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The Tottenham Hotspur starting line-up for the Premier League match against Liverpool has been announced.

The game against Liverpool has been dubbed a must-win for Spurs by some pundits, given the pressure that is mounting on Thomas Frank.

Many Spurs fans have already lost patience with the Tottenham boss, given the poor performances and results this season.

Frank desperately needs a better showing from his players than the one they have produced in big games so far this season, and he has now confirmed the line-up that he hopes will get a result this evening.

Thomas Frank names an attacking line-up against Liverpool

Tottenham are without both Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, who have departed for AFCON duty with Senegal and Mali, respectively.

Meanwhile, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski all ruled out for this weekend’s clash through injury.

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The Spurs head coach has decided to go with a brave team against the Reds as opposed to the conservative lineups he has named in other big games this season.

This is the Tottenham team which takes to the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon:

TOTTENHAM XI: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Gray, Bergvall; Kudus, Xavi Simons, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Richarlison, Tel, Johnson, Odobert, Davies.

LIVERPOOL XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Jones, Wirtz; Ekitike.

Spurs need to show they can create chances

Frank is adamant that he will turn things around at Tottenham, but it is fair to say that many Spurs fans are finding it difficult to buy into the project.

The main reason for that is not just the results, but the team’s actual performances, with Tottenham registering some of the lowest xG scores across the Premier League this season.

The supporters want to see evidence that this team can prise open defences and create chances with regularity.

Liverpool, despite their star-studded line-up, have conceded chances in almost every game they have played this season, and the home fans will want to see Tottenham get balls into the box and put Arne Slot’s men under pressure.

Thomas Frank has defended his record at Tottenham, suggesting that it has been a long-term problem at the club.

Spurs are currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table, with 22 points after 16 league games.

The team’s results have deteriorated drastically over the last two months, and reports indicate that Tottenham are already making contingency plans in case Frank fails to turn things around.

Frank has already appealed for time to the Spurs board, admitting that it is not an easy fix, and he has now explained that the team’s issues are not new.

Thomas Frank points out Tottenham’s record over the past four years

The Dane has now made it clear that he wants to make Spurs regular title contenders, but admitted that they are a long way away from achieving that.

Frank pointed out that Tottenham Hotspur have struggled in the Premier League whenever they have had European football to contend with over recent years.

The 52-year-old explained (via The Guardian): “What is the potential of Tottenham? That is: I would like to win trophies. And we would like to compete with the best clubs in the country and hopefully win the championship one day. That’s what all Spurs fans are dreaming about. That’s what I’m dreaming about. But how do we get that?

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“Reality is: we finished eighth [in 2022-23] with Champions League [participation], then we finished fifth with no European competition, then we finished 17th with the Europa League. Now we’re in the fourth season, and there have been some players through the systems and so on. That’s the reality.”

Spurs fans are concerned about the team’s lack of direction

It is not just the results that have frustrated the Tottenham fan base, but also the lack of adventure and attacking intent the side has shown.

Spurs have registered several of the worst xG scores across the Premier League this term, and there is little evidence to suggest that they can create chances consistently.

While Frank is right to point out that he took over a struggling side, what supporters want to see are some signs that the team is moving in the right direction, which have not been visible this term.

Former Tottenham midfielder Micky Hazard has suggested that Archie Gray’s howler against Nottingham Forest may not necessarily be a bad thing for the Lilywhites.

Gray has forced himself into Thomas Frank’s starting eleven since recovering from injury, and the youngster has been putting in some impressive performances in the middle of the park.

Frank has been very liberal with his praise for the Spurs teenager, but the former Leeds man had a setback during the club’s 3-0 defeat at the City Ground last weekend.

Gray took a touch from Guglielmo Vicario’s pass and saw the ball pinched off him in the lead-up to the home side’s first goal.

Micky Hazard claims Archie Gray’s mistake will benefit Tottenham

Frank defended Gray following his mistake, insisting that he liked the midfielder’s mentality of wanting the ball in that situation.

That opinion is shared by Hazard, who suggested that the youngster has to make these kinds of errors to get better and fulfil his potential at Spurs.

The 65-year-old told The Sun about Gray’s lapse against Forest: “People look at the negative side of him giving the goal away. Actually, it’s a positive for him, because for a young boy of 19 to be playing in the Premier League with experienced pros, and showing the confidence and belief in his own ability, going to the edge of his own box, I think that shows a confidence way beyond his years.

