Rousing The Kop

Liverpool have been left needing to plug some gaps in their starting XI after a fairly disastrous summer transfer window.

The Reds had an unexpected overhaul after winning the Premier League, but have not found appropriate solutions in a number of areas.

Having failed to get a move for Marc Guehi tied up on transfer deadline day, Liverpool are badly in need of another centre-back in 2026.

Federico Chiesa is being disrespected by Arne Slot! How would you use the Italian vs Tottenham?

“It just doesn’t seem like he trusts him [Chiesa]. I know when they lost at Plymouth, Slot was furious with Chiesa.”

Lewis Steele on Federico Chiesa

Ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Tottenham Hotspur, Micky van de Ven has been tipped for success at Liverpool. The 24-year-old seems an unlikely target, but it is worth Reds fans keeping an eye on him nonetheless.

But Van de Ven is not the only Spurs player who Liverpool may look at for an instant upgrade on their starting XI. As they struggle to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, Pedro Porro could come into contention at Anfield.

Pedro Porro should be a Liverpool target

Several players tested Alexander-Arnold’s crown as the best right-back in the Premier League during his peak years with Liverpool.

Porro was one of those who matches up most convincingly against the former Reds defender.

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As with Alexander-Arnold, there are some question marks over the Spaniard’s defensive diligence, but he is arguably a better defender than the Liverpool academy graduate while still providing cut and thrust going forward.

Quick, tenacious and the possessor of a wicked right foot, Porro has hit an impressive 30 goal contributions during almost three years with Spurs.

Having turned 26 in September, Porro is at a good age to take the next step in his career, and while Tottenham has never been a club Liverpool have shopped a great deal at, a move to Anfield would clearly be an upward move.

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The Spain international will have two years left on his deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium come the end of the season, and it may be a good time for Liverpool to test the waters.

Is Porro really attainable for Liverpool?

Despite Tottenham’s struggles in recent months, Porro has consistently remained one of their better performers.

In the picture with Spain ahead of the World Cup, the former Sporting full-back is approaching a pivotal summer in this career.

From a basic point of view, it feels as though Porro certainly could leave Tottenham at the end of the campaign. In that sense, he may be available.

For Liverpool, much will ride on whether Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong can improve as Arne Slot’s right-back options.

If neither can do that – or it becomes clear that Frimpong is simply an attacking option – the Reds will need a new right-back. In that scenario, Porro should absolutely come into the thinking. Like Van de Ven, Liverpool fans should keep a close eye on him this Saturday as they assess a potential future signing.

Liverpool have the chance to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since September on Saturday.

The feel-good factor is starting to return for the Reds, and they will be confident of beating an out-of-form Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs were thumped 3-0 by Nottingham Forest last week and Liverpool should see this as an opportunity to inflict further misery on Thomas Frank’s men.

The biggest decision Arne Slot has to make for Liverpool vs Tottenham is:

Although they are in better form themselves, though, Liverpool do have a growing injury list which will be Arne Slot‘s primary concern heading into the game.

Top of that list is Dominik Szoboszlai, who Slot confirmed will play if he is ready to do so. But with the Hungarian facing a race against time to be ready, here’s the XI we think will turn out for the Reds if he loses that fight.

Defence

Alisson Becker will feel much better about things after keeping consecutive clean sheets for Liverpool. The goalkeeper will be aiming to make that a hat-trick in North London.

In front of Alisson, Conor Bradley is set to return from suspension to have another crack at nailing down the right-back spot.

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Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will both be thankful for the week’s rest as they continue their ever-present centre-back partnership.

Milos Kerkez has been much improved recently and should go again at left-back.

Midfield

One of the reasons for Liverpool’s improvement in recent matches has been Slot’s shift to playing four midfielders rather than three. That should continue against Spurs whether Szoboszlai is fit or not.

Curtis Jones is growing in stature for the Reds and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet of late, while Ryan Gravenberch‘s importance is well established.

They will likely be joined in midfield by Alexis Mac Allister, who should take up one of the more advanced roles alongside Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz is a ‘special’ player, and although we haven’t seen that enough this season, this position – in behind the two forwards with freedom to drift left – should get the best out of him.

Attack

Liverpool’s attack could hardly be easier to pick for Slot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hugo Ekitike has four goals in two Premier League matches and is the Reds’ player in the hottest form, while Alexander Isak should come back into the side after a week between games.

