tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Richarlison has been backed to start in Tottenham Hotspur‘s trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

The Brazilian forward has started just one of Igor Tudor’s four matches in charge, the 5-2 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid last time out.

The Croatian manager has preferred Randal Kolo Muani over the former Everton man, despite the 28-year-old having more experience in relegation battles.

However, Tudor may be prompted to change his Tottenham plans, with pressure increasing on his job security when they travel to Anfield on 15 March.

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Why Richarlison has to start vs Liverpool

John Wenham, who runs the popular Lilywhite Rose account on X, has urged Tudor to use Richarlison more in Tottenham’s run-in, starting on Merseyside.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I would have him starting with Solanke rather than Randal Kolo-Muani.

“He scored that goal at Fulham with the header, and he put himself round a bit, I still think it’s best for all parties if he leaves in the summer, but hopefully he can leave, having kept us in the division.

“That’s what his game’s all about [winding up rival players and fans], I would be utilising him as much as possible, especially against Liverpool.”

Richarlison must be part of Tudor’s plans from now on

Richarlison should be central to Tudor’s plans going forward, it is an obvious switch that should help him get results.

The 54-cap international has significant experience in relegation dogfights from his time on Merseyside, where he helped the Blues avoid the drop several times, and becoming a fan favourite there.

His prolific end to the 2021-22 campaign, in which he notched six goals in nine matches, including the winner in a 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Every game is a cup final for the Lilywhites at the minute, and the Brazil ace thrives in that kind of atmosphere, using the attitude that Wenham talked about to harass opponents, and force errors and hostility.

It is an absolute no-brainer for the former Lazio and Juventus boss, he has to make the move, starting wiht the clash with Arne Slot’s side.

He may end up leaving at the end of the season, and his time with Spurs has not gone to plan, but he could rewrite the story if he plays a key role in saving the club from relegation.

Richarlison could have a huge impact when Tottenham Hotspur take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

After signing from Everton for £60million in 2022, the 28-year-old has only scored 23 league goals in over three seasons, and it’s safe to say that the move hasn’t completely worked out.

Despite finding the back of the net nine times in all competitions this campaign, he hasn’t performed to the standard required.

He still hasn’t started a Premier League game under Igor Tudor, but his promising performance in the Atletico Madrid defeat means he could be named in the team at Anfield.

With Tottenham heading to Liverpool in desperate need of a win, they’ll definitely need the Brazilian to continue his impressive record against the Reds.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Richarlison’s record vs Liverpool is excellent news for Tottenham

In the reverse fixture this season, the striker scored Tottenham’s only goal as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in N17.

Richarlison has been involved in more Premier League goals against Liverpool than any other opponent (eight), including five in five games with Spurs.

As an Everton player, he registered three goal involvements in nine Merseyside derbies, and this fixture clearly brings out the best in him.

According to Sofascore, Richarlison has registered 5.23 xG in the top flight this season, which clearly shows that he’s been overperforming in front of goal.

In addition to this, he could reach a personal milestone at Anfield.

His next goal or assist will be his 100th in the Premier League (72 goals, 27 assists currently), with only two Brazilians reaching that milestone previously (Roberto Firmino with 132, Gabriel Jesus with 118).

Richarlison might play very well on Sunday, but this could be the last time the Brazil international features in Spurs versus Liverpool.

Richarlison could be set for his last match vs Liverpool

Richarlison’s Tottenham exit is on the cards, and it’s important to note that his performances off the ball can be horrific.

His goals paper over the cracks that show he is simply not good enough to be counted on for Tottenham.

In the Premier League this season, Richarlison has registered a pass accuracy of 63.1 per cent, while only recording a dribble success rate of 46.7 per cent.

Spurs will rebuild their entire squad in the summer, and the 28-year-old could definitely be one of the casualties.

He has constantly been linked with leaving Tottenham, and even if the Lilywhites avoid relegation, his spell in N17 will likely come to an end.

If that is the case, then he can prove his worth to the fans in the last 10 games of the season, starting with another fine performance against Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur will be without Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

The centre-back and the midfielder had a clash of heads at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano as Atletico Madrid beat Spurs 5-2 in the Champions League.

It looks like the concussion protocol will have a drastic effect on Igor Tudor’s team selection at Anfield on 15 March.

