Softfootball understands that Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Liverpool on Saturday night in what is easily the Premier League’s standout fixture of the weekend. The setting is the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the atmosphere around both clubs feels very different as Christmas edges closer.
The reigning champions arrive in north London aiming to stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches, while Spurs are battling to avoid an unwanted slice of history in their final home outing before the festive break. For the hosts, things aren’t quite boiling over yet, but the heat is definitely on again.
Tottenham Hotspur shared a video of their player preparing for the game via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
Just when Tottenham seemed to be finding some footing under Thomas Frank, sparked by that gritty comeback draw with Newcastle and confident home wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague, everything came crashing down at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest defeated Tottenham 3-0 with ease, as Ibrahim Sangaré and Callum Hudson-Odoi appeared to have far too much freedom.
That result leaves Spurs having lost three of their last five league games, stuck in the bottom half and now six points off the final Champions League spot. While the club hierarchy are still believed to be backing Frank, it’s getting harder to ignore the noise.
Liverpool’s recent story has been a bit messy off the pitch, though the results haven’t really shown it. Their 2–0 victory over Brighton last weekend came with another milestone for Mohamed Salah, even though he only featured off the bench.
Salah has now left for AFCON duty, forcing Arne Slot to keep reshaping his attack, but so far the Reds haven’t looked too uncomfortable without him.
Away from Anfield, however, remains the soft spot. Liverpool have shipped goals on the road since last season, sometimes needlessly so. Still, a narrow Champions League win over Inter Milan and an intimidating recent record against Spurs should help settle nerves.
The Reds have won the last two meetings by a combined score of 9–1, including that ruthless title-clinching win back in April, a night Spurs fans would rather forget.
Team News
Tottenham’s midfield has been thinned by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, with Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma away representing Senegal and Mali, respectively. Bissouma, though, was already unavailable due to injury and suspension, so his absence changes little on the pitch.
Injuries continue to stack up for the hosts. Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie and James Maddison all remain sidelined, and there’s still no clear timeline on returns. Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai have featured in recent training matches, so they may not be too far off, but neither is guaranteed involvement.
Liverpool will also be missing Salah due to AFCON, while Dominik Szoboszlai is a doubt after picking up an ankle knock against Brighton. Joe Gomez remains out with a muscle problem. On the plus side, Conor Bradley returns from suspension and could slot straight back into defence, while Jeremie Frimpong is back in the squad. Wataru Endo, Cody Gakpo and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable.
Possible Line-ups
Tottenham Hotspur:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bergvall; Kudus, Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison
Liverpool:
Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Chiesa, Jones, Wirtz; Ekitike
Softfootball’s Prediction
Tottenham vs Liverpool usually promises goals and chaos, but this one feels a little different than usual. With absentees on both sides and neither team fully settled, it might not turn into the classic shootout.
Spurs still look shaky when pressed and can unravel defensively, while Liverpool, despite their own flaws, appear the calmer, more controlled side right now. If the visitors keep their discipline and take their chances, they should have just enough to edge it.
prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1–2 Liverpool
