GIVEMESPORT

Liverpool will be hoping for the same sort of outcome as they enjoyed on their last trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when they take on Spurs in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg in North London on Wednesday night (UK time).

The Reds ran out 6-3 winners in a spectacular contest away to Ange Postecoglou’s stuttering side in the Premier League on December 22, and a similar margin of victory here would put them in a commanding position ahead of the semi-final second leg at Anfield on February 6.

Ahead of that league game last month, Liverpool were 1.91 (10/11) favourites to win. There have been so few positives for Postecoglou and his players to draw confidence from since that encounter that it is little surprise to find Arne Slot’s side are even shorter odds to win this time around.

Tottenham Hotspur are 4.4 (17/5) to win on the night, while the Draw is 5.0 (4/1) and Liverpool are 1.71 (4/7). Such is the difference in short- and medium-term form, it is difficult to make a strong case for any outcome here other than yet another Reds victory.

Liverpool have lost only once all season, and picked up seven points from three matches since that emphatic win over Tottenham last month. They may have dropped points at home to Manchester United (2-2) in the Premier League last Sunday, but on their last away trip they ran out emphatic 5-0 winners at West Ham, and that was their fourth consecutive win on the road in all competitions.

In contrast, Tottenham’s dismal form has simply continued since that 6-3 setback last month: in three Premier League games since, they have picked up just one point (a 2-2 draw against Wolves), while suffering defeats against Nottingham Forest (1-0 away) and Newcastle United (2-1 at home).

With the club still enduring an injury crisis, manager Postecoglou will struggle to field a side with the quality to stifle a Liverpool attack that will arrive with plenty of confidence.

Best Bet

Taking all factors into account, Liverpool's odds-on price to win on the night makes sense. If you are looking for a selection in the Match Odds market, backing the visitors to secure a first-leg lead would be the smart choice.

Liverpool the handicap pick

For those that believe Liverpool will win on the night and are looking for bigger odds on Slot’s visitors, the Asian Handicap would be the smart selection.

When making a selection from the Asian Handicap market, you add your Asian Handicap selection to the final scoreline at the end of the game to see if you have got a winner. With our selection of Liverpool -1.0, for example, you would lose if Liverpool lose or draw (because you would add -1.0 goals to this scoreline), get your stakes back if Liverpool win by a single goal (because the handicap would have been equalled), and have a winning selection if Liverpool win by two or more goals.

With that 6-3 win last month, Liverpool showed they can go to Tottenham and win big. And their generally excellent away form – they are W12-D2-L0 on the road in all competitions this season – means there is very little downside to our selection.

It is worth noting that the only two teams Liverpool have failed to beat when playing away from home this season – Arsenal and Newcastle United – are both better sides than Tottenham are at the moment.

Best Bet

Liverpool -1.0 Asian Handicap makes a lot of sense if, like us, you expect Liverpool to win on the night. In the event of Liverpool winning by a single goal – as they have done in seven of their 14 away games this season – you will not lose anything, as your stakes will be returned.

Should Liverpool go on to win by a margin of two or more goals – as they have done in five of their 14 away games this season – you will make a profit.

Top selection – Liverpool -1.0 Asian Handicap (2.1)

Prolific Liverpool a second selection

Given how dangerous Liverpool have been on the road this season, the Total Away Goals market deserves some attention. Ange Postecoglou's hosts have so many injury absences in defence that it's hard to see how they can shut out the prolific visitors.

Liverpool have scored 38 goals in their 14 away games in all competitions this season (an average of 2.71 goals per game). This is a higher tally than they have managed at Anfield – in 14 home games in all competitions, the Reds have scored ‘only’ 31 times, a lower average of 2.21 goals per game.

A breakdown of the number of goals per away game that Liverpool have scored makes for interesting reading: they have scored just one goal in three games, two goals in four games, three goals in five games, five goals in one game, and six goals in one game as well.

In other words, the Reds have managed three or more goals in 50 percent of their away games this season, and scored at least two goals in 79 percent of their away games.

Best Bet

As our table above shows, Liverpool are available at odds of 1.63 to score two goals. With this selection, you would get your stakes back if Liverpool were to score exactly twice, and make a profit should they score three or more goals.

Daniel Levy and Johan Lange have jetted out to France to try and complete a move for Randal Kolo Muani to join Tottenham this month, according to The Boy Hotspur.

