Rousing The Kop

The Premier League’s 5:30pm kick-off saw Liverpool and Tottenham clash in North London on Saturday evening.

Liverpool made one change against Tottenham, seeing the injured Joe Gomez replaced by Conor Bradley.

It was a drab start to the match from the Reds, and Arne Slot’s decision not to start Alexander Isak did not go down well with supporters.

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

Some much-needed life was injected into the game when Spurs midfielder Xavi Simons was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

However, Liverpool still went in level at the break, with it clear that something needed to change.

Liverpool fans react to Florian Wirtz assist

On that front, Isak was brought on, seeing Conor Bradley make way, and Szoboszlai dropped into the right-back position.

It was a change that paid off as the Swede scored his second league goal of the season, being set up by Florian Wirtz.

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The German has been improving in the last few matches, and fans have now taken to social media to praise his display on Saturday.

One fan wrote: “Wirtz magnificent basically Firmino recanted.”

“Brilliant pass and vision from Wirtz, that,” added another.

A third highlighted his growing influence: “Wirtz is having a growing influence off this left side and he slides the pass in for Isak. That is Isak in a nutshell, little run down the side of the centre-back and a brilliant finish.”

“Two sensational footballers coming together there, Wirtz and Isak. Brilliant goal for the Champions,” a fourth wrote.

Another fan added: Wirtz is undoubtedly class, just needs to up his numbers. On the eye, you can’t complain.”

A sixth rather boldly claimed: “Wirtz assist. World class.”

The German has continued to grow into this Liverpool side, with Arne Slot stating last week that Wirtz is getting better and better.

But it does beg one question: how does the Liverpool boss fit all his frontline into the same team now?

If Isak is out for a prolonged period, it won’t be an issue until Mohamed Salah is back from the AFCON in early 2026.

But when all his forwards are fit, Slot must find a way to start Ekitike, Wirtz, Salah and Isak without hampering his midfield and backline.

A tricky challenge and one we have yet to see the manager find a solution to this season.

Liverpool suffered a very late scare but managed to get over the line against Tottenham.

The Reds put in a much-improved second half performance against Spurs that meant it looked like they were going to come away with a comfortable three points.

Richarlison’s introduction changed that, though, and he made it a tense ending, although Liverpool just about got over the line.

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

Goals from Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak helped get the job done, although the latter was taken off with yet another injury. Here are how the players rated.

Defence

Alisson Becker: 7 – Was on his toes to deny Spurs twice in the first half, even if it was only just. Didn’t have too much to do in the second half bar a few comfortable-enough saves and couldn’t do a lot about the goal.

Conor Bradley: 5 – Took his time to get into the game but slowly got there. Picked up an injury late in the first half and came off at half time, though. The right-back issue persists.

Ibrahima Konate: 7 – Misjudged a header that almost led to a Spurs goal, but was fairly comfortable other than that and was hardly troubled.

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Virgil van Dijk: 6 – Was on the receiving end of Simons’ poor tackle that led to a red card. Was comfortable until the latter stages, with the Dutchman failing to clear the ball that led to Richarlison’s goal.

Milos Kerkez: 6 – Played fairly high up the pitch but did not threaten too much with his deliveries. Was comfortable at the back, though, and certainly looks like he has settled.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch: 6 – Created a few chances and worked hard, but was a little bit slow on the ball at times. In his defence, the entire midfield felt a little short of energy.

Alexis Mac Allister: 6 – Was the furthest forward of the midfielders but was probably the least impactful. Still worked hard and the balance of the midfield felt good, especially second half.

Curtis Jones: 6 – Got on the ball as much as he could, like he always does, but could not make too much of an impact. Still was silky at times and has definitely been a good addition to the midfield.

Phew! Three points, but a really, really poor display. What are your takeaways?

Attack

Dominik Szoboszlai: 6 – Played in Salah’s position in the first half and helped with the balance of the side, but moved back to right-back due to Bradley’s injury. Far less impactful from there, although did a selfless job for his teammates.

Hugo Ekitike: 8 – Worked hard and got in behind a few times in the first half, but lacked support and was isolated at times. Played alongside Isak in the second half but they could not find an understanding, but took his goal really well with a clinical header.

Florian Wirtz: 7 – Showed a few flashes of brilliance and tried his best to speed the game up where he could. Assisted Isak for his goal too with a perfectly-weighted pass from the left, with the German starting to find his feet in the Premier League.

Substitutes

Alexander Isak: 6 – Came on at half time and scored the opener, and just his second league goal of the season, in less than 15 minutes with a clinical finish. However, he picked up an injury mid-shot, which meant he had to be taken off. Nightmare for the Swede.

