Rousing The Kop

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Tottenham utility man Archie Gray if Spurs are relegated to the Championship.

Roberto De Zerbi’s team occupy the final Premier League relegation place with just six games left to play, and could be forced into selling a number of star players if they end up going down.

As per the Daily Mail, Liverpool are one of the sides angling for some cut-price deals, and with Gray claimed to be firmly in their sights, the 20-year-old could solve issues at both right-back and in midfield for the Reds.

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Gray could provide a versatile solution for Liverpool

Liverpool were linked with Gray before he joined Tottenham from Leeds in 2024, reportedly even meeting with the youngster’s parents as they put the building blocks of a move in place.

Though he ultimately joined Spurs, reports at the time suggested that Liverpool have a good relationship with the Gray family, and it is no surprise to hear that they are sniffing around the England U21 man once again.

Coming through the ranks at Leeds as a midfielder, Gray was soon switched to right-back during the Whites’ unsuccessful promotion campaign in 2023/24, and though he has featured in midfield for Spurs, it is at full-back where he has most regularly played.

For Liverpool, it is not difficult to see why this versatility would catch their eye.

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Right-back has been a real issue for them this season, and as question marks continue to be raised over the long-term suitability of both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, a new arrival may be needed this summer.

Buying an out-and-out full-back may not be necessary, though, so it would make complete sense to look at a player who can also help out elsewhere.

Midfield is likely where Gray’s future will lie, and as Liverpool ‘put out feelers’ for a new midfielder, the England U21 international would fit the bill.

The Reds need help at right-back and in central midfield, and Gray can provide a solution to both.

Liverpool’s homegrown quota needs some attention

As well providing two genuine solutions on the pitch, Gray could also help Liverpool iron out what has slowly turned into a problem in terms of their home-grown quota.

The Reds lost Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyler Morton and Caoimhin Kelleher last summer, and with Curtis Jones potentially leaving this year, they are desperately short in this area.

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That is part of the reason why Anthony Gordon is such an attractive potential addition this summer, and it also rings true for Gray as well.

Despite their disastrous campaign, the youngster has been one of the players immune from the struggles, with Igor Tudor calling Gray ‘amazing‘ for his versatility during his short spell in charge.

There will be other players, such as Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall who may also be catching Liverpool’s eye ahead of a potential firesale at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But as they head into a summer where right-back, midfield and boosting the homegrown quota are all on the agenda, Gray would be a really smart pick-up for the Reds.

If Liverpool supporters are feeling hard done by after a dismal season, then they can at least take solace from the fact that they are not Tottenham Hotspur.

With only six games left to play in the Premier League season, Spurs currently sit in the final relegation spot.

Roberto De Zerbi has been charged with keeping the North Londoners in the division, and, if he can manage it, the Italian reportedly has his eye on raiding Liverpool for Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones to have a better time of things next year.

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Tottenham still keen on Curtis Jones addition

After reports emerged following confirmation that he will leave Liverpool, Robertson’s move to Tottenham appears virtually done. If Spurs stay up, the veteran left-back will arrive.

And according to The Daily Mail, Robertson could still be joined by Jones, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield.

Having seen his game-time steadily reduce under Arne Slot, Jones almost left for Inter Milan in January, and the Italians could reportedly be back at the table this summer.

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So too, could Tottenham, who are said to ‘retain an interest’ in the midfielder should they stay in the Premier League.

Jones is claimed to be keen for more playing time, leaving ‘the door ajar’ for a potential summer exit.

Liverpool’s stance is reportedly that that door could be opened if their valuation for the 25-year-old is met. No suggestion of what that asking-price would be is put forward.

In the meantime, an update is also given on Robertson’s move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Spurs confirmed to be in ‘pole position’ to land the 32-year-old.

There has been much speculation about Arne Slot and who will be Liverpool’s manager for the 2026/27 season.

Oliver Glasner was linked with a potential switch earlier this season during a run of nine defeats from 12 under Slot.

More recently, there has been a suggestion that after leaving Marseille, Roberto De Zerbi could join Liverpool. However, he is also facing interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but does not want to join the North London outfit until their status as a Premier League club has been secured.