The Lilywhites are desperate for reinforcements during the January transfer window to help Ange Postecoglou after a poor campaign so far which has been riddled with injuries, leaving the north London outfit sitting in 12th place in the Premier League with just 24 points from their 20 games so far.

One position that the Australian coach has identified is in the forward areas, and Paris Saint-Germain star Kolo Muani has been made available for transfer with Spurs on the hunt to add him to their options for the second half of the season.

Levy and Lange Jet Out to France to Seal Deal

£165,000-per-week deal waiting for 26-year-old

The France international has been made available by the Ligue 1 champions after falling out of favour under manager Luis Enrique, with the manager sidelining him and preferring to play the likes of Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue as his striker instead.

Now according to a report, Spurs chiefs Levy and Lange have flown to France to get a head start on their rivals to bring the 26-year-old to the Premier League and seal a deal with PSG for this month.

It's believed any deal will cost around £55m, while it's believed Spurs are also willing to offer him a contract worth £165,000-per-week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium so he can come into the club and compete with Dominic Solanke for the number nine position while also competing with Heung-Min Son and Timo Werner on the left wing. Any deal is expected to see a fee paid up in 2026 rather than immediately.

Fabrizio Romano has also told GIVEMESPORT in his exclusive newsletter that Tottenham have asked for information on the striker's situation, suggesting a deal could advance quickly if the club to to pull the trigger.

Spurs have already been active in the January transfer window by sealing a deal for highly-rated goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to compete with Guglielmo Vicario for the number one shirt, while it's believed a new defender or two could also make the switch this month before the February 3rd deadline.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has secured a significant boost in the race to sign Randal Kolo Muani as the Paris Saint-Germain star has given indications that he is prepared to complete a loan switch to Hotspur Way this month, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs have strengthened their options in the goalkeeping department ahead of facing Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday, with Antonin Kinsky completing a £12.5million move from Slavia Prague, but plans have been put in place to make further adjustments to the squad during the winter window.

Postecoglou is working closely with technical director Johan Lange to get deals over the line as, despite making Dominic Solanke the most expensive acquisition in Tottenham's history thanks to sealing a £65million transfer from Bournemouth, the north Londoners have found themselves playing catch-up in the battle for a European qualification spot.

Kolo Muani Open to Mid-Season Spurs Switch

North Londoners willing to include option to sign striker permanently

Tottenham have discovered that Kolo Muani is interested in completing a loan move to north London after initial conversations have been held, according to GMS sources, and Postecoglou is putting pressure on recruitment staff to act quickly as Tuesday is being seen as a key day as admirers look to tempt him away from PSG.

The striker has worked his way onto Spurs' radar after he struggled to secure regular game time in the first half of the campaign despite the reigning Ligue 1 champions agreeing a deal worth in the region of £77million when they lured him to the Parc des Princes from Eintracht Frankfurt in September 2023.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham have a significant advantage over Juventus in the race for Kolo Muani's signature as they are open to negotiating terms which would include an option to make the move permanent when their Serie A counterparts are only willing to acquire his services on a short-term basis at this stage.

Although PSG are in a strong negotiating position in the aftermath of winning the Trophee des Champions last weekend, thanks to the France international still having three-and-a-half years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket more than £200,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, he has fallen down the pecking order.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is aware that landing Kolo Muani would show that Postecoglou has maintained his full support and emphasise there is a willingness to improve the squad, GMS sources have learned, while there is a serious possibility of a mid-season move to the capital coming to fruition.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Randal Kolo Muani registered three shots and won two aerial duels when he came off the bench for his latest Ligue 1 outing as Paris Saint-Germain settled for a goalless draw against Auxerre last month

Juventus Serious Competitors for Kolo Muani

Serie A heavyweights want to land Frenchman on temporary deal

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are viewing Juventus as serious competition for Kolo Muani as they strive to convince him to embark on a fresh challenge within the next 24 hours, while Manchester United are also firm admirers as boss Ruben Amorim aims to bolster the side left by predecessor Erik ten Hag.

The 26-year-old's representatives and PSG have been made aware of the admiration coming from Spurs, along with the Allianz Stadium and Old Trafford, after they sniffed an opportunity to pounce thanks to being forced to contend with restricted game time under head coach Luis Enrique.

Juventus are very keen to sign Kolo Muani on loan due to doubts over Dusan Vlahovic's future and Arkadiusz Milik being sidelined through injury, GMS sources understand, and Tottenham are concerned that their target could be lured to Serie A after Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee appears to be out of reach for the Bianconeri.