Jeremie Frimpong: 6 – Brought a lot of pace to the right and played as a winger, but could tell he had spent a little while out as a few of his touches were poor. Played a big part in Liverpool’s second, though so there are some promising signs.

Federico Chiesa: N/A

Andy Robertson: N/A

Liverpool appear to be getting back on track, but their game against Spurs will be a very telling sign.

The Reds are unbeaten in their last five games, with this run of form relieving a little bit of pressure on Arne Slot.

What changes would you make to Liverpool’s XI vs Tottenham?

However, the Dutchman needs to keep this momentum going heading into the new year, with Tottenham away being a game that many will think they can win.

Gary Neville believes Liverpool stand a good chance too given that Slot has got something ‘absolutely right,’ but as a matter of fact, we think he has actually got it very wrong.

Arne Slot should have played Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak up front together

Both teams have started the game very negatively, as if looking like both do not want to lose the match rather than going all out to win it.

Liverpool have certainly sat back more than previous weeks, which is a surprise given the attacking talent they have added over the summer.

With Mohamed Salah away, many may have thought Slot would start Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak together, but he has not, something Neville thinks is the right decision.

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“With Salah at AFCON you may think of putting Isak and Ekitike out there together, but Slot is absolutely right to try to shore up that midfield,” he said on Sky Sports.

Although the midfield is very compact, the Reds have offered nothing in attack, suggesting that they may have shot themselves in the foot by playing too negatively.

Tottenham have shown frailties at the back this season too, something Isak and Ekitike could have exploited together, but Slot opted for a different approach.

Liverpool are not building upon recent performances

Liverpool had been starting games too slowly, but that looked to have changed in recent weeks, and to great effect too.

But against Spurs, it has been another slow start with a lack of energy, which is why the home side have had the better chances.

Slot needs to demand more intensity and energy, just like Jurgen Klopp used to do, with this likely enough on its own to cause real problems in the final third.

Getting Isak on alongside Ekitike looks like it should be his first move too, if not, they could find themselves leaving North London with nothing.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur went head-to-head in a Premier League meeting on December 20.

Arne Slot had to make some changes to his squad on the day, in part due to Mohamed Salah’s absence and injury issues.

Dominik Szoboszlai recovered from his injury, picked up in the previous gameweek, and was once again selected in the eleven.

What changes would you make to Liverpool’s XI vs Tottenham?

However, Joe Gomez missed out with a problem, seeing Conor Bradley start at right-back and the returning Jeremie Frimpong deputise from the bench.

Elsewhere, Alexander Isak did not have a place in the eleven for the second game in a row, with Florian Wirtz chosen in his stead.

Liverpool fans unhappy with no Alexander Isak vs Tottenham

Liverpool started the tie with little intensity, inviting a Spurs team who are devoid of confidence to get at them.

After a timid opening, fans took to social media to question why Isak and Hugo Ekitike do not start together.

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One fan wrote: “If Klopp were still our manager, he would likely have started Ekitike, Isak, and Wirtz. That’s what an elite manager does—trusts quality and plays it. But we’re sticking with Slot now, so let’s hope he truly turns Liverpool’s fortunes around.”

A second added: “It surprises me that Slot doesn’t use Isak and Ekitike together.”

“Slot don’t know how to use him, so he’s playing Ekitike instead, but Ekitike deserves his place in the team. Another manager would get the best out of Isak,” a third stated.

Another suggested: “Isak isn’t the player you should be keeping on the bench all the time.. Slot should find a way to play both Ekitike and Isak.”

“No Salah and still won’t play Isak and Ekitike together,” tweeted a fifth.

A sixth wrote: “Slot had the chance to put an exciting formation consisting of Isak and Ekitike. But no, Slot is isolating Ekitike, and we have 6 defenders.”

It’s easy to see why some supporters are unhappy with the most expensive signing in British history being left on the bench for a second game in a row.

But Liverpool are in a difficult moment right now, which requires them to continue picking up results to try and save what has been a poor season so far.

Unfortunately, that means Slot is going to start what he thinks, and has seen, as Liverpool’s best forward line.

Isak started alongside Ekitike against Inter Milan, and though the Reds won, fans were concerned about the striker.

It’s also worth pointing out that in that game, Liverpool looked much better when Wirtz replaced the ex-Newcastle United man.

What won’t help Slot’s case in fans’ eyes, however, is if Liverpool’s attack continues to look so limp, as it did for much of the first half against Tottenham.

Granted, Isak may still need some time to build match fitness, but it’s nearly 2026, and the Swede should, even after his injury, really be close to 100% right now.