Spurs are struggling in the Premier League as they look to avoid relegation, but Romero and Palhinha have now joined a growing list of absentees in North London.

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

MORE SPURS STORIES

Jamie O’Hara reacts after Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha injury update at Tottenham

Jamie O’Hara isn’t happy with the situation Tottenham find themselves in ahead of the Liverpool fixture.

The former midfielder, who played for Spurs under Harry Redknapp, feels the latest news on the Argentine defender and Bayern Munich loanee sums up the North London outfit’s current situation.

It’s safe to say that the Lilywhites are witnessing unprecedented times as the prospect of relegation looks realistic with nine games to go in the Premier League.

Writing on X on 13 March, O’Hara said, “The fact Romero and Palhinha are out for this weekend completely sums up our season. Absolute disaster from start to finish. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this.”

Tudor’s job may be on the line at Anfield, but the Croatian manager certainly isn’t helped by the fact that he’ll be without two more key players.

Micky van de Ven is suspended for the trip to Merseyside after being sent off against Crystal Palace, leaving the former Juventus boss with a dilemma in the backline.

Igor Tudor has one clear defensive choice vs Liverpool

Tudor must go to a back four against Liverpool, with Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin starting alongside Pedro Porro and Djed Spence.

The Croatian manager has preferred playing three centre-backs since taking over from Thomas Frank, but that clearly hasn’t worked for him.

Although Archie Gray can technically play in the backline, it would be better to deploy the youngster in the midfield.

Spurs can’t afford any more slip-ups as they sit one point ahead of 18th-place West Ham United, but fans in N17 won’t have high expectations from the trip to Anfield.

Randal Kolo Muani could be benched by Igor Tudor when Tottenham Hotspur play Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Tottenham’s 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace earlier in March placed even more importance on Spurs’ meeting with the Reds, as they now sit just one point above the relegation zone.

The current situation has left Tudor on the brink of being sacked after just four games, and he certainly didn’t help himself in the Champions League.

Spurs lost 5-2 in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash versus Atletico Madrid, conceding four goals in the opening 22 minutes.

According to Sofascore, Kolo Muani was awful in midweek, and he could be one of five players to drop out of the starting lineup for Tottenham’s meeting with Liverpool.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Randal Kolo Muani axed for Dominic Solanke in – changes

Truth be told, it’s astonishing that the French striker has started every game under Tudor so far.

Despite scoring in the North London derby, he has been woeful in almost every aspect this season, and he is clearly lacking in confidence.

At the same time, Dominic Solanke has been impressive for Tottenham, which means Tudor will have to do the right thing and leave Kolo Muani out of the side.

Tudor confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha are unavailable as Spurs must follow concussion protocols after they clashed heads with each other against Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine started in midweek, but his injury means Tudor will likely change to a 4-4-2 formation, with Conor Gallagher replacing him and playing as a right midfielder.

Micky van de Ven is suspended for the clash at Anfield and Radu Dragusin will have to take his place and play alongside Kevin Danso.

Mathys Tel must be dropped for his poor performances, with Xavi Simons returning to the place.

The final change will see Guglielmo Vicario come back into the side for Antonin Kinsky, after the young goalkeeper had a terrible Champions League debut.

Conor Gallagher surely set for another disastrous performance

Although Gallagher has an abundance of experience at a high level, he has failed to hit the ground running under both Thomas Frank and Tudor.

Tudor used him on the right in the loss to Fulham at the start of March, even though he is clearly not a natural in that position.

He was then dropped for the following two games, but with Tottenham lacking defenders and wingers, Gallagher will have to take one for the team.

He has only won just 44.9 per cent of his ground duels and 16.7 per cent of his aerial duels in the top flight this season, which is frankly shocking.

Although it won’t be entirely Gallagher’s fault if he fails to make an impact versus Liverpool, he needs to show a lot more fight if he does start.

Antonin Kinsky has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons at Tottenham Hotspur lately.

The Czech stopper was drafted in by Igor Tudor for the 5-2 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid on 10 March.

However, he was replaced after 17 minutes after a slew of errors, which has left his Spurs future in huge doubt.

Tottenham News examines Kinsky’s contract situation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and what the future holds for the 23-year-old.

🚨 TOTTENHAM TRANSFER HUB 🚨

Breaking N17 recruitment news: Top targets, deals in progress, whispers, signings, departures, contract updates.

