 comeback performance that they put in to beat Barcelona in the semi’s. Tottenham are the last hurdle for this Liverpool side, who have been relentless in front of goal this season. The front three of Liverpool has been key in the style that manager Jurgen Klopp has implemented in the side. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both shared a piece of the Golden Boot in the Premier League this season, indicating just how deadly this Liverpool front line can be. After coming so close to Champions League success last season, it would appear as if the Reds have it all lined up to capture UCL title this year.
Liverpool are in fine form ahead of the Champions League Final. The Reds have won three matches in a row, and have a 5-0-1 record in their last six matches, with four of those five victories being clean sheets. In the Champions League, Liverpool have a record of 7-1-4. On their way to the Final, Liverpool have taken out some of the biggest and best sides in Europe, including Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Liverpool Expected Starting Lineup
Alisson, Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Milner, Fabinho, Henderson, Mane, Firmino, Salah
Liverpool Champions League Form
| DATE | STAGE | FIXTURE | FT | HT |
| 07.05.2019 | Semi Final Leg 2 of 2 | Liverpool Barcelona |
4 0 |
1 0 |
| 30.04.2019 | Semi Final Leg 1 of 2 | Tottenham Ajax |
0 1 |
0 1 |
| 17.04.2019 | Quarter Final Leg 2 of 2 | Man City Tottenham |
4 3 |
3 2 |
| 09.04.2019 | Quarter Final Leg 1 of 2 | Tottenham Man City |
1 0 |
0 0 |
| 05.03.2019 | Round of 16 Leg 2 of 2 | Dortmund Tottenham |
0 1 |
0 0 |
The Odds
Here are how the odds to win the match look from the bookies ahead of the game.
Tottenham to win @ 4.60 (18/5) with Betfair.
Liverpool to win @ 1.91 (10/11) with Unibet.
Draw @ 3.78 (139/50) with Betfair.
Odds taken at 20:30 GMT 31/05/2019
Key Points
- Liverpool has scored first in seven of their last eight matches against Tottenham
- Five of the last six matches featuring Liverpool v. Tottenham has had over 2.5 goals scored
- Tottenham has beaten Liverpool just once in their last 14 matches across all competitions (1-4-9)
Our Verdict and Best Bets
Liverpool and Tottenham finish the European soccer season on Saturday with the Champions League Final, with the Reds coming in as the favorites at (-115) odds on the moneyline. It feels as if this match can go just one way; a Liverpool win. This is a side that has shown quality all season long, and they’ve shown zero signs of slowing down. With one of the best lineups from front to back, Liverpool just need to show up and execute as the better team, and they will be walking away with Europe’s most coveted trophy. Expect a merciless performance from the Reds that will likely come with goals from Mane and Salah as the pair lead the Liverpool attack for one last match this season in a UCL Final.
