The Football Faithful

A resurgent Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon for a festive fixture against Premier League basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Arne Slot’s reigning champions are looking to capitalise on their rivals’ slip-ups and break back into the top four. The Reds are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, a run that includes a gritty 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

However, they face a Wolves side enduring a nightmare season. Rob Edwards’ men have just two points from 17 games, equalling the worst start to a season in English Football League history. Despite their struggles, Wolves will hope to exploit Liverpool’s growing injury list, which now includes record signing Alexander Isak.

Liverpool vs Wolves – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Saturday, 27 December 2025

Kick-off: 3:00 pm GMT

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Referee: Simon Hooper

VAR: Michael Salisbury

Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-1 Wolves , 16 FEB 2025, Premier League

Team News

Liverpool

Arne Slot has suffered a major blow with striker Alexander Isak ruled out for “several months” after undergoing surgery on a broken leg sustained against Tottenham. With Mohamed Salah also absent due to Africa Cup of Nations duty, the scoring burden falls to Hugo Ekitiké.

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. On the positive side, Jeremie Frimpong has returned to fitness and could start at right-back, as Conor Bradley is rated as “50-50” due to a hamstring doubt. Cody Gakpo is also a doubt with a muscle issue, while Joe Gomez, Wataru Endō, and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.

Wolves

Rob Edwards welcomes back defender Yerson Mosquera from suspension. However, this boost is tempered by the loss of captain Toti Gomes, who is out for a “significant period” with a hamstring injury. Emmanuel Agbadou and Tawanda Chirewa have departed for AFCON, further depleting the squad.

The injury list remains extensive with Rodrigo Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, and Marshall Munetsi all unavailable. Hugo Bueno has returned to training and will be assessed late. In goal, José Sá could retain his place ahead of Sam Johnstone.

Form

Liverpool

Liverpool have rediscovered their rhythm, winning consecutive league games for the first time since their opening five matches of the season. They thrive during this period, having historically performed well between Christmas and New Year. Hugo Ekitiké is in lethal form, having scored five goals in his last three league appearances.

Wolves

Wolves are on the brink of unwanted history. They are winless in their last 21 Premier League games and have lost their last 10 in a row. A loss today would see Rob Edwards become only the second manager in Premier League history to lose his first seven matches in charge of a club. Furthermore, they have lost their last eight Premier League away games at Anfield.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Chiesa, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitiké

Wolves predicted XI: Sá; Semedo, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Doherty; J. Gomes, André, Lemina; Bellegarde, Cunha, Larsen

How to watch Liverpool vs Wolves?

This match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the Saturday 3:00 pm blackout. Highlights will be available on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

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Tottenham Hotspur host Fulham on Saturday evening, needing a response after a difficult week.

A 4-1 derby defeat to Arsenal was compounded by a 5-3 loss in Paris. Consequently, Thomas Frank is under pressure to tighten up his defence. Despite these setbacks, Spurs can rely on a dominant home record against Fulham.

The hosts have not lost three consecutive London derbies in the same campaign since 2021. Furthermore, they have overperformed their expected goals (xG) more than any other side this season. Today, they will look to Richarlison to fire them back to winning ways. In fact, the striker has scored in his last two league starts.

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Manager Thomas Frank faces a defensive reshuffle for the visit of Fulham. Vice-captain Cristian Romero is serving a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards. Therefore, Kevin Danso is expected to come into the starting XI. He will partner Micky van de Ven in central defence.

In midfield, João Palhinha will likely line up against his former club. He should partner Rodrigo Bentancur in what promises to be a robust battle.

In attack, Spurs receive a boost with the return of Brennan Johnson. He is available after missing the Champions League trip due to suspension. Consequently, he is likely to slot back into the lineup on the right. Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani might have to settle for a place on the bench. This is despite scoring a brace midweek, as Richarlison is expected to retain his spot as the central striker.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted Lineup

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Johnson, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison

When will the match kick off?

The Premier League fixture will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 29 November 2025, with a kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham?

The match will air live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 7:30 pm GMT.

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Spurs boss Thomas Frank confirmed that none of his injured players will be fit in time for the visit of Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

Seven Tottenham players are currently on the treatment table, while Cristian Romero is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Arsenal last weekend, incurring a one-match ban.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are all ruled out through injury, while Radu Dragusin is inching towards a return to action.

Spurs missing eight players for Fulham clash

“Nothing changed from the Arsenal and PSG games apart from the suspension to Cuti,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference. “Radu will not be able to start yet. Progressing, training, that’s the latest.”

The former Brentford manager could not put a timeline on returns for long-term absentees Kulusevski and Solanke.

“I’d love to have them ready to play for us, but they’re unavailable, other players need to step up. It’s much easier to say they’re in, when available, rather than put a time-frame on it.”

Frank also hinted that Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could start at the weekend after impressing against PSG.

