Saturday 2 April 2016 03:04, UK
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Saturday's clash with Tottenham will be like a cup final for their title-chasing opponents.
With Leicester not playing until Sunday, Spurs have the chance to close the gap on the Premier League leaders to just two points with a win at Anfield, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
And Reds manager Klopp insists his side will be prepared for Tottenham to treat the clash like a must-win encounter.
"We're looking forward to a really, really important game for both sides, and maybe for Tottenham it's something like a final," said Klopp.
"They need to win to put pressure on Leicester. It's not important for us to think about the situation of the other team, but I think on this occasion, it makes sense for us to think about it.
"We need to think about it in the sense that it's like a cup final, so we have to be ready."
The clash on Saturday Night Football will be the reverse fixture of Klopp's first match in charge of Liverpool. That ended 0-0 at White Hart Lane, but the German is expecting a different type of game this weekend.
"It's a massive difference. I know much more about the players and the club. I know much more about everything, we've had an intensive time. The Tottenham game was really exciting for us, it was a good game," added Klopp.
"Now everyone knows how strong Tottenham are and it's an important game for both sides. Liverpool v Tottenham is never a birthday party. It will be a hard fight. I watch football and I see the brilliant progress of Tottenham, the fantastic development of players."
Liverpool will follow this weekend's Premier League clash with the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Klopp's former side Borussia Dortmund on Thursday.
The Reds manager insists there is no concern over balancing the Premier League with the Europa League, and says the only game that matters is the one on Saturday.
"The two tournaments is not a problem for us. A lot of my players had three games this week, so that's always difficult," he added. "After Saturday, then we have four days, it's nothing to think about. The only game now is Tottenham."
Klopp also revealed that striker Christian Benteke will not be able to play against Tottenham, while fellow Belgium international forward Divock Origi is struggling with a muscle problem.
There is also concern over Roberto Firmino, who missed Liverpool's defeat to Southampton back on March 20 with a hamstring injury and also had to withdraw from the Brazil squad for their 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