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“I’m not sure when I was 19, I would show for the ball in areas where I wasn’t at risk to a goal. Yes, he lost the ball, and he learned from that. And the next time he gets in that situation, he’ll play the pass first time, because he’s a clever footballer.

“That’s part of a learning process. And sometimes the learning process is quite punishing. It can quite hurt you when you’re learning. And it takes a big mistake like that to maybe make the learning so much quicker. I like him. He’s going to be a very, very good player. One day he could be one of our leaders.”

Hazard urges Spurs fans to give Thomas Frank time

Based on the reaction on social media and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it appears that Frank has already lost a big section of the Spurs fans.

In fact, many Tottenham supporters are unhappy that the club are being patient with Frank as they are convinced he is not the right fit.

However, Hazard suggested that the 52-year-old needs time as he is not just implementing a new tactical system but also attempting to change the club’s culture.

The former Tottenham midfielder said about Frank’s struggles: “You can’t expect the manager to come in and change things to perfection overnight. Unless the process is given time, then it won’t work.

“He’s not just coming in to implement his own style. He’s coming in to play to our traditions, our philosophies, our style, while also adding his things to what needs to change. And when the two eventually settle in together and combine, that’s when we’ll see the success.”

A Tottenham Hotspur defender has managed to more than double his transfer market value due to his performances this season.

It will come as no surprise to Spurs fans that the two most valuable players currently in their squad, as per Transfermarkt, are Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

It can be argued that they are the only two world-class players in the Spurs squad at present, and even Jamie Carragher has admitted that he would love to have Tottenham’s centre-backs at Liverpool.

However, another Lilywhite defender has seen his value shoot up this season courtesy of his performances out on loan.

Luka Vuskovic is among Tottenham’s most valuable players

Luka Vuskovic is being tipped to become one of the best centre-backs in the world over the coming years, and one certainly would not bet against that, based on his growth at Hamburg.

As per Transfermarkt, the 18-year-old has seen his value shoot from €18m up to €40m (£35m), which is the fourth-highest upgrade of any player across the world this cycle.

Only Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl, Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande have seen their value rise by higher figures this season.

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The website calculates that Vuskovic is now the sixth most valuable player in the Tottenham squad, even though he has not yet played a game for the Lilywhites.

Spurs have plans for Vuskovic amidst transfer interest

Given this data, it comes as no surprise that some of the biggest clubs in Europe are now reportedly after Vuskovic.

However, the Lilywhites have no plans on cashing in on the youngster and are coming up with a plan to secure his future.

Antonin Kinsky has only made two starts for Tottenham Hotspur this season, but he appears to have caught the eye of a team who desperately need added quality in January.

Tottenham Hotspur had a host of goalkeeping options last season, but Fraser Forester and Alfie Whiteman were moved on in the summer, leaving Thomas Frank with just three options.

Guglielmo Vicario has started all of his team’s Premier League matches this season and remains first choice, despite a number of error ridden performances.

Brandon Austin is yet to make an appearance since pre-season, while Antonin Kinsky has made just two starts which both came in the Carabao Cup.

Besiktas want to sign Antonin Kinsky from Tottenham

Sporx, as relayed by Sport Witness, report that Besiktas have asked for clarification towards where Tottenham stand on Kinsky.

The Czechian shot-stopper could be loaned to another team to continue his development and Besiktas would be keen to explore a deal if that happens to be the case.

They have also shown interest in Chelsea’s Filip Jörgensen, who is the club’s number one target. However, there is a disagreement between the Blues and Besiktas over the type of deal which would be agreed, which has led to their interest in Kinsky.

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Kinsky could leave Tottenham if a new goalkeeper is signed

It would make little sense for Kinsky to leave Spurs on loan if that means Frank only has two remaining options. This might not be the case though, as Tottenham have been linked with Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

If Spurs sign the Barcelona goalkeeper or an alternative option, this would open the door for Kinsky to depart on a short-term basis. Guglielmo Vicario looks set to remain in North London until at least the end of the season, so this move has a chance of succeeding.

Besiktas certainly need all the help they can get, having been knocked out of Conference League qualifying and now sitting fifth in the Super Lig.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have voiced their frustrations with the club hierarchy following their failed pursuit of Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo.

Tottenham Hotspur were handed a major blow in their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Lilywhites are no longer in the race for the talented wide forward.

