Rousing The Kop

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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Who is your dream Liverpool manager in 2026/27?

Jurgen Klopp or Xabi Alonso? 🤤

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.

Liverpool could be on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer as questions continue to be asked over Curtis Jones’ future.

With less than 18 months now to run on his contract, concerns have been raised that Jones may be moved on at the end of the season.

While that would be a disappointment for many supporters, it would mean the likelihood of a new midfield arrival increasing.

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Liverpool are reportedly looking to the future with their recruitment, with the signings of Jeremy Jacquet, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz demonstrating a desire to bring the best young talents in European football to Anfield before they turn 23.

And according to Team Talk, Liverpool could deploy this same strategy when adding to their midfield as well, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall claimed to be on the radar.

Liverpool monitoring Lucas Bergvall’s situation

Bergvall was seen as something of a coup for Tottenham when he joined the North London club in July 2024.

After a decent first season with Spurs, the Swede has had some trouble with injuries this term, but is still regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.

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Naturally, this has led to interest from elsewhere, and Liverpool have reportedly ‘registered an interest’ in Bergvall in case he becomes available this summer.

Spurs are said to have previously set a ‘not for sale’ tag on the 20-year-old, believing that he is one of their ‘most exciting long-term assets’. However it is claimed that this could now change on the back of what has been a dismal season for the club.

Aston Villa are reportedly in the mix for Bergvall as well, and are hoping that the lure of European football for Bergvall could severely test Spurs’ stance. Liverpool will hopefully be able to offer the same, and are said to have a ‘background presence’ which could ‘complicate’ things for Villa.

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Diomande, Doue, Williams and Barcola have been named as potential options…

Pep Guardiola heaped big praise on Bergvall

Although Bergvall has perhaps not quite lived up to the hype of his signing at Spurs, he would still be an exciting addition to the Liverpool squad.

Pep Guardiola knows a top midfielder when he sees one, and the Spaniard being a big fan of Bergvall perhaps says everything necessary about the Sweden international.

“Every time he has the ball and runs, he’s unstoppable,” Guardiola said of Bergvall after seeing the youngster up close during Man City’s match against Tottenham in March 2025.

Signed for just £8.5m, it is clear that if Spurs were to sell their No. 15 this summer they would make a healthy profit.

Nevertheless, with the North London side hugely underperforming, maybe Liverpool just feel the window of opportunity is wide enough to make a deal worthwhile.

Time is running out for Liverpool to do their transfer business, and an opportunity has arisen at Spurs that might be crazy, but might just work.

Transfer noise has quietened considerably in the past couple of days, but there’s still time for a surprise move from the Reds.

With Liverpool missing out on Marc Guehi, there aren’t any real exciting links to discuss.

But there is a player in North London who is agitating for an exit, and he could come alive at Anfield, while also addressing a depth issue currently facing Arne Slot.

Tottenham’s Mathys Tel wants to leave and Liverpool should pounce

It might sound like a rogue shout at first — maybe it is — but French winger Mathys Tel is growing tired of his role at Spurs.

As Nizaar Kinsella shared on X: “Fair to say Mathys Tel, who started the last four games, is frustrated at being dropped out of the Champions League squad (for a second time). The attacker has communicated his openness to leave on loan.”

That desire has been common knowledge since earlier this month, but after Thomas Frank has again snubbed him in his selection for Europe, it looks more and more likely that he will be going.

Liverpool have had issues out on the left all season. Cody Gakpo hasn’t played well for Liverpool, Rio Ngumoha and Federico Chiesa aren’t trusted, and it is hurting the balance of the team to not have a Luis Diaz type available to play out there.

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Tel has scored three league goals in what amounts to six full 90s, and his pace, directness and creativity have gone under the radar amid Spurs’ struggles. The former Bayern Munich star can play across the front line too, not just on the left.

If something were to happen again to one of the wide players, he would be a valuable option to have. It does feel like Liverpool are an attacker short right now.

You might ask whether Spurs would agree to send a player to a rival, but outside of the Champions League (where Tel isn’t being used), the two sides are not remotely in competition this season.

Minutes wouldn’t be easy to come by, but there is certainly an avenue if he can start delivering straight away. Playing for Liverpool is a lot more World Cup-friendly than warming the bench in the bottom half.

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With Florian Wirtz in the 10 🔥

Liverpool haven’t dipped into the loan market much in recent seasons, but this could be an opportunity to get a player in quickly and without forking out a sum. And who knows, the 20-year-old might come to life at Anfield and become an option in the summer.

Do I see it happening? No. Would it be nice to have something different for the attack? Absolutely.