Just how bad do you want Arne Slot gone? 😬

Roberto De Zerbi only wants Tottenham job if they’re in Premier League

Spurs are enduring a nightmare run and, despite taking a point off Liverpool this month, are in a serious relegation battle.

A team of Tottenham’s profile suffering relegation to the Championship seems pretty unthinkable, but after they were hammered 3-0 by fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest prior to the international break, they sit just one point above the bottom three with seven games to go.

This, as per the Telegraph, has played a key role in De Zerbi being reluctant to become their manager right now.

He is thought to be open to a move in the summer, but that would only be the case if Spurs have secured their status as a top-flight team for another year.

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Roberto De Zerbi would make same change as Xabi Alonso at Liverpool

It remains to be seen where De Zerbi will end up and if Liverpool will firm up their interest in the summer.

But should the former Brighton and Hove Albion coach take charge at Anfield next term, expect him to switch to a three/five-back formation.

That was his preferred system in Ligue 1, and the fact that both De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso have been linked to Liverpool already this year suggests those in a position of power on Merseyside are open to a new formation.

Such a change would make sense given that Mohamed Salah is leaving and the Reds have no other top-quality senior wingers on their books right now.

A 3-5-2 would also be one of the easiest systems to switch to in order to play a two-man strike force, allowing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to play together.

Igor Tudor has confirmed that he did not mistake his own staff member for Arne Slot ahead of Tottenham’s draw against Liverpool last weekend.

The Spurs interim boss went viral after he was seen embracing a slightly surprised looking bald man in front of the dugout at Anfield before the 1-1 draw.

But as the internet laughed at Tudor’s perceived faux pas, he spoke out to clear up what exactly happened, and joked that the staff member in question has now been jokingly nicknamed ‘Arne.’

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Tudor did not mistake Allan Dixon for Slot

In what has been a miserable period for both Liverpool and Tottenham, Tudor seemingly mis-identifying Slot before last Sunday’s game gave some rare comic relief.

But speaking in a press conference ahead of his team’s crucial relegation battle against Nottingham Forest, Tudor confirmed that the man he shared a joke with on the Anfield touchline was Spurs’ player liaison officer Allan Dixon.

“My son who is 20 years old said in Croatia everybody was laughing at this mistake, I said what mistake? He didn’t know who is the guy, I said it’s Allan Dixon, I spend all day together with him,” Tudor smiled.

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“He came out and stood in front of my bench, so what other coach can be there? He was there, I came over to him to make a joke. When he turned I was not surprised, I was laughing.

“In Croatia I imagine they are laughing because they don’t know Allan Dixon, but in England do they think I don’t recognise the guy I spend every day, ten hours, with?! I come out and don’t know he is? It was a little bit ridiculous.

“Now [against Atletico] we did it on purpose to make a joke, because from now on I call him ‘Arne’! It’s not Allan anymore, it’s Arne!”

Maybe Liverpool should look at putting Dixon in charge for their upcoming matches, he could hardly do much worse than his lookalike!

Arne Slot may well be coming up against his future employers on Sunday as Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

That’s according to Paul Merson, anyway, with the pundit suggesting – potentially with his tongue firmly in his cheek – that the Liverpool head coach will find himself in North London if he fails to guide the Reds into the Champions League places.

“I wouldn’t have thought if he’d win the FA Cup and doesn’t finish in the Champions League positions it would make any difference at all,” Merson told Sky Sports News on Saturday. “He will have to get in the top four, otherwise he’ll be Tottenham manager!”

Arne Slot thinks Tottenham will be a tough game because of their new manager, who has lost four games in a row! 😵‍💫

Slot can’t be serious, right? What’s your score prediction for the game… 🔮

But while the claim drew a “naughty boy” from presenter Simon Thomas, Slot was in talks to join Spurs in 2023. As they look for a new manager to lift them from an unprecedented slump, and his future at Liverpool comes under increasing scrutiny, could Slot really join Tottenham?

Slot could still be sacked by Liverpool

Although Slot ultimately turned Spurs down to focus on Feyenoord in 2023, the job will surely be attractive to him if he is relieved of his duties at Liverpool.