This update comes just over 24 hours after it was claimed that Spurs were looking to push aggressively in their pursuit of Semenyo.

Tottenham fans were never particularly optimistic about their club’s chances of landing the Bournemouth star, and they have once more delivered a strong reaction following the latest news provided by Romano.

Tottenham fans react to failed Antoine Semenyo pursuit

Many Spurs supporters have not wasted time in calling out the club’s board for what they perceive as another failed attempt to land a top-tier player, with several fans expressing their dismay across social media.

Some had already conceded defeat in the pursuit of the attacker and have begun naming alternative options for the left-wing position, such as Iliman Ndiaye, to ensure the squad is sufficiently reinforced.

Regarding the perceived lack of ambition from the hierarchy, one fan said: “I thought they were attacking the situation 😒”, while another stated: “Spurs should actively target Iliman Ndiaye or Christos Tzolis for the left wing forward position. Both players possess the quality, versatility, and technical ability required to succeed at the club and would add creativity, directness, and goal threat to the attack.”

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Expressing frustration at the recruitment strategy, one more commented: “I wonder what low wage punt we’ll get spoilt with”, as another urged the club to move on, saying: “Brilliant….so we can stop wasting the entire window chasing yet another player who doesn’t want to join…..move on”.

Another supporter made a comparison between the old and new ownership, saying: “Oh well. Back to the levy days. Nothing has changed. Hope everyone is happy with us playing championship football.”

one more added: “Well done ENIC , let’s get a 17 year old instead for a third of the price” while a final commented: “They will never ever change enic out!”

Semenyo’s failed pursuit leaves question marks over Thomas Frank’s backing

The transfer window appears to be off to a disappointing start, even before it has officially opened for Tottenham Hotspur, as the decision to withdraw from the race for a primary target creates uncertainty surrounding the club’s plans.

Reports from recent weeks have claimed that the Spurs board are looking to back Thomas Frank in the winter window, but with the club pulling out of the race for Antoine Semenyo, it raises significant questions regarding the level of support the Dane will actually receive.

During the last winter window, the injury-hit Spurs side under Ange Postecoglou received a rather tame level of backing, with the club adding Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, and Kinsky, who are players that are arguably not as talented as the individuals currently in the starting eleven.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly intend to emulate the strategy seen at Liverpool by standing firm behind their under-pressure manager, Thomas Frank.

The statistics suggest that Thomas Frank is on course for a worse finish this season compared to Ange Postecoglou’s last term, a fact that highlights the regression in north London.

However, the Tottenham board appear determined to stick with the Dane despite the poor run of results and growing dissatisfaction from the fanbase.

Liverpool are up next in the Premier League, and a defeat to the Reds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will only compound the pressure on Frank, who currently has Spurs just six points clear of 17th place.

Tottenham look to emulate Liverpool’s Slot approach with Thomas Frank

Liverpool also found themselves in a similar situation earlier this season, as Arne Slot’s men went on a barren winless run across all competitions.

The Reds opted to stick with the Dutchman, who won them a Premier League title last season, and they have been rewarded as the team is now on a five-game unbeaten run.

Miguel Delaney has revealed that the Spurs hierarchy is determined to block out the external noise, much like the decision-makers at Anfield did with Slot.

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“Meanwhile, the noise is ratcheting up around Tottenham Hotspur, but like the Liverpool side they face this weekend, the hierarchy are determined to try to shut it out,” Delaney wrote in his Inside Football newsletter for The Independent.

“Just as Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes stood by Arne Slot, Spurs want to stick by Thomas Frank. The Dane’s tenure has been dismally underwhelming – and, in a potential echo of Aston Villa, early data from his wins suggested an eventual fall – but there is a realisation that much more around him needs to change as the club attempts to enter a new era.”

Thomas Frank lacks Arne Slot luxury at Spurs

Tottenham can be patient all they want, but if results do not improve in the coming weeks, a decision will surely have to be made.

Spurs risk being dragged into a relegation battle based on their current form, and that is clearly not the level at which the current squad should be operating.

Harry Redknapp has now weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur’s current struggles, suggesting that something other than the manager is to blame for the inconsistency in north London.

Thomas Frank has a significant job on his hands to turn things around at Tottenham Hotspur as the club looks to re-establish itself among the elite.

However, just a few months into his tenure, the Dane has already been met with his first major hurdle, with results on the pitch faltering significantly of late.