MORE SPURS STORIES

What is Kinsky’s contract situation?

Kinsky signed for Tottenham from Slavia Prague in January 2025 in a £12.5million deal.

He signed a six-and-a-half-year contract, which means that he could be at the club until 2031, if they decide to keep him around.

Whether he will want to remain in North London after his horror show in Madrid, remains to be seen.

What is Kinsky’s future at Tottenham?

Kinsky is understood to have been angling for a loan move for two seasons, as he tries to secure regular first-team football.

A report from The Telegraph on 11 March claims that he was blocked from leaving on loan both times, but he is expected to seek a loan exit in the summer.

It states that the North London club will not stand in his way this time around, and will allow him to depart temporarily.

He was nearly part of a peculiar swap deal in the winter transfer window, that would have seen Mads Hermansen come to Spurs, with him going the other way, both on loan deals.

However, that did not happen, and he remained with the Europa League winners, where he has hardly played this season.

Can Kinsky rebuild his Tottenham career?

Kinsky can absolutely rebuild his career in N17, but a loan move is right move at this point in time.

He needs to play away from the pressure that comes with playing for Spurs at the moment.

If he impresses away from North London, then he may be drafted back in and handed an opportunity to change his fortunes.

He has to then take it, and make sure he does not make any more mistakes, if he is given a chance to turn things around in the future.

Pedro Porro reveal epitomises his Tottenham frustration – here’s why

Tottenham Hotspur need their key players such as Pedro Porro to start stepping up for them.

Igor Tudor is under massive pressure to stop the rot in N17, as his side are freefalling towards Championship football at the moment.

Five-straight Premier League defeats was followed up by an embarrassing 5-2 thumping at the hands of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, as their dreams of lifting that trophy now look dead and buried.

Porro was actually one of the few Spurs players who could hold their heads high in Tottenham’s defeat to Atletico, but there is one aspect of his game he must address if he’s going to help drag his team to safety.

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

MORE SPURS STORIES

Pedro Porro is Premier League’s worst in key statistic

Porro is facing an uncertain Tottenham future, with the versatile defender reportedly ready to quit Spurs this summer.

That will almost certainly be the case if Tottenham go down to the Championship, as the 26-year-old is in the prime of his career and is a Spanish international too.

However, Porro must put any potential transfer desire to one side for now, as his current employers need him to continue showing his best in a Lilywhites shirt, as he’s undoubtedly got the star quality to get Spurs out of this mess.

But, that is going to require him to start sharpening up in one key area of his game: ball retention.

As detailed by Sofascore, Porro is leading the Premier League for the highest average number of possession lost per game this season, with him conceding the ball to the opposition 19.4 times per match.

His closest rivals for this unwanted accolade are Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, both of whom give possession away an average of 18.0 times per 90 this term.

Now, Porro’s number in this department is partly so high because of how attacking-minded he is, getting forward at any opportunity and trying to unlock the door to the opposing defence.

However, with points at a premium now for Tottenham, Tudor’s side have to be taking better care of the ball to give themselves the best chance to control games, and get the results required to stay in the league.

Porro sent Tudor clear message vs Atletico

As aforementioned, Porro was arguably Tottenham’s best player against Atletico in midweek, grabbing a goal and an assist in the Metropolitano.

However, that came from him being deployed as a right wing-back, whereas Tudor had previously played him at right-back against Fulham and as a right-sided centre-back against Crystal Palace respectively.

In particular in the game against Palace, Porro looked firmly out of his comfort zone as a centre-back, and was replaced after 74 minutes by Xavi Simons.

Therefore, his showing in Spain should send an obvious message to Tudor that if he wants to get the best out of him between now and the end of the season, he must continue to play him at right wing-back.

Jamie Carragher has predicted a heavy defeat for Tottenham Hotspur against Liverpool as they are in a state of “disarray”.

Just when Tottenham fans think their situation cannot get any worse, Igor Tudor’s much-maligned side prove it can.

Tottenham’s 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace ensured their winless Premier League run stretched to 11 matches and they were plunged deeper into the mire following a 5-2 thrashing by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Spurs are on the brink of being dumped out of Europe’s elite competition at the last 16 stage and they are in real danger of getting relegated to the Championship.