For now, the Liverpool owners are said to be fully behind the Dutchman, but it is hard to believe that that will remain the stance if things continue to spiral this season.

Slot’s future is likely to rest on how he performs in the FA Cup and Champions League. If the Reds exit both competitions at the next possible junctures, his exit will become far more likely.

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As Merson says, whether or not he finishes in the Champions League places will also play a huge part in the decision-making process, although it should be remembered that Jurgen Klopp took Liverpool into the Europa League in 2023, so there is a precedent there.

Klopp had much more credit in the bank than Slot, however, and there was always a feeling that with a few good signings here and there, Liverpool would be back where they belong. That is ultimately what happened.

With the football on offer continuing to rub supporters up the wrong way, there is likely to be less patience afforded to Slot, and rightfully so.

Spurs would be a perfect landing for Slot

Unless they are relegated to the Championship, it is easy to see how Tottenham would be an attractive next move for Slot if he is to leave Liverpool.

Despite their terrible form across two seasons in the Premier League, the North Londoners have shown that they still have the capability to perform in the Champions League.

There are top quality players littered throughout the squad, and Slot would likely back himself to get far more out of them than either Ange Postecoglou or Thomas Frank managed.

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After spending time away from his family – who have largely remained in the Netherlands – there is a possibility that Slot would want some time away from football to plot out his next step.

But with such a big Premier League job readily available, and with the hierarchy already showing that they would be interested in taking him on, it could be a chance that Slot would not want to miss.

Verdict: No surprise if Slot ends up at Tottenham

Slot has had an excellent record against Tottenham since joining Liverpool, winning four out of five matches against them, and scoring a bucketload of goals in the process.

And while Sunday’s match will likely add to that handsome run, it may also give the 47-year-old a chance to take a look at players who he could be managing in the near future.

The biggest question here is, of course, whether Slot stays in his job. Liverpool do not appear desperate to make a change, but the lingering spectre of Xabi Alonso cannot be ignored.

If he does go, then why wouldn’t Spurs be interested? If their own post is still vacant, it would be a huge boost for them to lure a Premier League-winning manager to the club.

Tottenham are far better than they are showing this season, and it would be no surprise to see Slot arrive and succeed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium if the axe does swing for him at Liverpool.

Dominic Solanke has sent a rallying call ahead of Tottenham’s visit to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Spurs are in dreadful shape heading to Anfield, having lost the past six matches in all competitions. With nine games to go, they are lingering perilously close to the relegation zone.

Liverpool aren’t in great shape themselves, though, and while he acknowledged the difficulty of a trip to Merseyside on Mother’s Day, Solanke claimed that Tottenham could still get something from the game.

Arne Slot thinks Tottenham will be a tough game because of their new manager, who has lost four games in a row! 😵‍💫

Slot can’t be serious, right? What’s your score prediction for the game… 🔮

Solanke not giving up hope of Anfield win

Solanke looked like he had a mind to spoil the party when Spurs last came to Anfield towards the end of last season.

Liverpool knew that a win would see them crowned as Premier League champions but fell behind to a goal from their former player early into the match.

The Reds soon turned things around, but ahead of another trip to his old stamping ground, Solanke says the clash with Liverpool is ‘another opportunity’ for Spurs to put their diabolical form to rest.

“It’s another opportunity. I think that’s the way we have to see it now. It’s another opportunity for us to turn around the form, turn around the results,” he told the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast.

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“And it’s not going to be an easy game. No game in the Premier League is easy, but especially away at Anfield. We know it’s going to be difficult, but we have to believe, we have to be brave.”

“I think on our day we can beat anyone, but we just have to show it and do it on the pitch.”

Despite their form entering freefall mode, Liverpool should be wary of Tottenham on Sunday. Igor Tudor’s team still have players who can cause damage, with Solanke being one of them.

If Spurs can find a way to get another early goal at Anfield, the pressure will ramp up on Liverpool to beat a side who have become the division’s whipping boys. The Reds have made almost every game difficult this season, and Solanke is clearly aiming to add another to the list on Sunday.

