Liverpool Echo

Liverpool were given a man advantage in the first half against Tottenham when the hosts were shown a red card, following a challenge from Xavi Simons on Virgil van Dijk. The referee, John Brooks, initially gave a yellow card to the Spurs playmaker, but was promptly asked to check the VAR monitor.

He did so, witnessing Simons go in fast on Van Dijk with his studs up, quickly causing him to overturn his decision on the field. Brooks addressed the incident and explained it when he said: "After review, the Tottenham number seven [Simons], with studs, catches the Liverpool player [Van Dijk] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card.”

It was a challenge that was slammed by Gary Neville on Sky Sports, when he said during the VAR review: "It is a ridiculous challenge, considering he was never going to get there. He is absolutely nowhere near that football. He is going to get a red card."

The Premier League Match Centre account on social media quickly put out a statement on the decision, saying: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play."

It was a key moment in the match that changed the balance of it, putting the pressure on Liverpool to dictate it over Tottenham, in a situation that isn't too unfamiliar to the Reds.

Van Dijk was on the receiving end of a similar challenge against Newcastle earlier in the season, when former Everton ace Anthony Gordon caught him with a high challenge with his studs up.

Liverpool will be hoping there isn't quite as much drama this time around, as their match with the Magpies required a late goal to win it.

The Reds have faced their own difficulties, similar to Tottenham, but they have stabilised over the past week or so, with Arne Slot finding some results when needed.

Drama surrounding Mohamed Salah has quietened following his return to the side, and the subsequent call-up to international duty with Egypt for AFCON, while focus continues on progressing this season.

With results elsewhere, Liverpool could put themselves into the top five for the first time in a while, having them firmly back in contention for a Champions League place.

The backline has been shored up as part of a return to form, with three clean sheets in five before taking on Tottenham, albeit at the expense of some attacking flair.

Slot once again changed up his system for the challenge of Spurs, picking Hugo Ekitike up front on his own, while dropping Alexander Isak in the process.

It led to a far from fluent first half in north London, with the red card being the main highlight, but Liverpool were given an advantage that they need the quality to find a breakthrough with.

Liverpool team news from North London as Conor Bradley returns from suspension for the Reds

Conor Bradley returns for Liverpool as Dominik Szoboszlai passes a late fitness test to start against Tottenham Hotspur.

Bradley missed last week's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion through suspension but is back in the side in North London with Joe Gomez sidelined with a muscle injury.

Bradley starts alongside Ibrahima Konate, captain Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez, who keeps his place on the left side.

Szoboszlai had been a doubt after hurting his ankle in the victory over the Seagulls last week but after returning to training this week, a decision was made after Friday's session that he would be clear to take part against Thomas Frank's side.

Hugo Ekitike leads the line with Szoboszlai expected to feature on the right side and Florian Wirtz off the left. Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch make up the midfield three as the champions look to extend their unbeaten run to six games across all competitions.

Jeremie Frimpong returns to the squad for the first time since a hamstring injury at Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22. Calvin Ramsay is also on the bench alongside young centre-back Wellity Lucky.

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Ekitike, Wirtz.

Free scoring

Liverpool scored 16 goals in three games against Spurs last season and still had time to fire a blank in a first leg Carabao Cup semi-final.

Spurs were the ideal opponents for Slot's Reds last term as they tore through them winning 6-3 here 12 months ago before that famous Anfield afternoon at the end of April, when they triumphed 5-1. They were two of the best performances from Slot's champions last time out but it is fair to say Ange Postecoglou's set up played into their hands.

Thomas Frank's may not, in fairness. But Spurs are not much further along in their development under the likeable former Brentford boss and their home form, in particular, is a cause for concern.

Liverpool have to take advantage of that here today.

Home comforts

It's all very festive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Christmas songs are blaring out in the press cafe, we've been treated to a Turkey lunch ahead of kick off and there's some wintery decor on display too. Very hospitable.