Alexander Isak scored his second Premier League goal of the season when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Fans were unhappy that Isak did not start against Spurs, but after a poor first half, some of which was against 10 men, he was brought on at the break by Arne Slot.

The Dutchman’s change was rewarded as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz played a key role in the Swede netting just over 10 minutes into the second half.

FILL IN THE BLANK: Arne Slot MUST start — vs Wolves! 🙏

However, Isak suffered an injury right after scoring following a collision with centre-back Micky van de Ven.

When will Alexander Isak return for Liverpool?

It has since been confirmed by Liverpool that Isak has undergone surgery.

The Reds have not put an exact timeframe on when their record signing could be back in action.

However, it is expected to be at some point in 2026, and an injury expert has now shared their insight on the situation.

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Taking to X/Twitter ‘Physio Scout‘, who specialises in football injuries, said they expect Isak to be back in around two to three months.

They wrote: “Alexander Isak now confirmed to have surgery on his ankle/lower leg. Included a fractured fibula. Timeline is uncertain, but reports are stating he’ll be out for a ‘few months’. More likely in the 2-3 month range I’d say, as opposed to anything more than that.

“Fractured fibulas tend to take 6-10 weeks with surgery, but any major syndesmosis damage would complicate recovery to 10-12 weeks after surgery.

“Unlikely tibia was involved, but as mentioned in the attached tweet, that would extend recovery time.”

Liverpool’s attacking options without Alexander Isak

With Isak out and Mohamed Salah competing at AFCON, the Reds’ attacking options are pretty limited right now.

Cody Gakpo is injured, and though the Dutchman is not expected to be out for much longer, it’s not yet known if he can feature against Wolves this week.

As a result, Ekitike and Wirtz seem to be nailed-on starters for the clash.

That will leave the right-wing position as the only potential problem area for Slot.

Federico Chiesa could come into the team and allow Dominik Szoboszlai to revert to his preferred midfield role.

Who should replace Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s starting XI?

Arne Slot is running out of options…

Liverpool’s attacking options heading into the Christmas period:

Jeremie Frimpong is an option on the right as well, following his brief cameo against Tottenham, which led to Hugo Ekitike’s goal.

But it would not be surprising if Szoboszlai started on the right and Conor Bradley or Frimpong were deployed at right-back.

There have been some rumours online that Bradley has picked up a knock, though that’s yet to be confirmed by the club.

Alexander Isak is likely to miss the next months of Liverpool’s season after fracturing his leg against Tottenham.

The British record transfer signing has had a rough time since joining the Reds last summer and saw his move hit a new low while scoring on Saturday.

It rather summed up the run of luck Isak is having that in the act of sweeping in an excellent finish at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he also put the nail in the coffin of a dreadful first season.

Who should replace Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s starting XI?

Arne Slot is running out of options…

Liverpool’s attacking options heading into the Christmas period:

Beyond Isak’s own personal misfortune, though, it is terrible luck for Liverpool, whose decision to sign the No. 9 for £120m looks worse by the day.

The injury has also left Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad decidedly light in attack. With Mohamed Salah away on international duty and Cody Gakpo also injured, Micah Richards has named which player is likely to benefit from Isak’s absence.

Hugo Ekitike set to become the main man at Liverpool

Clearly, Isak being missing for so long is not good news in any capacity for Liverpool. His finish against Spurs sent a reminder of just what a weapon he can be for the Reds.

But if there’s something fans can cling onto, it’s that in Hugo Ekitike, they have a more than able replacement.

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Ekitike has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances, and according to Richards, he is the player who will now get an uninterrupted run in the Liverpool team.

“I wanted to see them both play together at some stage,” the former Man City defender said on The Rest Is Football.

“It was the time to see it, especially with Spurs having 10 men at the time. I was like, ‘come on, show us what you’ve got, show us your movement, show us your chemistry or try to build that chemistry,’ and then Isak goes off.”

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“Forget the injury, for Ekitike it’s good now because he’ll probably get a run in the team. But I wanted to see them both together, get that partnership, especially with Salah going to AFCON.”

Alan Shearer reiterates Ekitike praise

Ekitike did not take long to underline why he can be the star striker for Liverpool. He headed home the winning goal only 10 minutes after Isak had left the pitch against Tottenham.

The 23-year-old has impressed just about everybody since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, with Premier League all-time top scorer Alan Shearer a certified fan.

“I just think the way he’s settled into life at Liverpool under difficult circumstances, great credit to him,” Shearer said.

“For his mentality, his attitude and obviously his ability. He’s had a great start to his Liverpool career. He’s a really, really good player.”