Next up, Tottenham travel to Liverpool on Sunday, seeking to earn a first league win since 28 December. But Carragher cannot see that happening at Anfield.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Tottenham’s troubles predicted to continue

Tottenham started the season in encouraging fashion with just one defeat in Thomas Frank’s opening eight league games.

The Dane also impressively guided Tottenham to the last-16 stage of the Champions League after they finished fourth in the league phase.

But their league form nosedived in late 2025 and in February, Tottenham swung the axe on the former Brentford boss. Tudor replaced him, but he is winless in four matches so far.

Spurs are just one point above the bottom three and could feasibly fall into the drop zone if results go against them this weekend. Now, Carragher is predicting Tottenham will lose 3-0 at Champions League-chasing Liverpool.

He said on his Super 6 prediction: “Liverpool will be over the moon playing a Spurs side in disarray, and should win big.”

Things could get even worse for Europa League holders Spurs when they take on Atletico in the second leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday.

Who are the favourites to replace Igor Tudor?

Tudor had a reputation for being a firefighter in his previous roles. But as ex-Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood put it, currently, it seems like he is merely adding more petrol to this Spurs furnace.

The Croatian has suffered heavy defeats to Arsenal (4-1), Palace, and Atletico, and it seems the players are not buying into his methods.

The 47-year-old drew a lot of criticism after subbing Antonin Kinsky less than 20 minutes into their loss to Atletico, with the goalkeeper at fault for two of their early goals. Tottenham are considering sacking Tudor, but who will replace him in the dugout if they move on from their interim boss?

Former Brighton and Hove Albion and Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi is currently out of work after leaving the French side earlier this year.

Sean Dyche is available after being sacked by Forest in February, with the former Everton manager a potential option to guide them to safety until the end of the season.

Tottenham fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return to Spurs but that is only possible if they stay up, with the Argentine preparing to lead the United States at this summer’s World Cup.

These are desperate times for Tottenham but it still may get worse before it gets better.

Tottenham board to make ‘clean break’ as Dougie Freedman latest revealed

Tottenham Hotspur want to appoint Dougie Freedman as their new sporting director.

Spurs are looking for a replacement for Fabio Paratici, who departed in February to join Italian side Fiorentina.

Freedman worked in the Premier League previously with Crystal Palace, where he played a key part in their recruitment.

Tottenham may look to keep the two sporting director model, with Johan Lange keeping his role, but an alternative situation has been raised.

MORE SPURS STORIES

💰 TOTTENHAM FINANCE UPDATE 💰

Inside the 50% relegation pay-cut clauses, transfer budget, ENIC Group investment, and Spurs boardroom verdicts.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Huge revolution on the cards at Tottenham?

John Wenham can see a scenario where Tottenham dismiss Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, with ex-Palace executive Freedman leading the new Spurs structure.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Johan Lange is under huge amounts of pressure.

“A lot of talk online about maybe him going in the summer already, Sami Mokbel did a piece saying that Tottenham were looking at Dougie Freedman to come in, highly regarded for his work at Crystal Palace, he’s now with a team in the Saudi League.

“If he were to come in as the director of football, although they could say it would be him and Lange together, I could very quickly see Lange being sort of sidelined.

“Vinai Venkatesham has also come in for huge amounts of scrutiny and pressure, and the ownership board might think, in the summer, let’s bring in Dougie Freedman.

“Let’s have a clean break from Vinai and Lange and try and get fans back on side because they desperately need to do something.”

Who is Tottenham boardroom target Dougie Freedman?

Freedman is most well known for the business that he achieved at Selhurst Park, bringing the likes of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton and Michael Olise to the South London club.

Palace have benefited hugely from selling his signings on, with £60million coming from Olise’s move to Bayern Munich, and Eze leaving for Arsenal in a £67.5m deal.

His recruitment was crucial to their recent FA Cup success and he also played a huge role in bringing Oliver Glasner to the club as manager.

If he was appointed in a similar position at Tottenham, he would likely lead the search for a new permanent manager, with Igor Tudor’s short-term deal running out at the end of the campaign.

He would also be responsible for transfer business, and given his record in SE25, there would be increased confidence of a brighter future in N17 if he was to come through the doors at Hotspur Way.

Igor Tudor’s job is on the line when Tottenham Hotspur visit Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs have lost every game under the Croatian head coach so far, and they are still looking for their first top-flight win in 2026.