Isak has an excellent record against Tottenham and the chance to see him alongside Ekitike and Wirtz from the start is an exciting one for Liverpool fans.

With only Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha in reserve, Slot will be hoping his starters can get the job done.

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Liverpool to North London for a 5:30pm Premier League kick-off on December 20.

Arne Slot held his pre-Spurs press conference earlier on Friday and shared some interesting updates.

Slot praised Hugo Ekitike’s efforts away from the final third, saying the Frenchman is doing something else that is a ‘big help’ to the Reds.

Federico Chiesa is being disrespected by Arne Slot! How would you use the Italian vs Tottenham?

“It just doesn’t seem like he trusts him [Chiesa]. I know when they lost at Plymouth, Slot was furious with Chiesa.”

Lewis Steele on Federico Chiesa

Elsewhere, the Dutchman gave a Liverpool injury update, with a couple of key stars expected to miss the fixture.

Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez were ruled out of the tie, while Slot did not confirm if Dominik Szoboszlai would feature.

Thomas Frank predicts Szoboszlai return vs Tottenham

Szoboszlai was injured against Brighton and Hove Albion after he was forced to fill in at right-back for the aforementioned Gomez.

Speaking about the Hungarian on Friday, Slot said: “Dominik trained in parts yesterday for the first time, so let’s see how he is today and tomorrow.”

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While the Liverpool coach would not give a definitive answer on whether Szoboszlai will feature or not, Thomas Frank thinks he knows what is going to happen.

When addressing the media at his own press conference on Friday afternoon, the Dane labelled the Liverpool midfielder a ‘beast’ and said he will play on Saturday.

Frank stated: “Szoboszlai is a beast, he will play tomorrow, of course.”

Who is your least favourite opposition player of all-time? Richarlison has got to be up there!

Thomas Frank praises more Liverpool players

The Hungarian is not the only Liverpool star Frank had high praise for on Friday.

He was also quick to comment upon Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the latter of whom he is expecting to come good.

Frank said: “They’re an excellent team, they’re the champions. They started very well. They signed fantastic players, Hugo Ekitike, what a season he’s having.

“Isak is a top striker, he will come good and Wirtz is fantastic but still adapting to the league.”

Liverpool fans have been sweating on the fitness of Dominik Szoboszlai after seeing him go down with an ankle injury last weekend.

The Hungarian has been the Reds’ best player by some distance this season, and up until Saturday had played every single minute in the Premier League.

That proud record ended against Brighton, as Arne Slot was forced to remove Szoboszlai as a precaution.

The biggest decision Arne Slot has to make for Liverpool vs Tottenham is:

The Liverpool head coach claimed his No. 8’s ankle ‘didn’t look good’ immediately after the match, but did suggest he could be ready for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

On Friday, Slot gave an update on Szoboszlai’s availability, as well as assessing the fitness of Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez won’t play against Tottenham

Liverpool have quietly had a mounting injury list during the season so far, which has certainly not helped them correct their poor form.

That will unfortunately continue on Saturday, with Slot confirming that neither Gakpo nor Gomez will be ready.

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Despite being set to miss the Spurs game, the Dutch coach did at least claim that his countryman’s injury is not as bad as first feared.

“He [Gakpo] had a scan that looked promising, so we’re not as worried as we were one or two weeks ago, he might come back earlier than expected, but definitely not tomorrow or next week,” said Slot. “Joe [Gomez] is not in the squad as well for the weekend.”

On Szoboszlai, the 47-year-old gave another promising update, suggesting that the Hungary captain will be involved either from the start or the bench.

Who is your least favourite opposition player of all-time? Richarlison has got to be up there!

“Dominik trained in parts yesterday for the first time, so let’s see how he is today and tomorrow,” said Slot. “Jeremie [Frimpong] is in the squad again as well.”

Szoboszlai will start if possible

Pressed further on the fitness of Szoboszlai especially, Slot confirmed that the midfielder will start if it is possible for him to do so.

“It completely depends on how he does today [if he will start the game],” he said. “If he can fulfil the whole session and the medical staff and the player feel comfortable for him to play then he will start.

“If he can’t fulfil the whole session or doesn’t feel comfortable himself, then we will have a discussion. But Dom has been as starter for me and for the performances he has put in, tomorrow he will be starter if he’s fit.”

The inference is that if Szoboszlai cannot start, he will at least be ready to play a part from the bench for Liverpool.