Liverpool are heavy favourites to pile the misery on Tottenham and hand them a seventh successive defeat on Sunday.

The Reds are not in the best form themselves, but Igor Tudor’s relegation-threatened side have made Liverpool’s miserable season look like a walk in the park as they slump down the Premier League table.

Nevertheless, Arne Slot and co have made a habit of dropping unlikely points this term, and despite confidence ahead of the game at Anfield, caution should also be exercised. Liverpool could easily do it again. Here are three reasons to be fearful of the Reds against Spurs this weekend.

Liverpool’s forwards ALL deserve to be dropped against Spurs 😶

Which three would you go with against a side shipping so many goals?

Liverpool will almost certainly concede

It had looked as though Liverpool had turned a corner in the clean sheets stakes recently, as they recorded three consecutive shut outs against Sunderland, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

However, the Reds have failed to hold firm in any of their four games since, conceding six goals along the way.

That could easily have been more on Tuesday, as the defensive fragility which has been on display all season reared its head once again.

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Slot could even go with the same back four against Tottenham, and they will have to be a lot better to keep them out. For all of their failings, Spurs still have some firepower up front and they do tend to score, only failing to do so once in their current six-game losing streak.

The Richarlison factor could be crucial

If there is one Tottenham player who will be looking forward to Sunday’s game, it will be Richarlison.

The former Everton man has a really good record against Liverpool, scoring five goals and laying on three assists in 17 appearances.

He scored during the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December and also has four goals for Spurs and Everton at Anfield.

With their defence far from secure, and Richarlison pumped up to get one over on a club he seemingly loathes, Liverpool will have to have a plan for the Brazilian. Virgil van Dijk usually does, but he often manages to score anyway.

Arne Slot thinks Tottenham will be a tough game because of their new manager, who has lost four games in a row! 😵‍💫

Slot can’t be serious, right? What’s your score prediction for the game… 🔮

Tottenham will win eventually

As bad as Tottenham have been across the past two seasons, they still have players – like Richarlison – who can really hurt opponents.

Many of those are injured on Sunday, but how often in the Premier League do we see a down-and-out team decimated with injuries pull off a scarcely believable result?

That is not often the way things have gone for Tottenham against Liverpool, and it is true that the Reds have scored four or more in each of their last four home games against Spurs. But football has a way of evening these things out, and it would be wholly typical of the Reds this season if they are the team who finally end Tottenham’s losing streak.

Sometimes it just isn’t your day, as Liverpool have well found out this season, and they need to make sure they do not turn in another of those performances on Sunday.

Spurs showed some fight in Madrid against Atletico despite falling to a 5-2 defeat, and with Tudor well-known for his never-say-die attitude, Liverpool must make sure they turn up and do a proper job here. Anything less, and their season could hit another new low.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set to face off in a Premier League meeting on Sunday, and it’s time for Arne Slot to bring Rio Ngumoha back in.

The Reds suffered a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League, and Ngumoha not playing a single minute was questioned.

However, he is expected to come straight back into the side this weekend, with the Tottenham meeting a lower-stakes affair.

Liverpool’s forwards ALL deserve to be dropped against Spurs 😶

Which three would you go with against a side shipping so many goals?

Andy Robertson and Rio Ngumoha to start for Liverpool vs Tottenham

Slot commented on Ngumoha in his pre-match presser, suggesting he is going to play a key role in Liverpool’s next three matches.

Given Wednesday’s meeting is a must-win Champions League tie, it seems unlikely the Dutchman will be starting a 17-year-old, even if he has looked like Liverpool’s sharpest attacker in recent matches.

However, Tottenham are the most out-of-form team in the Premier League right now and have a lot of injury issues, making this the perfect game for a player of Ngumoha’s talents.

The rest of the frontline will likely be made up of Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah.

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In midfield, Florian Wirtz is likely to be benched after only just coming back from injury, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch at the base.

Dominik Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player this season, and even though the second-leg Galatasaray tie is just around the corner, it would be surprising to see the Hungarian given a rare rest.

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On the other hand, Stephen Warnock has called Milos Kerkez ‘superb’ after his improvements in a Liverpool shirt in the last few months.