Hopefully Spurs are just as welcoming come 5.30pm!

They've not been great here this season, only winning twice in front of their own fans in the Premier League.

But after last weekend's heavy loss to Forest, they'll be desperate to bounce back.

Team musings

So how do we think Liverpool will line up today then?

Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as a front two?

Florian Wirtz off the left?

And is there a case for Federico Chiesa?

Personally, I suspect Arne Slot will pack the side with midfielders and keep Curtis Jones in there and play Dominik Szoboszlai and Wirtz off the flanks.

To see how my XI lines up and also my colleagues' thoughts, read the full piece here.

Welcome very much

A very slightly cold welcome to the latest game in Liverpool's season.

Yes, it's the Premier League and it's Tottenham.

We like coming to Tottenham because we get properly fed, even if it took four-and-a-half hours to get here.

Liverpool liked coming here this time last year as they won 6-3. More of that again, please.

Let's do this!

Good afternoon

Good afternoon and welcome to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Liverpool are attempting to stretch their unbeaten run across all competitions to a sixth game.

With Chelsea being held to a 2-2 draw at Newcastle in the day's early fixture, the Reds have the chance to go level on points with the Londoners, although Enzo Maresca's side have a superior goal difference.

Shall we, then?

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At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.

The pundits have been making their predictions ahead of tonight's Premier League clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool

Liverpool will look to stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to six matches when they head to Tottenham Hotspur tonight (5.30pm). The defending Premier League champions are picking up form after a dreadful run.

That run has made their hopes of retaining the championship incredibly difficult indeed but all is not lost and, as well as a Champions League and a FA Cup to go for, victory in north London this evening would lift Liverpool up to fifth at least.

That would further ease the outside pressure on Arne Slot, who after leading the Reds to a glorious title triumph in his debut campaign in charge, has endured a challenging second season at the helm.

That said, it is opposite number, Thomas Frank, who is under more scrutiny going into the match after last weekend's miserable 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest made it four defeats in seven games.

So how do the pundits see it going? We've taken a look.

Chris Sutton

Writing in his BBC Sport column, the 1995 Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers said: "It is normally a good game when these two sides meet but, going into it this time, I suppose both sets of supporters are unsure how their team will perform.

"At Tottenham, poor Thomas Frank is having a tough time of it. He was so furious after their defeat at Nottingham Forest that he said it feels like there is a hurricane inside him. I can understand why he is so angry, because Spurs were so limp and offered so little in that game.

"If you look at where they are in the table, 11th, then they are doing all right but it is their performances that are lacking something. They have never really found any fluency under Frank.

"They did win their past two home games and Frank can cling on to that but, the way Spurs fans are, they are probably thinking: 'It was only against Brentford and Slavia Prague.' Winning this game would be far more of a statement.

"Even though Mohamed Salah has left for Afcon, there are still questions over Liverpool too. Brighton had their moments last week and it was not entirely comfortable for Arne Slot's side, although I thought Hugo Ekitike was excellent.

"I certainly don't trust Spurs to turn up, but I don't think you can fully trust Liverpool again either, especially away from home in the Premier League. Because of all of that, I can't back either of them to win it."

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Liverpool 1

Paul Merson

Writing in his SportsKeeda column, the two-time title winner with Arsenal said: "Tottenham were atrocious last week against Nottingham Forest. If you take away the games against Brentford and Slavia Prague, Spurs have struggled so bad in recent weeks.

"I said to you before, the day Thomas Frank came out and called Tottenham fans out for not being real supporters, I thought he was done at the club! Spurs are 11th in the league now. If Newcastle draw, Bournemouth and Brentford win like I've predicted, Tottenham could be 14th or 15th by the end of the weekend, which is not good enough.

"Hugo Ekitike has to start ahead of Alexander Isak in this game. When we look at Isak's struggles, it just reminds us how important it is to have a proper pre-season. Liverpool could be in the top four or top five if they win, so they should play Ekitike.

