Are Tottenham Hotspur Liverpool's Bogey Team?

An underachieving Liverpool team will face super-confident Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield this Wednesday. A match that should see Maxi Rodriquez and Alberto Aquilani in the starting lineup. But then again, who can read Rafa's mind?

After a great last season, Liverpool were looking to go one better than second and finally be Premiership champions. Spurs brought Liverpool crashing back to reality, beating the Rafa's men 2-1 in London. This setback pretty much set the stage for a turbulent season so far for Liverpool.



A very significant post-match interview with Rafa who refuse to accept the lack of creativity caused by Alonso's departure.

Strangely enough, Tottenham Hotspur have been a thorn in Liverpool's side in recent seasons. Last season, Spurs ended Liverpool's impressive run of 16 matches unbeaten. A run that included beating Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Marseille. A 90th minute Roman Pavlyuchenko goal broke Liverpool hearts.

Ten days later, the two teams met again in the Carling Cup round of 16 and Spurs promptly knocked Liverpool out 4-2.A very interesting minute-by-minute report of the Carling Cup match can be found here. Again Roman Pavluychenko and Frazier Campbell proving too hot for Liverpool. Liverpool had Hyppia, Agger, Lucas, Torres, Babel and Ngog on that day.

So, as Liverpool prepares for this crucial mid-week match, my question is, are Tottenham Hotspur Liverpool's bogey team? Maybe not at Anfield where Liverpool have not lost in 15 matches at Anfield against Spurs. Still there is always a first....and Spurs have the knack of ending the Reds' unbeaten streaks in the past. as illustrated above. Need more proof?

Remember the 1995 FA Cup 6th round match at Anfield? Liverpool were on a 12-match unbeaten run and in good spirits leading up to this match. Juergen Klinsmann ended Liverpool's FA Cup hopes that year with an injury time strike.

I still believe that Liverpool play their best football when they have the the underdog mentality. Three points against Spurs solely depend on Rafa and his team lineup.