Chris Waddle: Tottenham capable of making their mark at Anfield

A 5-0 win over Red Star Belgrade - regardless of the standard of opposition - was exactly what Tottenham needed before their trip to Liverpool.

It was a game I expected them to win but they did it in great style. The 4-5-1 formation worked. The played quickly to feet. They were in much better shape and it was a massive confidence boost.

It may not have been a coincidence that many of the players who were missing were the ones whose status at the club has been questioned most.

Jan Vertonghen played even though he might not be at Spurs next season, while Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen didn't start.

Having a team of players fully committed with their long-term deals may have just made a bit of a difference. There is no danger of them thinking about where they are going to be next season and having their agents in their ear every ten minutes.

Quite what happens to Eriksen, I don't know. It looked as if he was going in the summer but it is not in his football interests to sit it out for the rest of the season.

There would obviously be benefits for his bank balance as he could get a nice pot of gold, but it doesn't matter how talented you are if you are not playing, especially with the Euros just over six months away.

He needs to be out there showing people what he can do, but Tottenham should have got it all sorted out a year ago.

I doubt we will see much of him at Liverpool on Sunday but while the Reds and Manchester City are streets ahead of the rest of the Premier League, it should be remembered that Spurs have performed well at Anfield in each of the last two seasons.

The grabbed a 2-2 draw a couple of seasons ago and would have taken a point last year too had it not been for them gifting Liverpool an own goal right at the end.

Mauricio Pochettino has the calibre of player to trouble the Liverpool defence. Harry Kane is a great leader of the line and Dele Alli, Erik Lamela and Heung-Min Son have the pace to threaten.

They may have to defend deeper to stop Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane running riot but they can do that.

Keeping Firmino in check will be key. If he finds space far from goal, Spurs should let him go. They don't want to get dragged in because then he will lead players to places they don't want to go and the other two will exploit any space that will be left behind.

But Tottenham can get something from the game. Liverpool were strong against Genk in the Champions League but they have had a few wobbles in the league recently.

Sheffield United should have got a point against them, while Leicester were denied by a late penalty at Anfield.

Manchester United claimed a draw against Jurgen Klopp's side last week and I am convinced Spurs can do the same.

There would be no point in Harry Kane signing for Manchester United

It is pretty amusing to hear Roy Keane say that United should sign Harry Kane - I bet there are about 60 managers in Europe who would love to have the Spurs striker leading their forward line.

It is true that Kane may start thinking about how many medals he will have in his cabinet to look back on it retirement, but at the age of 26, now is not the time.

And even if he did, he's in at better place than he would be if he joined United. Sure they are a big club but he is not going to be able to turn them into a top-four team single-handed.

United don't just need Kane. They need four or five other players as well.

Dwight Gayle could be the answer to Newcastle United's goal drought

Newcastle face an interesting game against Wolves, who have picked up of late and should be buzzing after their win at Manchester City.

It will be difficult for them after a Europa League away game - it's a massive drain when you travel to play midweek because the games come so thick and fast.

I expect the Magpies to sit back and try to soak the pressure up, but the big concern is at the other end - they've scored only five goals all season.

They spent a lot of money on Miguel Almiron but he doesn't look like scoring a goal and it's not as if he came from a top league in Europe. He was playing in MLS and that has to be on a similar level to League One.

Joelinton isn't a number nine and Andy Carroll is still injured, so Dwight Gayle looks the solution for me.

He went on loan to West Brom and this is an excellent chance for him to prove his worth.

Something has to happen because, at this rate, they are going to struggle to avoid the drop.

The rivalry in the Paris St-Germain v Marseille derby will be intense

My old club Marseille head to Paris St-Germain on Sunday and it brings up some great memories of a fixture which I think is right up there with the biggest in European football.

The teams may not be close on a map but the rivalry is intense and that will be matched by the atmosphere.

I lost to PSG only once in the three years I was in France and we were heroes. The cultural rivalry between the two cities is massive.

We were the bigger team then and things have changed. But the passion will still be there. There are bound to be five or six yellow cards and a red one is likely too. The tackles were always flying in and players were always getting in each other's faces.

Marseille will try to annoy PSG as much as possible but it will be a brilliant occasion. If you ever get the chance to go I heartily recommend it.

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