Source: SKY_Sports
Liverpool v Tottenham preview
Liverpool will end the Premier League season dreaming of what might have been when Tottenham arrive at Anfield on Sunday.
When the fixture computer served up Spurs at home on the final day of the campaign, mental images on Merseyside turned to Steven Gerrard lifting the league trophy high into a sunny sky.
However, Manchester United wrapped up the silverware last weekend and there is now only second place that Rafa Benitez's side, who correctly view the campaign as progress, can look to guarantee.
Perhaps even more notable, though, will be the probable inclusion of veteran defender Sami Hyypia in the first XI as the centre-back, who could captain the side, plays the last game of his memorable 10-year stay.
Tottenham have their own priorities and will have no room to offer sentiment towards Hyypia as they continue to pursue a place in next season's Europa League.
Harry Redknapp has performed a miraculous job at White Hart Lane since taking over as manager last October and has transformed Spurs from relegation candidates to European contenders.
As Robbie Keane returns to Anfield, after being sold back to Tottenham in the winter transfer window following an unsuccessful six-month stay at Liverpool, the North London club sit two points behind seventh-placed Fulham.
Redknapp's men are the only side that can still catch Roy Hodgson's troops, who occupy the last remaining league position that will secure continental football in 2009/10, creating plenty of motivation.
Bust-upLiverpool boss Benitez is set to hand Hyypia a start as he bids farewell to the club so fellow defenders Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel will contest for a place on the bench.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso, whose future is uncertain, is expected to feature in the first XI after nursing his way back from bruising with a second-half substitute appearance in last weekend's relegation-causing victory at West Brom.
Jamie Carragher and Alvaro Arbeloa should both play a part, despite a much-publicised, on-field bust-up at The Hawthorns, as Liverpool look to avenge defeat at White Hart Lane last November.
Tottenham will be without midfielder Tom Huddlestone as the 22-year-old is set to undergo surgery on his left knee.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto returned from a foot injury to replace Gareth Bale in last weekend's crucial win against Manchester City, while Vedran Corluka got the nod over Alan Hutton.
Possible starting XIs
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Aurelio, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera, Gerrard, Torres.
Tottenham: Gomes, Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto, Bale, Jenas, Zokara, Modric, Keane, Defoe.