Most Liverpool fans have likely given up hope of winning back-to-back Premier League titles after falling into a slump during the early part of this season.

The Reds had looked like clear favourites to go again after spending huge amounts of money over the summer transfer window.

But things soon fell apart for Arne Slot’s team, who have been left 10 points behind leaders Arsenal with 22 matches left to play.

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

Liverpool have begun to pick up form slightly heading into Christmas, however, and should be confident of getting a result against Tottenham on Saturday.

According to former Reds full-back Steve Nicol, if they can do that, Liverpool just might have a chance of pulling themselves back into an unlikely Premier League title race.

Liverpool capable of putting pressure on Arsenal

The clash with Tottenham is easily Liverpool’s most difficult fixture of the festive period. After their trip to London, the Reds play home games against Wolves and then Leeds.

As a result, if they win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Liverpool could realistically be looking at four Premier League wins on the bounce.

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With Arsenal on the agenda in January, Nicol has claimed that if Liverpool can win their games, they may have a chance and re-entering the title race going into the head-to-head against the Gunners.

“I’m a little worried. It’s given me cause for concern that we’re going to Tottenham and I think ‘we can’t lose to this Tottenham side’. But then I’ve thought that a few times this season. The closer the game gets I’m thinking we possibly could!” the pundit told ESPN FC.

“I think this is a big game for Liverpool. After the Spurs game they’ve got Wolves, they’ve got Leeds. They’ve got Arsenal coming soon but they’ve also got Burnley. Liverpool could win the next three or four games – and should win them on paper – and put themselves in a position where if they beat Arsenal then maybe they’re back in it.”

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

“That feels strange to say because I just don’t feel as though Liverpool will be in the title race, which means they’re not going to put themselves in that position by the time they play Arsenal!

“I’m really all over the shop, this Liverpool side makes you go all over the place. I just know that Liverpool are sometimes capable of beating themselves. I’m going to say Liverpool win the game but there’s always that little bit of doubt because of what we’ve seen from them this season.”

Who are Arsenal playing in the meantime?

Although things are looking better for Liverpool, they have shown many times this season that just because they’re expected to win a game, it doesn’t mean that they will.

Nevertheless, they really should be beating both Wolves and Leeds at Anfield, meaning there is a fair amount riding on the Tottenham game.

Getting back towards the top of the table will also rely on Arsenal dropping points, though, so it is crucial to look at the Gunners’ fixtures in the meantime.

Before playing Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s team face Everton away, Brighton then Aston Villa at home and Bournemouth away. Winnable games, but none of them look especially straightforward either.

Should Arsenal drop points, and Liverpool take their maximum, things could indeed be interesting when the Reds head to the Emirates on January 8th. One step at a time, though, first let’s box off another win in North London.

Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Saturday evening, taking on Tottenham Hotspur.

Jamie Carragher backs the Reds to beat Tottenham, in part due to the latter’s dismal home record.

If they are able to do so, Liverpool will make it six games unbeaten after a previously dire run of form. But they will have to navigate this weekend’s fixture without a couple of key names.

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

Arne Slot provided an injury update on Friday, in which he confirmed versatile defender Joe Gomez and Cody Gakpo are both ruled out.

The Dutchman also commented on star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who was injured against Brighton last time out.

Dominik Szoboszlai plays match in Liverpool training

Speaking about the Hungarian in the build-up to the Spurs tie, Slot did not confirm if he was fit enough to feature on December 20.

With Mohamed Salah now at the AFCON, his absence would leave the Merseyside outfit short of options on the right flank.

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Florian Wirtz can technically be used in that position, but he is more suited to playing just off the left and drifting inside to rotate with Alexis Mac Allister.

Thankfully, it doesn’t appear as though Slot will have to worry about being without Szoboszlai on Saturday.

Prior to the match, Liverpool have shared training photos on their official Instagram account.

Among them was an image of ‘Today’s winning team’. Szoboszlai was present next to Alisson, seeming to confirm he took part in the inter-squad training match.

As a result, it seems clear he has recovered from the Brighton knock and should be ready to play against Thomas Frank’s side.

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

Injured Liverpool star trains before Tottenham

In a further boost, Liverpool look set to welcome Jeremie Frimpong back this weekend.

The Dutchman has been a bit-part player following his summer transfer move from Bayer Leverkusen due to persistent injury issues.

But another post from Liverpool on Instagram showed him training alongside his fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk ahead of Spurs.

His return comes at an ideal time, given that Gomez is ruled out of the upcoming fixture.

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.

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

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.