However, the left-back often struggles when he has to play three games in a week, and this is probably the best time to rest him.

In turn, Andy Robertson, who was excellent against Wolves in the FA Cup, should come in at left-back.

The remainder of the backline will likely remain pretty similar to what we have seen in recent weeks.

Cody Gakpo looks likely to return to Liverpool’s starting XI for Sunday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman has become something of a pariah among Reds supporters this season after turning in months’ worth of disappointing performances.

There was some reprieve on Tuesday, as Gakpo started Tuesday’s defeat against Galatasaray from the bench. But with rotation needed for Sunday, the much-maligned No. 18 appears in-line for a comeback.

Liverpool’s forwards ALL deserve to be dropped against Spurs 😶

Which three would you go with against a side shipping so many goals?

Gakpo set to start on the left wing

Interestingly, there have been rumblings since Tuesday’s defeat that Liverpool will aim to sign at least one new winger during the summer transfer window.

There is a strong argument that the Reds actually need two, with Mohamed Salah joining Gakpo in the woefully under par stakes this season.

For the time being, however, Slot is being forced to persist with his underperforming wide men.

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On Tuesday, Florian Wirtz nominally started on the left for Liverpool. But with the German short of fitness after a spell on the sidelines, he may be saved for Wednesday’s return leg with Galatasaray.

With question marks also continuing over Salah as well as Hugo Ekitike, there may be changes in the forward line, meaning Gakpo is almost certain to be on the teamsheet again.

Fans have been desperate to see the 26-year-old dropped for Rio Ngumoha on the left of the attack, but short of Slot pulling a major shock in his starting XI, Gakpo will go again.

Is there any hope that Ngumoha could play?

As he has been so often in recent weeks, Slot was asked about Ngumoha during his pre-Tottenham press conference on Friday.

“Rio is a player who could start for us,” he said. “He’s been coming in for longer spells. He’s definitely an option to start one of the three games in the coming week.”

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Some supporters will no doubt have been encouraged by his answer, deducing that the 17-year-old may be in line to start against Spurs. He is certainly unlikely to play against Galatasaray, and with Sunday’s visitors in such poor form, it may be a good chance for Ngumoha to get a first Premier League start.

However, while that is possible, we do not see it being in place of Gakpo. That could mean Ngumoha shifting to the left, perhaps, but the former PSV Eindhoven captain will surely take his place in his favoured left-hand spot.

Spurs have been a decent opponent for Gakpo since he joined Liverpool, and it is worth noting that a goal on Sunday would bring up 50 for the Reds. No mean feat.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot held his pre-Tottenham Hotspur press conference on Friday morning, commenting on the status of goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Reds play host to Tottenham in a Premier League fixture on Sunday afternoon, aiming to bounce back from their midweek Champions League loss.

Ahead of the tie, Slot has confirmed that he expects Alisson to train on Friday and is hopeful for a return against the Lilywhites.

Liverpool’s forwards ALL deserve to be dropped against Spurs 😶

Which three would you go with against a side shipping so many goals?

Arne Slot hopes Alisson will train before Tottenham

Speaking live at his presser on March 13, the Dutchman was immediately asked for an update on the goalkeeper.

He said: “He’s been with the physios and with rehab until now. We are training today, as you know, so let’s see if he can join the team session today.

“That is something I expect but not 100% sure yet because I haven’t spoke to him or the medical staff this morning yet.

“I’m hopeful but that’s not to say that I’m 100% sure.”

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Liverpool’s record with Giorgi Mamardashvili

If Alisson does not recover in time, expect summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili to feature between the sticks again.

A deal for the shot-stopper was agreed in 2024, and after he arrived in the last summer transfer window, he has struggled for regular minutes at Liverpool.

There has even been a suggestion that Mamardashvili could be loaned out in 2026/27 in a bid to secure first-team action.

To date, the 25-year-old has made 12 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, mostly coming while Alisson has been injured.

In said ties, he has shipped 18 goals and managed to keep three clean sheets, while the Reds have won five and lost seven of the meetings in which Slot has opted to start Mamardashvili.