"Who comes in for Salah on the right? There is the option of using Federico Chiesa and he deserves more minutes. But I just feel like Dominik Szoboszlai might play there in this game. His best position is in midfield, but Slot may use him there and deploy Curtis Jones in midfield.

"Liverpool have not set the world alight with their performances but they are unbeaten in their last five games with three wins. I can see them beating Tottenham comfortably."

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Liverpool

Alan Shearer

The legendary striker, who won the title alongside strike-partner Sutton 30 years ago, told Betfair: "It's a tough one to call. After what happened to Spurs last week, and Liverpool have got a couple of results. I'm going to go draw. I'm going to go sit on the fence. I think that won't be great for either side, but it wouldn't be a disaster coming out with a point apiece. So, I'm going to go draw.

"Salah came on last week and did really well. I guess he had an hour last week and I thought his performance was excellent. He brought an energy, still looked as if he was strong and fit and did really well. He should have scored though missing a big chance.

"I think they'll miss that. They haven't got him to do that if that happens again this week, particularly with the injuries Liverpool have got. So yeah, without doubt, even with all the noise that was around him, there's no doubt that they'll miss him as an option.

"I would still have Liverpool getting into the top four, despite what I've seen all season. I still think they've got enough to make a push, and they might even sign one or two in January. So, for me, it would still be Liverpool getting in the top four."

Our Liverpool writers select their line-ups for tonight's Premier League showdown at Tottenham Hotspur

It was a Christmas cracker when Liverpool visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this time last year. And the Reds will be looking for more of the same as they aim to keep their improved form going this evening.

Rewind 12 months ago and Arne Slot's ran out emphatic 6-3 winners in north London to move four points clear at the top on their way to winning the Premier League.

Fast-forward to the present day and any thoughts of defending their crown have been effectively banished by a dreadful run of six defeats in seven league games. However, since then, the title holders have started to show promising signs.

So can they add to Tottenham's woes today? And who should Reds boss Slot select? Our writers have their say...

Paul Gorst

A sixth unbeaten game will be further evidence that Liverpool are over the worst and a trip to a Tottenham Hotspur who are at a low ebb means Arne Slot's players must take full advantage.

The home form of Thomas Frank's side has been frustrating for the Spurs' faithful and they will likely have dark memories of this time last year when the then league leaders turned up in North London and stuck six past them.

Liverpool, in fact, scored 16 times in four games against today's hosts last season - and one of them they failed to score in.

That was a different Reds side, though, it must be stressed, and a new-look team heads to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking to build on what has been an encouraging couple of weeks for a club which is still looking to delicately move away from a deeply unsettling period between late September and November.

Conor Bradley returns to the team and Milos Kerkez keeps his place. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk continue their partnership in the middle.

With no Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo sidelined, the temptation is to play both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak together but I am going to pack the team with midfielders who can operate in a couple of positions.

So ahead of a midfield three of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones is Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, who start the game on the left and right, respectively.

Ekitike leads the line and Isak and Federico Chiesa can wait in reserve if needed.

My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Szoboszlai, Ekitike, Wirtz.

Ian Doyle

It's Christmaaaas! In a few days, anyway. And while Arne Slot would very much like the present of three points at Tottenham Hotspur this evening, it's Christmas presence that will be bothering him more immediately.

Primarily because there aren't many players from which he can choose. What, then, is the Reds boss to do?

He at least has a number of goalkeepers, so between the sticks is Alisson Becker. The only two fit available centre-backs are Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk, so they can start. At right-back, Conor Bradley returns from suspension while Milos Kerkez can continue at left-back.

In midfield, it's all about the formation. And I'd suggest sticking with 4-2-3-1, with Alexis Mac Allister alongside Ryan Gravenberch at the base and Curtis Jones as the number 10.

Up top, Florian Wirtz is on the left, Dominik Szoboszlai can be patched up and put on the right and Hugo Ekitike continues down the middle.