GMS sources recently revealed that reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are also entertaining the possibility of entering the market for the former Nantes marksman, which would complicate matters even further for Spurs chief Postecoglou as he goes in search of additional firepower.

Tottenham 'Trying' to Sign 'Ice-Cold' Star After Postecoglou Request  GIVEMESPORT

David Ornstein has tipped Tottenham Hotspur to do more business this month to help alleviate the injury crisis Ange Postecoglou is dealing with.

Spurs confirmed the signing of Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who joined the North London giants from Slavia Prague for £12.5 million. The 21-year-old's acquisition was vital as Postecoglou needed cover for his number one, Guglielmo Vicario, sidelined with a long-term ankle injury.

However, Vicario hasn't been the only high-profile absentee from the Lilywhites' recent lineups. Defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are also on the injury table, while left-backs Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies have also encountered fitness issues.

This has significantly impacted Spurs' season, falling to 12th in the Premier League table. Postecoglou's men have suffered 10 defeats already this season but Ornstein insists the Australian coach isn't under pressure.

Ornstein: Tottenham Will Make More Moves

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy set to continue tackling the market for Postecoglou

Ornstein instead expects Tottenham's higher-ups to back Postecoglou further this month, with more incomings anticipated. The Athletic journalist told NBC Sports:

"They want to do more business in January. They would like to strengthen their defence and also their attack. Less so than midfield, because they have not been suffering from such injuries in that department.

"I think some loans are on the agenda, nothing is imminent, but conversations are in progress, and possibly some permanent deals, even if it could be like Kinsky, that they bring it forward that they were already planning from the summer.

"They have no PSR profitability and sustainability issues. That means the finances are there for them to do something."

Tottenham have been linked with several defenders to help Postecoglou deal with Van de Ven and Romero's absences. Udinese's Thomas Kristensen has been linked and the Danish centre-back could cost around £16.5 million.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is also reportedly on the Lilywhites' wishlist. He's fallen down the pecking order at AC Milan and could be eyeing a return to the Premier League to reignite his England career.

On the attacking front, the North London outfit are reportedly monitoring Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson. The 20-year-old Irish forward is available for loan this month and could help ease the goalscoring burden on £65 million summer signing Dominic Solanke.

However, Randal Kolo Muani looks the likeliest attacking arrival. Spurs are one of several clubs in the race for the Paris Saint-Germain forward's signature with Ornstein also confirming their interest in him on Monday evening.

Tottenham Hotspur are on course to fast-track their plans to move for Angel Gomes and attempt to negotiate a deal which would see the Lille star head to Hotspur Way this month instead of attempting to tie him down to a pre-contract agreement, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has already been busy in the transfer market, having completed the £12.5million signing of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague, but he is eager to secure further reinforcements after finding his side languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League.

The Greek-Australian tactician, who made Dominic Solanke the most expensive arrival in Tottenham's history after sealing a £65million switch from domestic rivals Bournemouth in August, is working closely with technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy as they seek improvements to the squad.

Spurs Looking into Mid-Season Gomes Swoop

North Londoners want to land England international this month

Tottenham are being kept in the loop over Gomes' situation at Lille, according to GMS sources, and could accelerate attempts to win the race for his signature by agreeing terms which would see him head to north London immediately instead of when his deal expires in the summer.

Spurs have an opportunity to tie the central midfielder down to a pre-contract agreement after he has entered the final six months of his commitment at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, which allows him to pocket in the region of £11,000-per-week, but that would result in him spending the remainder of the season in his current surroundings.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are eager to discover whether it would be possible to land Gomes sooner as Postecoglou is desperate for fresh options in the middle of the park, and they are poised to test Ligue 1 outfit Lille's resolve by making an enquiry in the coming weeks.

The England international, who has been described as 'phenomenal' by journalist Alex Turk, has been gaining widespread interest after his decision to hold off agreeing a new long-term contract has resulted in it becoming clear that he is open to embarking on a fresh challenge ahead of next season.

Although Tottenham are poised to ask Lille whether a mid-season switch to the capital would be possible, GMS sources have learned that they would be prepared to play the waiting game and sign him as a free agent in the summer if they are given indications that he will be going nowhere ahead of the February 3 deadline.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Angel Gomes won three ground duels and made two tackles during Lille's Coupe de France clash with Lens last weekend

Gomes Fits Bill in Postecoglou's Midfield Hunt

Tactician only has modest budget to play with during winter window

GMS sources have been told that Postecoglou headed into the winter transfer window hopeful that Tottenham chairman Levy would consider spending cash on a new midfielder, and Gomes fits the bill as a modest budget has resulted in cut-price deals having to be explored after already acquiring Kinsky.