Failing an appearance or a setback, the former RB Leipzig man looks set to be ready to face Wolves the following Saturday regardless.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will clash in a Premier League fixture on Saturday.

The Reds are looking to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to six matches, while Spurs are fighting to regain their form.

Arne Slot could produce a new-look line-up for the meeting, with a number of regular starters expected to miss out or be doubts for December 20’s tie.

The biggest decision Arne Slot has to make for Liverpool vs Tottenham is:

Dominik Szoboszlai could miss Tottenham, and has arguably been one of the Premier League champions’ top stars this term.

However, there are a couple more Liverpool stars who have earned high praise going into the weekend.

Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak praised by Tottenham players

Alexander Isak is Micky van de Ven’s toughest opponent in the Premier League, the Dutch centre-back claimed earlier this week.

He called the Swede ‘top class’ and admitted he has a lot of different sides to his game, which make Isak such a good striker.

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At the other end of the pitch, meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has now been spoken highly of by Dominic Solanke.

Harry Kane conducted an interview with SPORTbible, in which he answered fan questions.

Among the ‘fans’ was Tottenham forward Solanke, who told Kane that Van Dijk is his toughest opponent.

He said: “Hi Harry, Dom here, the best player I’ve played against is Virgil van Dijk, I just wanted to know who is the toughest and best player you’ve played against.”

How do Liverpool get more out of Alexander Isak?

He has a phenomenal record against this weekend's opponents 👀

Dominic Solanke and Richarlison’s record vs Liverpool

During his senior career, the 28-year-old has faced Liverpool more than any other club.

Solanke has been on the winning side against the Reds on just two occasions, losing the remaining nine meetings.

He has, however, despite coming up against Van Dijk, managed to score two and assist three in those games.

The striker is expected to miss this weekend’s match-up due to a long-term injury, with former Everton man Richarlison instead likely to lead the line.

The Brazilian has four goals and three assists in 16 matches against Liverpool.

Liverpool head into Saturday’s clash against Tottenham with the chance to win back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time since September.

Having made it five games unbeaten in all competitions with victory over Brighton last weekend, the Reds finally look to be getting back on track.

Nevertheless, plenty of question marks remain over who exactly makes up Arne Slot‘s best Liverpool XI, and the Dutch coach must find the answers sooner rather than later.

The biggest decision Arne Slot has to make for Liverpool vs Tottenham is:

Part of the complication in Slot being able to pick his best team every time has been that Liverpool’s new signings have struggled to hit the ground running.

Hugo Ekitike aside, doubt has been cast on whether each and every summer addition was a smart one for the Reds. As many of them now begin to settle in properly, Slot could finally help that process by getting them all on the pitch together this Saturday.

Liverpool could play their new signings all together

Clearly, the one caveat to this is that Giovanni Leoni remains injured and will likely miss the entire season. It will be a while until we see him slot back into the Liverpool back line.

However, Slot may have the chance to get all five of his other outfield signings together at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Florian Wirtz and Ekitike are almost certain to start, while it would be a surprise if Alexander Isak was left on the bench again as well.

Milos Kerkez has been in good form recently and deserves to keep his place, while Jeremie Frimpong is expected to be available after missing two months with a hamstring injury.

Frimpong will not start against Tottenham, but the Dutchman may be a candidate to come on. Liverpool’s new diamond formation looks to play to his strengths, and after such a long time spent out of the team, Frimpong will be champing at the bit to return.

It is not only the former Bayer Leverkusen man who should benefit from Slot’s change in approach, though, the new system looks set to get the best out of Wirtz, Ekitike, Isak and Kerkez as well. Finally, after months of questioning exactly what Liverpool were thinking last summer, the plan may begin to look coherent and clear.

Gut feeling, has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? If yes, how do you feel about it?

How Liverpool could line up with five new stars

It was always going to be risky for Liverpool to sign so many new players all in one go. Excluding the injured Leoni, the Reds signed half a new team, all of whom had potential to be starters.

In the old 4-3-3 formation, many of those additions made little sense, few more so than the roaming No. 10 Wirtz.

But in Slot’s 4-2-2-2 system, Wirtz is given the freedom to play in between the lines, likely dovetailing with either Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister against Spurs.

The prospect of Ekitike and Isak leading the line in front of Wirtz is an enticing one, while Kerkez and Frimpong will be given licence to bomb on to provide a threat from wide.