Spurs have managed just one win in their last seven league games, a run which has led to intense external pressure on the manager, although the Tottenham board currently retain their backing of the former Brentford man.

Harry Redknapp slams Tottenham recruitment amid recent struggles

Harry Redknapp has now offered his view on the situation, suggesting that the issues run deeper than just the man in the dugout.

Speaking on the current state of affairs, Redknapp highlighted the inconsistency and the constant turnover of managers since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, placing the blame firmly on the quality of the squad.

He said on TalkSport: “Going back to Tottenham, it has been inconsistent. I mean it has been manager after manager at the end of the day, I mean the recruitment has not been good enough.

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“The players are not good. How many times are they going to change managers? You know since Poch went it has been one after the other. It is just like a merry-go-round. They come in and have a short spell and then they are gone again.”

Harry Redknapp slams Spurs defensive frailty

The former Spurs boss also took aim at modern defensive setups, specifically questioning the efficacy of set-piece coaches following Tottenham’s recent struggles against Arsenal.

“Every club seems to have set-play coaches you know,” Redknapp added. “And like you, I watch it and see that type of thing happening time and time again.

“And then you know you get someone standing at the edge of the box completely unmarked so they clear the corner that comes in; it drops to the guy on the edge of the box and he smashes it into the back of the net.”

Redknapp further questioned the logic behind obvious physical mismatches in the box, referencing a past cup final to illustrate his point about poor marking assignments.

“Surely when you do your marking, how many times have you seen… we keep going back to the Liverpool Newcastle cup final last year where Mac Allister is picking up Dan Burn, who does that? How can you check his run, a 5ft 8in guy against a 6ft 7in guy?”

Alan Shearer has made a surprising prediction as in-form Liverpool visit a Tottenham Hotspur team struggling to get results.

Renewed calls for Thomas Frank to be relieved of his duties have been sounded since Tottenham Hotspur embarrassed themselves with a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

This was the second time Spurs have lost a game by a three-goal margin the November international break and it left the side 11th in the Premier League table.

Tottenham must now attempt to recover from this defeat, but with a Liverpool team who know how to win matches arriving in North London, Spurs fans are fearing the worst.

Alan Shearer predicts Tottenham to get a draw against Liverpool

While the odds appear to be stacked in Liverpool’s favour, Alan Shearer has revealed that he expects Spurs to take a point off Arne Slot’s team.

Mohamed Salah has just departed for AFCON and while there has been a very public falling out between the player and his club, Shearer believes Salah will be missed against Tottenham.

He told the Metro: “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.

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“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. 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.”

Shearer’s prediction: Draw

Spurs could still drop down the Premier League table with a draw

Most Tottenham supporters would take a draw against Liverpool, considering the current circumstances.

However, even if Spurs get a point from Saturday’s fixture, they will drop even further down the league table if the teams below them secure victories.

Frank must do more than deliver draws if he is to remain at Tottenham in the long-term. Liverpool are not an easy opponent, but the points lost at Nottingham Forest must be recovered somewhere.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action against Liverpool and Paul Merson has already made up his mind on which team will come out on top.

Much has been said of Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles at home in the Premier League. However, Spurs were victorious during their last match in North London, defeating Brentford by two goals to nil.

The same cannot be said of the club’s recent away form, with Spurs failing to win on the road since defeating Everton in October. It could therefore be assuring for Tottenham to be facing Liverpool on their own turf.

However, Arne Slot’s side are in winning form and possess far more quality than Brentford, so the fact Spurs finally won a home game might not mean much in the grand scheme of things.

Paul Merson predicts Liverpool to defeat Spurs comfortably

Ex-Arsenal player Paul Merson rarely holds back when it comes to criticising Tottenham and he has taken the opportunity to fire shots in the direction of Thomas Frank and his team.

Other than the wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague, Spurs have been very poor in recent weeks and Merson has little confidence they will do anything other than lose yet another match.

He told Sportskeeda: “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.

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“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.”

Merson’s prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Liverpool

Spurs could rise up the Premier League table with a victory

Merson has chosen to focus on the negatives by pointing out how far down the Premier League table Tottenham could have fallen by the end of this weekend.

However, teams are separated by fine margins this season and a win over Liverpool could see Spurs re-enter the top half of the table. It is therefore essential that Tottenham prove Merson wrong and gather all three points against their upcoming opponent.