Spurs under 23’s versus Liverpool: (match preview)

Our under 23’s take on Liverpool on Friday afternoon at Hotspur Way, in the PL2. It’s seventh place versus fifth place in the league as Wayne Burnett’s side try to do the double over a Liverpool side who they beat 4-0 earlier on in the season. This will however, be a very tough task for Spurs as the ‘ Reds ‘ have only lost two games since losing to Spurs way back in August. Liverpool who are managed by Neil Critchley boast a wealth of attacking talent, of which includes attacking midfielder Curtis Jones (Jones has scored seven league goals so far this season), skilful 16 year old winger Harvey Elliott, Dutch defender Sepp Van Den Berg and experienced Spanish central midfielder Pedro Chirivella (22). Critchley’s side could also have talents such as Rhian Brewster and Elijah Dixon-Bonner available for Friday’s game. There is no doubting that this will be a very difficult game for Burnett’s young side. 

What could make this game even more difficult for Spurs is the fact that a couple of our under 23 regulars played in our under 18’s FA Youth Cup tie on Monday night, (Luis Binks, Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Harvey White) so they  might be rested for Friday’s game. Also our under 19’s have an important UEFA Youth League game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday so some players may also be rested on Friday. However, the key for Spurs will be stopping Liverpool’s attacking players expressing themselves. I am looking forward to reporting on this game and as always I would like to wish the lads all the very best of luck.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) De Bie, Okedina, Eyoma, Lyons-Foster, Hinds, Oakley-Boothe, Bowden (c), Markanday, Shashoua, Tracey, Richards.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Dinzeyi, Thorpe, Pochettino, Patterson.

Injured/unavailable: N/A.

Doubtful: Jeremie Mukendi.

Previous meeting: Spurs 4-0. 

My score prediction: Spurs 3-2.

My one to watch: The ‘ Reds ‘ 16 year old left winger Harvey Elliott. The England under 17 international who already has experience playing with Liverpool’s senior team, is a player with huge potential. Elliott is a highly skilful winger who has been a regular for Liverpool’s development side this season. Furthermore, the Spurs defence will have to be wary of the first year scholar as the former Fulham man could cause major problems for Wayne Burnett’s side down our right hand side with his skill and pace.