On paper, this looks like a perfect set-up for Liverpool, and fans should be excited to see it in action for the first time. There may be some teething issues, but in Christmas week, Reds supporters could get the early present they’ve been hoping for all season long.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash in a late Premier League kick-off on Saturday.

Both sides have had difficult starts to the season, but Arne Slot’s men are beginning to turn things around.

Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 last time out, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games and moving to within two points of fourth.

Gut feeling, has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? If yes, how do you feel about it?

Tottenham, meanwhile, have won one in five and dropped down to 11th following the latest round of games.

As well as being on a tricky run of form, Micky van de Ven could now come face to face with one of his toughest opponents on Saturday.

Micky van de Ven praises Alexander Isak ahead of Tottenham vs Liverpool

Ahead of the tie, the Spurs centre-back sat down with Gary Neville for an interview with The Overlap.

During the conversation, Neville asked: “Who has been your toughest opponent in the last two years in the Premier League?”

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The Tottenham defender responded by selecting Alexander Isak.

He said: “So the game we played against Newcastle when we lost, the game I slipped as well.

“But this game Isak was different level, so at this point I was like ‘he’s a top class player’.

“I knew he was top class, but this game I was like… He can run in behind, he can come into the ball and technical, he’s also really good with the ball. He’s fast, he has a top finish. So at that point, he was literally just like everywhere.”

But while the Dutchman knows how lethal Liverpool’s record signing can be, he is yet to find his feet as a Red.

Who would be the best Mohamed Salah replacement? 🤔

Alexander Isak’s Liverpool stats compared to Newcastle United

Despite missing pre-season in order to secure a transfer to Anfield, you would have thought that the Swede would be up to speed in a Liverpool shirt by now.

However, supporters are concerned about Isak, who they believe is miles behind his rival, Hugo Ekitike.

In nine Premier League appearances so far this term, he has found the back of the net on just one occasion.

He went on to score a total of 23 league goals for the Magpies, a tally he would now need to score 22 in 22 to reach in 2025/26.

Liverpool have a rare midweek off to rest before travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah has left the club this week to compete for Egypt and will play no part in the remainder of their 2025 fixtures.

Elsewhere, Joe Gomez was injured against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, leaving Liverpool with very few options at right-back.

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With Conor Bradley suspended, Dominik Szoboszlai was forced to drop into the backline for much of the 2-0 win.

However, Szoboszlai suffered an injury of his own in the fixture, and his potential involvement against Spurs has been cast into doubt.

Dominik Szoboszlai injury timeframe ahead of Tottenham

Thankfully, it doesn’t appear as though the Hungarian will be on the sidelines for too long.

According to a report in his home country, the initial tests did not reveal any serious injury for Szoboszlai.

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Meanwhile, speaking on The Official Liverpool FC Podcast, former player Phil Thompson said he’s quite sure the versatile midfielder will be ready to go by the time the Tottenham clash comes around.

Commenting after the Brighton win, he said: “Dominik, I’d like to think it will be swelling, it will be sore. You get to probably Wednesday and it’ll be going down [with] ice treatment and rest.

“He’ll be ready, I’m quite sure, to go out by next weekend.”

Gut feeling, has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? If yes, how do you feel about it?

When is Jeremie Frimpong back from injury?

Gomez could be out for a while, with Slot hinting that he’s going to miss the Tottenham game, as per the Evening Standard.

On the Englishman, Slot said: “If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe, that’s normally not a positive thing.

“I would not expect him to be in the squad next week [at Tottenham], but sometimes you get a positive surprise.”

His absence could have left Bradley as the only defender available who is capable of playing at right-back this weekend.

But Slot is expecting Jeremie Frimpong to train with the squad ahead of the trip to North London.

He said: “The good thing is that Conor Bradley comes back from a suspension [next week] and normally Jeremie Frimpong will train with us also.”

The Standard gives him a potential return date of December 20.

Liverpool have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches under Arne Slot.

After a harrowing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, the Reds have slipped down to 12th, 11 points off league leaders Arsenal.

The display was so concerning that supporters have been discussing replacements for Slot in the days since.

RTK have also named a three-man Liverpool managerial shortlist who may be looked at if the Dutchman goes.

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Now, an insight into the financial implications of parting ways with Slot has been shared.