“I think if you perform like you did against the European champions away from home, you’re ready to start in the Premier League.”

Meanwhile, Fulham have no new injury concerns heading into the London derby. Rodrigo Muniz and Antonee Robinson remain unavailable.

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Thomas Frank has revealed he held talks with Manchester United and Chelsea about their managerial positions last year.

Frank was appointed as the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, and has led the North Londoners into the Premier League’s top five so far this season.

His appointment at Spurs came after seven successful seasons at Brentford, where the Dane won plaudits for winning promotion and consolidating the Bees as a top-flight team.

Frank has now revealed that he received interest in his services prior to joining Tottenham. Incredibly, he held negotiations with both Manchester United and Chelsea on the very same day in May 2024.

The 52-year-old was considered for both positions, though United ultimately stuck with former manager Erik ten Hag, only to dismiss the Dutchman five months later and appoint Ruben Amorim. Chelsea instead decided to appoint current boss Enzo Maresca, then of Leicester City.

Speaking to TV 2 Sport, Frank revealed the unusual circumstances of the conversations.

“Sitting down for interviews with two of the 10 biggest clubs in the world – two hours apart – is pretty unique,” he told said.

“I know I didn’t get either of the two jobs, but it was still a huge deal.

“I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking: ‘Thomas Frank from Frederiksvaerk – am I really experiencing this?'”

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Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the growing list of clubs interested in signing Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye.

The Senegal international has had a brilliant impact since joining Everton from Marseille in 2024. Ndiaye scored 11 goals in all competitions during an impressive debut year with Everton and has opened the new season in similar form.

He has netted four times in 10 league appearances, while Ndiaye also ranks among the Premier League’s top performers for expected assists (3rd), successful take-ons (3rd), tackles won (8th) and progressive carries (9th).

TEAMtalk are reporting that Newcastle and Spurs are both interested in a potential deal. Everton are under no pressure to sell, however, with Ndiaye contracted until 2029.

Potential January interest is also set to be complicated by Ndiaye’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from December 21st 2025 to January 18th 2026.

In addition to Premier League admirers, Ndiaye is also attracting interest from Europe. AC Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are all tracking his progress.

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Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, aiming to build on their hard-fought 1-0 derby victory over Tottenham.

Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge today, aiming to build on their hard-fought 1-0 derby victory over Tottenham. Enzo Maresca’s side have been in strong form at home recently. In fact, they have won three of their last four games at the Bridge in all competitions. Consequently, this fixture presents a perfect opportunity to continue that run.

The Blues face a Wolves side in complete disarray. The visitors are currently sitting bottom of the table and are without a manager. Furthermore, Chelsea have a dominant record in this fixture. Impressively, they have won seven of their 11 Premier League home games against Wolves.

Chelsea team news

Enzo Maresca faces new injury concerns as he deals with a quick turnaround from Chelsea’s midweek trip to Baku. Unfortunately, he has definitively ruled out midfielder Romeo Lavia for the clash with Wolves. Lavia had to come off with an injury just minutes into the draw with Qarabag.

Additionally, a late decision will be made on winger Pedro Neto. Neto missed the European trip with a minor issue and will face a fitness test today. Due to the less-than-72-hour recovery time, Maresca is expected to rotate his side heavily.

In more positive news, striker Liam Delap is available for selection again. He has now served his domestic suspension. Coincidentally, he picked up that ban against Wolves in the EFL Cup. Delap is now back in contention for a start. However, the absentee list remains long. Cole Palmer (groin) and Benoit Badiashile (muscle) are still not ready to return. They join long-term absentees Levi Colwill (knee) and Dario Essugo (thigh) on the sidelines.

Chelsea predicted Lineup

Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Pedro, Garnacho; Delap

When is the match?

The Premier League fixture will take place at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 8 November 2025, with a kick-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. GMT.

How to watch Chelsea vs Wolves?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 7:30 pm GMT.

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Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United in a crucial Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

Both clubs are level on 17 points in a tight race for the European places. Spurs will draw confidence from their midweek Champions League win. However, they must overcome a severe injury crisis. Meanwhile, a well-rested Manchester United side arrive in North London on their best league run of the season, aiming to end Spurs’ recent dominance in this fixture.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025

Kick-off: 12:30 pm GMT

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: Sam Barrott

VAR: John Brooks

Last Meeting: Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United, 21 May 2025, UEFA Europa League Final

Team News

Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank is navigating a severe injury crisis, with as many as nine first-team players unavailable. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, and Dominic Solanke are all sidelined. In addition, Lucas Bergvall is out after suffering a concussion against Chelsea. However, Spurs receive a massive boost as defenders Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are both fit to return to the starting eleven after impressing against Copenhagen.

