Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool Preview
This Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur takes on Liverpool in a crucial English Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM GMT, and both teams are looking for a much-needed win to boost their seasons.
Match Details
- Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool
- What: English Premier League
- Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK
- When: Saturday, December 20, at 5:30 PM GMT
- How to Follow: Tune in to Al Jazeera Sport starting at 5:00 PM GMT for all the build-up and live text coverage.
Current Situations
As the defending champions, Liverpool is eager to secure back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since September. However, challenges persist. Manager Arne Slot, who led the team to a title last season, is under significant pressure following a troubling stretch of results, including nine losses in their last twelve matches. Additionally, a public dispute involving star forward Mohamed Salah has added to the tension surrounding the club.
Tottenham, on the other hand, has faced its own issues, with six defeats in ten games during October and November. The recent form of both managers raises concerns about their futures going into this clash.
Mohamed Salah’s Situation
Currently on international duty for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Salah’s status with Liverpool seems uncertain. After expressing feeling “thrown under the bus” due to being benched for three consecutive games, speculation regarding his future has intensified. The interest from the Saudi Pro League doesn’t help matters, especially following his omission from a Champions League match in Milan.
Recent Matches Overview
Tottenham’s Last Game
Tottenham experienced a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest last Sunday. Callum Hudson-Odoi netted two goals early in the game, and Ibrahim Sangare sealed the win for Forest with a late goal.
Liverpool’s Last Game
In contrast, Liverpool managed to focus on football, triumphing 2-0 against Brighton at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike scored both goals, with Salah making a crucial assist from a corner after coming on as a substitute.
Teams’ Premier League Performance
Tottenham’s Season So Far
Tottenham started the season strong, achieving one defeat in their first seven matches. However, their performance waned, with five losses in their last nine and a placement in the bottom half of the league table. They’ve only secured one win in their last seven league matches.
Liverpool’s Season So Far
Liverpool won their first seven competitive matches, excluding a preseason loss. Followed by four consecutive defeats, their record shows three wins in 11 Premier League games, contributing to a challenging season. They currently sit in the top half of the table, starting this matchday in seventh place, 10 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Pressure on Managers
Despite winning the UEFA Europa League last season, Tottenham’s manager, Thomas Frank, finds himself under significant scrutiny. Rumors suggest that former Barcelona midfielder Xavi is being considered as a potential successor. Frank’s position is precarious, especially given that he is the fifth permanent manager for Spurs since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019.
Historical Context
Previous Encounters
The last meeting between these teams saw Liverpool dominate, winning 5-1 at Anfield in April. Toni Solanke initially scored for Tottenham, but Liverpool bounced back with goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo.
Last Premier League Meeting
In their most recent league encounter, Liverpool also came out on top with a 6-3 victory, demonstrating a severely lopsided matchup.
Team News Ahead of the Match
Tottenham
Injury concerns plague the Spurs squad, with several key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski unavailable. Additionally, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are out on international duty, leaving the team shorthanded.
Liverpool
Salah is the major absentee for Liverpool, though he has been coming off the bench recently. Cody Gakpo, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo are injured, while Conor Bradley is suspended. Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez are doubtful due to injuries sustained in the Brighton match, but Jeremie Frimpong is anticipated to return from his injury.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bergvall; Kudus, Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison
Liverpool
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Chiesa, Jones, Wirtz; Ekitike
Conclusion
As Tottenham prepares to face Liverpool, both teams need to overcome recent struggles for a much-needed victory. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the urgency for points as the season progresses.
Key Takeaways
- The match takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday at 5:30 PM GMT.
- Both teams are in desperate need of a win to revive their seasons amid mounting pressure on their managers.
- Mohamed Salah’s future with Liverpool remains uncertain as he competes in the Africa Cup of Nations.
- The historical context highlights Liverpool’s dominance over Tottenham in recent encounters.