The cost of Liverpool sacking Arne Slot

Finance expert Kieran Maguire discussed the cost of removing the Dutchman from his post at Anfield on the latest episode of the Beyond The Back Four podcast.

He revealed it would take a fee somewhere in the region of £10m-15m, which would be offset if Liverpool are able to climb four places under a new boss.

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However, Maguire warned that changing managers doesn’t always work out, using Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest as examples from this season.

He said: “Would cost between £10-15m to sack Slot and coaching staff. From value perspective, danger of missing out on Champions League. With every position in Premier League final table being worth £3.5m then improving by four places under new manager cancels out sacking costs.

“Live in environment of simple solutions to complex problems – sacking managers seen as easy option. Didn’t work at Forest earlier in season, doesn’t look to be working for Tottenham this season too.”

Will Liverpool sack Arne Slot

On the back of the latest league defeat, Graeme Bailey told RTK how Michael Edwards feels about sacking Slot.

He said: “Arne Slot is an Edwards and Hughes guy, whilst not untouchable – who is in football – he has a huge amount of credit in the bank, they believe in him, they believe he is still the man for Liverpool and fully believe he will put this right.

“Everyone at the club insist that at this moment their full focus is on putting things right. They know they are better than what they are showing.”

Next up for Liverpool is a Champions League meeting with PSV on Wednesday evening.

They will then travel to West Ham for a Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

Both are winnable fixtures on paper, and victories could ease some of the pressure being put on Slot from some sections of the fanbase.

Liverpool may well regret not pushing harder to sign Micky van de Ven before he joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

While injuries have certainly become a feature of the former Wolfsburg defender’s game, he appears to have put that behind him this season and is thriving as a result.

Liverpool, on the other hand, remain in search of their next starting centre-back. Ibrahima Konate looks likely to depart next summer, leaving only Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and young – and injured – Giovanni Leoni.

According to former Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz, Van de Ven may be the ideal player to come in and assume leadership duties from his countryman Van Dijk.

“I think he’s the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk, both in the Dutch national team and at Liverpool,” Boulahrouz told ESPN. “The question, of course, is what Virgil will do after the World Cup. Playing in the Premier League for years has taken its toll. You might long for a bit of a break. And Liverpool isn’t crazy: if you’re looking for a world-class left centre-back and you have the money, you’ll quickly end up with Van de Ven.”

There is certainly some credence to the pundit’s comments, but regardless of whether he would be a success or not, is a Liverpool move for Van de Ven even a possibility?

No reason why Liverpool could not sign Micky van de Ven

The one big problem with Van de Ven since his arrival at Spurs has been injuries. When he has been on the pitch he has largely stood out and excelled, but he played only 13 Premier League matches last season.

This term, something seems to have clicked for the pacy Dutchman. He has missed only 10 minutes of action throughout Tottenham’s 11 league fixtures.

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Liverpool were heavily linked with Van de Ven before his move to North London, and the 24-year-old is clearly someone on the Reds’ radar.

As they assess the centre-back market – and potentially prepare to replace Van Dijk in 2027 – Van de Ven could definitely be in their thinking.

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It is true that Tottenham and Liverpool rarely do business, and Spurs will be reluctant to sell to a club who they will regard as near-enough a direct rival.

However, it is also true that a move to Anfield would be a clear step up for Van de Ven. Liverpool are above Spurs in the footballing food chain no matter what the capital club may think.

Having cost £43m less than three years ago, the Reds would have to pay a big fee to convince Spurs to part with one of their star defenders. But Liverpool have the money, and if they are convinced Van de Ven could really replace Van Dijk effectively, price should not be a huge issue.

Will Liverpool go in for Van de Ven?

Liverpool have plenty to think about when it comes to signing one, two or even three new centre-backs in the coming 18 months.

If they weigh all of that up and decide that Van de Ven is the player they want, then there really is no reason they would not make an approach to Tottenham.

You do not replace a player like Van Dijk with just any old defender. It may be that Liverpool are forced to spend a little more than they’d like in order to get an elite talent.

In Rousing The Kop‘s opinion, Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan may be the ideal player to go for in this respect. But if Van de Ven continues to shine at Tottenham, then he should be considered as well.

Boulahrouz may be slightly underestimating the difficulty of taking over from Van Dijk at Liverpool, but it may be that Van de Ven is ultimately the player handed the keys. The next 12 months will be crucial.