My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Jones, Wirtz; Ekitike.

Theo Squires

Liverpool might be welcoming back a couple of players from injury and suspension against Tottenham, but Arne Slot still has little to play with due to enforced absences elsewhere.

As a result, there are only really a couple of decisions for the Dutchman to make ahead of the trip to North London.

Firstly, does Alexander Isak come into the starting XI or does he retain an additional midfielder? I’m opting for the latter on this occasion. The Swede can be unleashed alongside Hugo Ekitike over the festive period against Wolves and Leeds United instead.

The in-form Frenchman leads the line as a result, with Alexis Mac Allister continuing at number 10 and Florian Wirtz on the left. Dominik Szoboszlai has fortunately appeared to shake off his ankle injury, so retains his starting berth too.

Jeremie Frimpong is at least back from injury so can spare the Hungarian the full 90 minutes if required with a cameo off the bench.

Meanwhile, Conor Bradley replaces the injured Joe Gomez at right-back, with the rest of the back five remaining unchanged.

Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday and ahead of the match, we have rounded up all the latest news from the Reds

Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday. Arne Slot's side began the campaign strongly, securing five straight victories before enduring a surprising slump with just a few wins to salvage some dignity.

Nevertheless, it appears the momentum is shifting back towards the Reds, who remain undefeated in their previous five matches across all competitions. Blocking their path are Thomas Frank's Spurs, who have been just as unpredictable throughout this season. Whilst they have managed victories against teams like Manchester City, there have been heavy losses to local rivals Arsenal, plus suffering a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The balance appears to be swinging towards Liverpool for this encounter, but Spurs have much to demonstrate and Frank will recognise that a victory against the Premier League title holders could be the spark needed to properly ignite their campaign. Before this fixture, the ECHO examines all the major developments emerging from the Red half of this showdown.

Arne Slot squad update

During his pre-match press briefing on Friday, Slot offered an injury update regarding some of Liverpool's missing players.

Slot revealed that Dutch international Cody Gakpo and England defender Joe Gomez are confirmed absentees for the journey to London. "He [Gakpo] had a scan that looked promising so that means that we are not that worried anymore, as we were maybe one or two weeks ago," said Slot.

"So that means he might come back a bit earlier than expected two weeks ago, but that's definitely not tomorrow and also not next week. Joe is not in the squad as well for the weekend and Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training [session], for the first time so let's see where he is today and how he is tomorrow. Jeremie is in the squad again as well."

Regarding Szoboszlai, he added: "That completely depends on how he does today. So if he can fulfil the whole training session and then you speak to the player and the medical staff.

"If the player feels comfortable to play and he did all the things he had to do, then he will start. If he can fulfil the whole session or he fulfils it but he doesn't feel comfortable himself, we will have a discussion.

"But Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now and for the performances he's brought in, he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit."

Salah's next step

Mohamed Salah sparked controversy with his claims that he had been 'thrown under a bus' following Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month.

He was then omitted from Arne Slot's squad for the Champions League encounter with Inter Milan, before appearing as a substitute last weekend against Brighton. Salah has now left Liverpool as he gets ready to represent Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations and his future at Anfield remains uncertain.

The Liverpool striker is now preparing for his next step with his nation as he commenced training with Egypt at the Taghazout Stadium in Agadir, as they gear up for their match against Zimbabwe on December 22. The national team's inaugural training session with their complete AFCON squad took place on Thursday, featuring Salah among the 28-player ensemble.

Salah shared a couple of snaps on his Instagram story, one showing the entire team aboard the plane and another of him working out in the gym donning the Egypt training kit. The Egypt FA also posted pictures from the training session, where Salah can be seen gearing up for his country's first match of the tournament.

Dominik Szozbszlai is an injury doubt for Liverpool's trip to Tottenham Hotspur, but Thomas Frank is tipping the midfielder to feature

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank says he expects Dominik Szoboszlai to start for Liverpool on Saturday evening. And he has described the all-action midfielder as "a beast".