What’s made matters even worse is Tuesday’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, while the threat of relegation to the Championship is worsening every week.

Spurs’ next game isn’t any easier, as Liverpool will look to avenge their midweek defeat to Galatasaray with a convincing performance against Tudor’s side.

Tottenham have a poor record against Liverpool, and it’s not a shock that a supercomputer has predicted Arne Slot’s side as the favourites for the match at Anfield.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️

Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

Liverpool predicted as heavy favourites vs Tottenham

Spurs have won just one of their last 16 Premier League games against Liverpool, losing the last four in a row since a 2-1 home win in September 2023.

On the other hand, Liverpool have lost just one of their last 31 home league games against Tottenham, and are unbeaten in 14 since a 2-0 loss in May 2011.

According to Opta, Spurs will lose again under Tudor in what has been an incredibly one-sided fixture in recent years.

Tottenham have lost their last five Premier League games; only in February 1994 (seven) and November 2004 (six) have they ever suffered six or more successive defeats in their league history.

The signs don’t look promising for Spurs, and a defeat on Sunday would only match that dismal 22-year feat, but it would heap even more pressure on Tudor.

A lot has changed since the last time Spurs beat Liverpool, but this fixture has always provided fans with goals.

Liverpool vs Tottenham will be an end-to-end affair

In recent years, we’ve seen Spurs lose this fixture 4-2, 4-3, 4-0 and 5-1.

Liverpool versus Tottenham is the highest-scoring match in Premier League history, with 209 goals.

The hosts have scored 127 of these, with only the Reds themselves netting more against a specific opponent in the competition (131 versus Newcastle).

In fact, the last five meetings between the sides at Anfield have seen Spurs concede 18 goals.

Sunday’s clash certainly won’t be dull, but unfortunately for Tudor, he could be on the wrong end of another embarrassing scoreline.

Jurgen Klopp has already given his verdict on the new potential Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Klopp was once in the running himself after a magical nine-year stint with Liverpool, in which he won the Premier League and the Champions League, along with multiple domestic trophies.

Roberto De Zerbi’s odds have been slashed to 3/1 to be the man in charge of Spurs for the first game of the 2026-27 season.

Klopp has previously spoken in glowing terms on the man who could take over as Tottenham search for an Igor Tudor replacement.

📋 NEXT TOTTENHAM MANAGER HUB 📋

Breaking: Tracking the managerial candidates, latest odds and Spurs boardroom decisions.

Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source

MORE SPURS STORIES

What did Klopp say about Di Zerbi?

Tudor is not going to get the Tottenham job permanently, his contract is an interim deal with the mandate to keep Spurs in the top-flight.

Once he departs at the end of the season, someone else will come in to take on the task of restoring the Lilywhites to where they belong, in the upper echelons of the division.

Judging by Klopp’s comments on De Zerbi in March 2024, it would be a stunning appointment, and minds would be blown in North London.

The German admitted that he could never set up a team like the Italian, saying: “We were the first opponents when Roberto arrived, and we had no idea what to expect.

“It was quite impressive how quick he got the team playing in his way, since then it only got better.

“The way they play, I couldn’t coach that. It goes against my personality, but it’s a good watch. It’s very demanding on the players.”

What did former Tottenham star and Pep Guardiola say about De Zerbi?

Former Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg worked with De Zerbi at Marseille, before the manager was dismissed in February 2026.

In quotes reported by Le Phoceen in November 2025, the Dane admitted that the ex-Brighton boss is on the same level as legendary managers such as Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, who he has worked with previously.

He said: “I’ve had Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, all extraordinary coaches, each in their own way. And I put Roberto alongside them, without hesitation.”

The ex-Lilywhites man also admitted that he loves the way De Zerbi sets up his team, saying:

Guardiola himself is another man who has praised the 46-year-old, specifically focusing on his Brighton side’s build-up play.

Speaking in October 2023, the Manchester City boss said: “[He is] One of the coaches and managers that I admire the most in worldwide football.

“Against Brighton, for 95 minutes, controlling them is impossible.

“No team in the world can do that, I am surprised we did it for 55 or 60 minutes.”

It seems as though De Zerbi has earned high praise from the majority of people that he has worked with, or come up against in the world of football, which is a good sign.

If the N17 side cannot lure Mauricio Pochettino back to North London, then the Italian may well be a very interesting back-up option for ENIC and Co.