Ekitike did not need any more help in establishing himself as a key player at Liverpool. But with Isak now out indeterminably, he has just been given it anyway.

Thomas Frank’s spell at Tottenham had been going badly long before Liverpool inflicted another defeat on Saturday night.

The former Brentford manager started well in North London and had initially looked like a smart choice to replace Ange Postecoglou.

However, the wheels have fallen off somewhat, with supporters growing in their belief that Frank is not the right man.

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Whatever his abilities as a coach, though, the Dane has always come across as a thoroughly decent human being.

Frank may have underlined that for Liverpool fans on Saturday as he praised the quality of Arne Slot and the job he has done at Anfield.

Thomas Frank in awe of Arne Slot and Liverpool

When Jurgen Klopp announced that he was stepping away in January 2024, reports at the time suggested that Liverpool had Frank on their shortlist.

The 52-year-old was even reportedly interviewed by the Reds as a back-up in case something went wrong with Slot’s appointment.

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After watching Slot win them the Premier League last season, Liverpool absolutely made the right choice. And according to Frank himself, his opposite number on Saturday is a truly ‘excellent’ coach.

“Of course the current champions and an excellent team, an, excellent coach, Arne Slot,” the Spurs boss told Sky Sports. “I think he’s done a top job there in every aspect and I think they as you say they they’re finding form again.

“And they have some excellent players. I think they said before I think the their midfield three they had last year and Mac Allister Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were maybe the best in the league. Adding Wirtz, Ekitike, Isak, it is top team.”

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Is Frank heading for the sack at Spurs?

Despite things taking a turn for the worse under his leadership at Tottenham, there is no denying that Frank is a very good Premier League coach.

Nevertheless, Spurs would hope to be far higher than 13th in the table at Christmas, and just like at Liverpool, there have been times when it has felt as though the wheels are truly coming off.

On Saturday, Tottenham did not look like a team who had given up on the manager, though. Although they were poor with 11 men, they rallied with 10 and could have taken something from the game.

That may not be enough to save Frank his job, but it feels likely that he will be given a little more time to turn things around.

Liverpool made it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September with victory over Tottenham on Saturday.

The Reds have steadily been improving results over the past month, and are now unbeaten in five league matches.

With Christmas just around the corner, you would imagine the turnaround in fortunes would have led to a positive atmosphere among Liverpool supporters.

Who was your Man of the Match during the tight win over Spurs?

However, while Saturday’s win was obviously a welcome one, fans are arguably more unhappy than ever following the victory.

Liverpool were terrible at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and had the game lasted much longer, they would surely have conceded an equaliser against nine-man Spurs. Things may be heading in the right direction on paper, but on the pitch, fans are still far from happy with Arne Slot.

Liverpool look no better despite getting wins on the board

In ordinary circumstances, Slot would have every right to be pleased with his team’s win against Spurs.

Although the Reds have an excellent record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is a tricky place to go for any side. With home games to come against Wolves and Leeds, this was a tough one to get out of the way. Liverpool have done that with a win.

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But in reality Liverpool deserve little praise for seeing off Tottenham. While the teams were both at full complement, the Reds did not look anything like scoring.

Slot set his team up far too passively, with Liverpool taking an age to release the ball on the attack.

Despite the more defensive-minded set-up, Liverpool also looked easy to play through, and had Spurs’ final pass been better they could have scored more than once in the first-half.

Which has been your favourite Ekitike goal for Liverpool so far? ⚽

Last night's header has got to be up there!

Liverpool ended up clinging on desperately in a game which should have been comfortably put to bed at 2-0. Despite the two-man advantage, Slot’s team displayed a complete lack of control.

The Reds still look like a team who have no idea what they want to be and that all comes from the manager. Though results are picking up, the performances continue to cause alarm and concern.

Liverpool cannot falter again vs Wolves and Leeds

Whatever supporters think about Liverpool’s display in North London, the fact of the matter is that the Reds have put themselves into a good position heading towards Christmas.

With two home games to come against relegation candidates, there is no excuse for them not to kick on.

A more defensive approach away at Spurs can be excused – even if the performance itself cannot – but Slot must not set his team up in the same way against Wolves and Leeds.

Liverpool must remember who they are and go for the throat of both teams. Two better displays – and two more victories – would cement them within the top four and would lead to hope for the rest of the season.

But if Liverpool continue to look wishy-washy, the writing may be on the wall for Slot, even if his team secure two wins. Fans will put up with plenty if they are winning, but if they are still frustrated even with points being put on the board, it does not bode well for the manager.