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Sat 11 February 2017 8:49, UK

By Dominic Toner

Paul Merson believes that things could get “toxic” at Liverpool if they fail to pick up a much-needed victory against Tottenham and states that manager Jurgen Klopp could be the man in the spotlight.

The Merseyside club host Spurs on Saturday evening in the Premier League and are in desperate need of the three points.

The Reds are without a win in their last five Premier League games and have slipped outside the top four, while leaders Chelsea are now 13 points above them.

Meanwhile, their opponents Spurs are second-placed in the league table and are considered to be Chelsea’s biggest contenders for the title.

Merson expects Klopp to come in for criticism from fans if they fail to overcome Spurs.

The German manager has been a popular figure at Anfield since his arrival, but could receive some unfamiliar stick from supporters if their winless run continues on Saturday.

“It will be a real disaster if Liverpool don’t find a way to win this game and it could get a bit toxic,” Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star. “The fans have mostly stayed with Jurgen Klopp but he’s had a go at the Kop a few times this season.

“That’s okay when you’re winning, but they won’t keep on having that. They’re in a bad situation and they just can’t win football matches.”

Liverpool suffered a shock 2-0 defeat away to relegation candidates Hull in their last game as their frontline failed to deliver again.

The club’s attackers were in sensational form during the first half of the season, but have been unable to recreate the same kind of spark in front of goal.

Klopp’s footballing philosophy is built on an attractive attacking style and he will be desperate to see his team put in a strong performance against Spurs.

In other Liverpool news, Mark Lawrenson believes the team need a player like Michael Carrick.

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