Thomas Frank is a man under pressure at Tottenham, but which key battles do Liverpool need to win to get the better of his Spurs side this weekend?
The Reds have had a week without a game, which Arne Slot will have enjoyed, allowing for more time on the training ground and for injured players to return.
Next up is Saturday’s trip to Spurs, with the north Londoners not yet convincing under Frank, following his appointment from Brentford.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to Spurs fan Paul O’Keefe (@pokeefe1) to get the lowdown on the season to date, Frank’s future and the key battles this weekend.
How happy are you with Tottenham’s season so far?
I don’t believe any Spurs fan is particularly happy with the season so far.
The performances have largely been disappointing and lacklustre, so it has been a slog for the fans.
Is Thomas Frank the right man for the job?
Thomas Frank is clearly a pragmatic manager, with systems that rely on efficiency and consistency.
Spurs are a vortex of chaos, so good luck with that!
Overall, it’s too early to tell if he is the man to take them forward.
Which players have stood out most for Spurs?
Mohammed Kudus has shown glimpses of what he is capable of and has been one of the more impressive players this season.
Joao Palhinha has been excellent doing exactly what he does. He is an engine and an enforcer.
Spurs fans have been very critical of him not being creative or progressive enough, but for me, the issue is who partners him to get that creative balance required in any pairing.
Lucas Bergvall has impressed when given the opportunity this season. He is still young and will become even better.
He is 100mph in everything he does currently and needs to show the same enthusiasm, but at the right times. Otherwise, he can look careless.
It’s all about the coaching of an undeniable talent.
What’s the aim for the season now and how do you predict it will pan out?
The aim for Tottenham is always European football. The fans want everything (obviously) competitive in the Premier League and cup runs.
I expect Spurs to end up top eight this season.
What do you make of Liverpool’s season and would you stick with Arne Slot?
As an outsider, I was surprised Liverpool didn’t go the extra yard early and get Marc Guehi to the club.
The forward line was pretty set, and as good as he is, Alexander Isak was not a necessity in the end.
On Arne Slot, for any manager to walk into English football and take over from a club legend and then go and win the league in his first season is truly remarkable.
For me, that would buy Slot time, and to be calling for his head before Christmas after he’s just won the title is a little embarrassing to be honest.
Where do you think Liverpool will finish?
Third or fourth for me.
Where will the key battles take place?
I expect it to be quite a battle in the centre of midfield, so width will be the key.
Who can win the midfield battle and get it to the wide players to progress feels important.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
Spurs are only consistent at being inconsistent, so genuinely anything could happen!
But if we look at it rationally, Liverpool should pick up the win.