Spurs bolstered their midfield options with the additions of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in the summer, with the latter joining in a £30million switch from Leeds United, but falling adrift in the race for a European qualification spot has heightened the need to do business in the coming weeks.

Gomes is increasingly attractive to Tottenham as he could be included in their homegrown quota, GMS sources understand, and making a quick move for his services gives them a chance to beat other suitors to a deal as Manchester United are among the sides interested if he becomes a free agent.

GMS sources recently revealed that the 24-year-old's preference is to bag a Premier League switch if he walks away from Lille, but the north Londoners will also need to be prepared to hand him a significant pay rise as he may be seeking a contract worth in the region of £150,000-per-week.

Manchester City are facing a significant tussle in their bid to lure Abdukodir Khusanov to the Etihad Stadium as Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the sides also wanting to strike a deal for the Lens star, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola saw his side register back-to-back wins for the first time since October as they overcame West Ham United last weekend, but he is contending with competition from Spurs chief Ange Postecoglou, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe and Wolves tactician Vitor Pereira in the transfer market.

Txiki Begiristain is leading Manchester City's recruitment drive for the final time ahead of being replaced by Hugo Viana as director of football at the end of the season, and he is poised to go toe-to-toe with a host of domestic counterparts for Khusanov's signature ahead of the February 3 deadline.

Khusanov Attracting Premier League Interest

Central defender has been scouted ahead of possible switch

Manchester City are battling with the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Wolves to sign Khusanov during the winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, meaning Guardiola and Begiristain are facing a tough challenge as they aim to bolster a squad which has struggled in their Premier League title defence.

Ligue 1 outfit Lens are prepared to entertain bids in the region of £20million after being alerted to the fact that the Sky Blues, Spurs, Magpies and Wanderers are just some of the sides circling for the centre-back as they go in search of mid-season arrivals who will come at a low cost.

GMS sources have been informed that almost half of the clubs in the Premier League have been sending scouts to watch Khusanov in action ahead of potentially heading to the negotiating table, but Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle and Wolves are among the frontrunners for an agreement.

The 20-year-old would become Postecoglou's second acquisition of the winter window if he embarks on a fresh challenge in north London - having already landed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague for £12.5million - but Guardiola, Howe and Pereira are also firm admirers and considering a move.

Although Manchester City are taking the headlines with their interest, GMS sources have learned that Tottenham and Newcastle like Khusanov a lot, while Wolves are deliberating whether to up the ante as they aim to bolster their chances of climbing further away from the Premier League's relegation zone.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Abdukodir Khusanov made six clearances and won three aerial duels during Lens' 2-2 draw with Auxerre in his last Ligue 1 outing

Quartet Face Fresh Competition for Khusanov

West Ham, Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea and Crystal Palace circling

GMS sources have been told that Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle and Wolves are facing extensive competition from their domestic counterparts for Khusanov's services as he is also on the radar of West Ham, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

The Uzbekistan international is on a contract worth less than £2,500-per-week at Lens, which has caught the eye of admirers as it has become clear that he would not seek to become one of their highest-earners if he opts to move onto pastures new before the winter transfer window slams shut.

Khusanov's current employers are realistic about having to cash in if they are forced to contend with formal proposals in the coming weeks, GMS sources understand, giving Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Wolves and other interested parties hope that a deal can be agreed.

GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs chief Postecoglou is fearful of missing out on the Under-20 Asian Cup winner after the reigning Premier League champions entered the race, and there is a serious possibility of a bidding war taking place between suitors before the February 3 deadline.

David Ornstein claims Ange Postecoglou isn't under pressure despite Tottenham Hotspur's precarious situation - a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday (January 4) was the club's tenth loss of the Premier League season.

Postecoglou hasn't minced his words during Spurs' disastrous run, in which they have fallen to 12th in the table, with 24 points from 20 games. The Australian has constantly hit out at critics over his perceived stubbornness, not willing to change his attacking brand of football to accommodate the injury toll the North Londoners have encountered.

Radu Dragusin, who has struggled since joining the club, and teenage midfield talent Archie Gray, signed in the summer, started in central defence in the defeat to Newcastle. This speaks volumes about the injury issues Postecoglou has been dealing with.

The fiery Spurs coach has looked like the situation has got to him, especially after Anthony Gordon's controversial equaliser on the weekend. He has two years left on his contract, but his side's woes lead to questions regarding his future.