Manchester United

Rúben Amorim has a near fully-fit squad to choose from. Defender Harry Maguire is in contention to start after a minor knock. The team’s only major absentee is Lisandro Martínez. While the defender is back in full training after his long-term knee injury, this match is expected to come just too soon for his return.

Form Guide

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs’ league form has been inconsistent, dropping them to sixth. Their 1-0 loss to Chelsea last weekend was a significant setback. Furthermore, their home form is a major concern, with just one win from their five league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season. However, they did secure a morale-boosting 4-0 Champions League win in midweek.

Manchester United

United’s league form has significantly improved. They are currently unbeaten in their last four matches (W3 D1). This is their best run under Rúben Amorim. Although their three-game winning streak was snapped by a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, the team is building momentum and has had a full week to prepare.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Johnson, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage starts at 12:00 pm GMT. The game can also be streamed via the Discovery+ app.

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Ruben Amorim admits that a lack of clean sheets is a “problem” that Man Utd need to address this season.

The Red Devils have conceded 18 goals in all competitions and kept a clean sheet just once, in their 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford last month.

They have conceded two or more goals on six occasions as they struggle to keep the opposition from breaking them down, despite playing five at the back.

Amorim admits Man Utd clean sheets ‘problem’ ahead of Spurs clash

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Amorim said at his pre-match press conference that the best sides in the Premier League are built on a solid defence.

“It’s a problem. If you see the league nowadays, the team that is winning is not conceding goals. That’s a big thing.

“When you have talented players, if you defend well, in one moment, you can score and win a game. But it’s a team thing. We need to defend well and be more aggressive. Everything is connected.

“But we cannot concede the amount of goals we are conceding at the moment.

“Sometimes if you defend really well, you attack better. In the last game, they had 17 shots against us. We cannot allow that. We need to pay attention to that.”

Read – Amorim responds to Ronaldo comments on Man Utd

United have not won any of their last seven encounters with Spurs, who won all four of their clashes last season, including the UEFA Europa League final. Their last win at Tottenham came in 2021.

Despite their difficulties at the back, Amorim is “confident” his Man Utd team can get a result as they now possess the attacking talent capable of changing a game.

“We are in a better moment but we still have a lot to do to consistently win games in a row,” he said.

“We can manage the games better now. We can always change from one moment we are struggling because we have players who can do that individually and not just as team.

“But if you look at Nottingham Forest game, you can sense the energy was not the same. You can see that from the first moments of the game itself.”

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Everton return to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday looking to get their season back on track against an injury-hit Tottenham Hotspur.

After a bright start, David Moyes’ side have won just one of their last six league games. Therefore, this home fixture presents a crucial opportunity for three points. The Toffees will draw confidence from their impressive home form.

They remain unbeaten at their new stadium this season, having conceded just twice in four games. Furthermore, the return of key creator Jack Grealish provides a significant boost to their attacking options as they aim to exploit Spurs’ depleted squad.

Everton team news

David Moyes has been handed a major boost with the return of Jack Grealish, who missed last week’s game against his parent club. Grealish’s creativity will be vital for the Toffees. However, the manager faces significant problems in defence.

Jarrad Branthwaite requires surgery on a hamstring injury, while Nathan Patterson is also sidelined. Michael Keane is expected to partner James Tarkowski in central defence. Merlin Röhl is fit again, providing another midfield option alongside James Garner and Idrissa Gueye.

Everton predicted Lineup

Everton predicted XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Beto

When is the match kick-off?

The Premier League fixture will be played at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30 pm BST.

How to watch Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 4:00 pm BST.

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Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Stade Louis-II on Wednesday, aiming to get their Champions League campaign firmly back on track.

Their campaign started with a win but was followed by a draw. Therefore, Thomas Frank’s side now need a positive result against Monaco.

Additionally, Frank himself hopes to make history. He could become the first Spurs manager ever to go unbeaten in his first three games in this competition.

Spurs should take confidence from their strong away form this season. In fact, they remain unbeaten on their travels across all competitions. Moreover, they won on their last visit to France in this competition. However, they face a tough challenge tonight. Monaco possess a formidable home record against English teams. Furthermore, Spurs must contend with significant defensive injury concerns.

Tottenham team news

Thomas Frank faces major selection problems, particularly in defence. Cristian Romero is a huge doubt after picking up an adductor injury before the weekend, while Destiny Udogie is also unlikely to be fit. Ben Davies is definitely out. Consequently, Kevin Danso is expected to partner Micky van de Ven in central defence, with Djed Spence potentially starting at left-back.

The manager has received a boost in attack, however, with Randal Kolo Muani available again after injury. Richarlison is likely to lead the line, supported by Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Johnson; Richarlison

When is the match?

The Champions League fixture will be played at the Stade Louis-II on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 pm BST.

How to watch Monaco vs Tottenham Hotspur?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 3. Coverage starts at 7:45 pm BST. Live streaming is available via Discovery+.

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