Szoboszlai is a doubt for the game in north London after hurting his ankle in the closing stages of last week's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. But Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that a training session would determine whether or not the Hungary captain is in contention.

Frank outlined a number of threats he feels the Reds will carry in their side and believes their star midfielder will pass a late fitness test to continue his 100% record of starting every Premier League match for the defending champions so far this season

"I think Liverpool is an excellent team," Frank said. "They were well-deserved champions last year. They started very well.

"I think they've got fantastic players. Hugo Ekitike, what a season he's had. (Alexander0 Isak, we know, is a top striker as well.

"(Florian) Wirtz is a fantastic player with a big potential, adapting to the Premier League. I think last year they had one of the best midfield three in the league, maybe most complete, in (Ryan) Gravenberch, (Alexis) Mac Allister and Szoboszlai - he’s a beast, he will play tomorrow, of course.

"So, it's a very good team that we're facing, but also know if we hit a high level, we can compete very well, and I believe we can do something good, and we'll go for the three points.”

Frank added: "I think it's very important that we do both - work very hard on what are our strengths and principles, and if you are not respectful for a team that won the Premier League, and what kind of threat they pose, then I think you don't do well.

"As far as I know, the last four times we played them, we had a good 1-0 win, and only three other scores, you can check them, we conceded a few goals in three of those games, so probably a good idea also to defend a bit. I think that's fair."

Tottenham will be without eight players for the match - James Maddison, Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, Destiny Udogie, former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and Kota Takai.

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Tottenham Hotspur play host to Liverpool on Saturday night with manager Thomas Frank feeling the heat after four defeats in seven games

Thomas Frank is steadfast in his belief that he can fix Tottenham Hotspur if given time and has no doubts about the buy-in of his current squad. Spurs host Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday night in another important fixture for Frank after a positive start to his tenure has been followed by painful recent defeats to Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

The build-up to the visit of Liverpool has been dominated by a revealing interview from centre-back Micky van de Ven, who expressed his shock at the dismissal of Frank's predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, and claimed to "still believe" in the system of the Australian.

Asked if buy-in had been difficult, Frank replied: "No, I think it has been a good buy-in. You could say that from the beginning of the season we started quite well without being sensational.

"I thought we were very good in some games and good in other games. And then, like in every season, you have some setbacks and spells where it is maybe not going the right way, but I don't see anything that they are not with me or going in the same direction."

Tottenham took baby steps with much-needed home wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague earlier this month, but a 3-0 collapse at Forest on Sunday has sparked further debate over Frank's long-term prospects.

"I feel supported. I've done that the whole time," Frank said.

"This is not a quick fix. This will take time. That's not to say that we're not going to do everything we can to beat Liverpool. I believe we have a good chance of doing that, but this is something where we are building.

"I'm very comfortable and confident that I will, how can I say, fix it, but just to make sure it's not me. When this club comes out on top, there will be a lot of good people working together, aligned at the same time through the years.

"I just know one thing I'm pretty good at, I'm good at analysing things. I know what good looks like and I know where we should get, and one thing is I'm 1000 per cent sure, we haven't seen any club be successful unless they had key people in the right decisions for a long time.

"And I'll back myself to be one of those key people to be in that position."

Frank revealed he had not watched Van de Ven's interview on The Overlap, but was made aware of his comments.

The main focus of the Danish coach is to ensure Spurs end a torrid run of form at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025 on a high – with the club only able to register four home wins in the Premier League in 17 matches this year under Frank and Postecoglou.

"If you are not respectful of a team that won the Premier League and what kind of threat they pose, then I think you don't do well," Frank said.

"As far as I know, in the last four times we played them, we got a good 1-0 win and then I know the three other scores you can check them. We conceded a few goals in those games.

"We work very hard on our breakthrough phase. We work very hard on our positions and then also worked very hard on our defensive side of the game."