Ornstein: Postecoglou's Job Is 100% Safe

Tottenham's Board Back Him

Ornstein gave an update on Postecoglou's situation while speaking to NBC Sports. The Athletic journalist claims he has the backing of Spurs' higher-ups, including chairman Daniel Levy (pictured above) and they want him to continue driving their project and point to potential trophy success this season:

Postecoglou is 100% safe in his job. I'm told there is no uncertainty over his future, despite the pressure he appears to be feeling in some of his public comments. They're backing him to lead this project forward, and they will hope he delivers. They've got a chance of a League Cup trophy, of a Europa League trophy. They're focusing on that, and they're also fighting to get into the top four, although realistic about their chances on that too.

Postecoglou was appointed Tottenham boss in July 2023 after a two-year spell with Celtic, where he guided the Bhoys to two Scottish Premiership titles. His risk-taking football philosophy was an immediate hit with Spurs fans, but this season's results have perhaps removed the exciting aspect of watching his team in action.

The 59-year-old could win silverware and end the club's 17-year wait for trophy success. They are in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and face Liverpool in the first leg at home on Wednesday (January 8).

Spurs' injury curse has been a considerable problem because Postecoglou has been without his number one, Guglielmo Vicario. His preferred defensive duo, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, have also been sidelined. The January transfer window will be critical for the board to back their manager through a tumultuous period.

Tottenham Hotspur are among a host of Premier League clubs showing interest in Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham in the January transfer window, talkSPORT has reported.

Spurs, alongside Crystal Palace, Arsenal and West Ham, are reportedly keen on the Black Cats midfielder and have sent scouts to track the promising youngster.

Bellingham, who has been heavily linked with a Premier League move over the past six months, is reportedly open to leaving Sunderland at the end of the season.

The 'unreal' 19-year-old is now in his second year at the Stadium of Light and has continued to be a key player for the Black Cats this term, making 23 appearances in the Championship and contributing seven goals.

His stellar performances have attracted considerable interest from the Premier League, with at least four clubs now said to be keeping an eye on his development.

If any of the interested sides came calling in January, Sunderland would be in a tough negotiating position, having tied Bellingham to a new four-year contract in August.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Bellingham has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 70 appearances since joining Sunderland.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham would advance on their reported interest in Bellingham as soon as this month, given Ange Postecoglou’s priorities may lie elsewhere.

After welcoming goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for £12.5m from Slavia Prague, Spurs are reportedly eyeing a move for a new forward and have asked for information on Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Tottenham have shown interest in the 26-year-old Frenchman, who is available to depart PSG in January and is thought to be targeted by multiple clubs in Europe.

Tottenham are 12th in the Premier League following their 2-1 home loss to Newcastle on Saturday and will face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final next.

Postecoglou’s men have won just once in their last eight games in the Premier League and will travel to Arsenal next Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur have asked for information on Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, and a move to the Premier League is possible this month, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has explained in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter.

It's been a disappointing season for Ange Postecoglou's side, partly down to some horrific injury luck. Spurs could have made a whole starting XI of players who were unavailable to face Newcastle United, which has highlighted the lack of quality throughout their whole squad.

The north London outfit currently find themselves sitting in 12th place in the Premier League table, which is a bit of a disaster considering the quality of players they have in their squad. Postecoglou will undoubtedly be hoping for new additions to arrive through the door during the January transfer window.

Tottenham Ask for Information on Kolo Muani

He could leave in January

Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed that Tottenham have asked for information on PSG striker Kolo Muani. The respected reporter says that it's a possibility that the French striker could move to the Premier League this month, but Juventus are also in the race to secure his signature...

"It’s a possibility but there are several clubs. Tottenham have asked for information, but also Juventus in Italy for example. It’s an open race, as PSG keep waiting for the best conditions possible."

It's not fully worked out for Kolo Muani since his move to PSG after they splashed a whopping £76m to secure his signature from Eintracht Frankfurt. The French forward only joined the Ligue 1 giants in 2023 and could already be heading through the exit door, and PSG could struggle to recoup the fee they paid for him.

The 26-year-old could be a smart addition for Spurs considering the lack of options they have in their squad. Kolo Muani's versatility would be useful for Postecoglou, with the French international able to play through the middle of attack as well as on either wing.

Tottenham did invest heavily in Dominic Solanke as a centre-forward option during the summer transfer window, but adding further quality in attack appears to be one of their priorities.