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Former forward turned pundit Paul Merson has urged Liverpool boss Arne Slot to start Hugo Ekitike against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League tonight.

Following Darwin Núñez’s departure and Diogo Jota’s tragic passing, the Reds decided to reinforce the frontline by purchasing the Frenchman and Alexander Isak last summer.

The Merseyside club had to spend around £210m combined to sign the duo, with the Swedish international currently the British record transfer.

Liverpool decided to sign him following his impressive performances in the Premier League for Newcastle United over the last couple of seasons.

However, he has found it difficult to replicate that at Anfield thus far, netting only one Premier League goal. On the other hand, Ekitike has displayed promising performances, scoring 10 goals and registering a solitary assist in all competitions.

He, valued at around £74m by Transfermarkt, even scored a brace in the last two league matches against Leeds United and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Now, on Sportskeeda, Merson says that Liverpool have an opportunity to climb up to the top four or five in the Premier League with a victory over Tottenham. So, Slot shouldn’t start struggling, Isak, and has to go with Ekitike as the striker.

Pundit urges Slot to start Ekitike vs Spurs

Merson said:

“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.”

Moreover, Merson states that although Liverpool haven’t been able to perform at their best this season, they are unbeaten in the last five games in all tournaments. So, they should come away with all three points against Spurs, who are languishing in the bottom half of the table at the moment.

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah in this game as he has joined the Egyptian national team to play in AFCON, which is set to commence on 21st December.

Slot has used Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank in recent games, and although he has Federico Chiesa as an option for this position, the Hungarian will likely get the nod to commence on the right.

Tottenham Hotspur’s underwhelming first half in the Premier League has seen Guglielmo Vicario particularly underperform in between the sticks as he does not offer much with the ball at his feet, with his positioning or reflexes too.

Antonin Kinsky is still a fairly raw talent, so the club could look into signing a new goalkeeper soon. According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on their radar heading into the January transfer window.

Joan Garcia is now the undisputed starter at Camp Nou, with Wojciech Szczesny his understudy, so Ter Stegen does not have a future with Barcelona, who are prepared to sanction his departure soon in order to reduce their wage bill.

Ter Stegen a decent short-term fix

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has enjoyed an illustrious career for Barcelona with six La Liga titles and a Champions League crown to his name amongst other accolades, but a focus towards building a younger team has seen him get effectively replaced at the club.

In addition to Hansi Flick’s inclination towards other options in goal, the German shot-stopper’s injury problems have also been responsible for his lack of game time lately and therefore, he may be open to joining Tottenham Hotspur soon.

Spurs would be bolstered by the addition of an experienced goalkeeper, who can be one of the world’s best in his position with consistent minutes under his belt. The 33-year-old will also be available for a nominal transfer fee and is a good short-term fix.

It will be interesting to see how much longer Spurs are willing to count on their primary goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for, but a transfer for Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen could materialise if they decide to make a move for him in January.

Liverpool take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 17:30 local time on matchday 17 of the Premier League as they look to make it three wins on the bounce having been Inter Milan and Brighton & Hove Albion last week.

Arne Slot’s men have been playing some decent football and the situation with Mohamed Salah has also been settled, although the Egyptian will not be available for the fixture as he is away on duty at the AFCON with his national side.

Here is how the Reds might line-up against Tottenham.

Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker could continue in goal having kept two clean sheets in his last two appearances in all competitions.

Defenders – Conor Bradley is now fully fit and could start for the first time since recovering from his injury. The 22-year-old is expected to replace Joe Gomez at right back, whereas Milos Kerkez might continue to play on the left side.

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are expected to round off Liverpool’s preferred centre-back pairing on their trip to London.

Ekitike preferred over Isak

Midfielders – Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch deputised the double pivot for Liverpool in the last game and could continue to do the same this time around. Consequently, Alexis Mac Allister’s role could be as the team’s number 10 against Spurs.

Given that Mohamed Salah is on international duty and Cody Gakpo is injured, Dominik Szoboszlai could be chosen as Liverpool’s right winger, whereas Florian Wirtz could get the nod on the left flank.

Forward – Hugo Ekitike has four goals in his last two Premier League matches and could lead the line once more for the Reds ahead of Alexander Isak.

Here is how the visitors may look on paper.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur star Maghnes Akliouche, as per TEAMtalk.

Although the Lilywhites decided to reinforce the wide forward position by signing Mohammed Kudus last summer, they didn’t sign a natural left-winger following Son Heung-min’s departure.

Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert are the options Thomas Frank currently has to deploy on the left flank. But both have displayed inconsistent performances thus far this season.

On the other hand, Frank has also used Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, and Xavi Simons in this position, but the French duo are more comfortable playing centrally, while Simons is a CAM by trait.

Tottenham attempted to buy a new left-winger last summer, with Antoine Semenyo and Sabinho emerging as serious options. However, they eventually failed to finalise a deal to sign either of them.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that Tottenham are ‘very keen’ on reinforcing the frontline in January and are prioritising signing Semenyo. However, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are in this race as well.

So, Tottenham are lining up potential alternative options if they eventually fail to secure the Ghanaian’s service and have earmarked Akliouche as a serious option.

Akliouche to Tottenham

The 23-year-old’s existing deal is set to run until 2028, and Monaco might be open to letting him leave should they receive an offer of around £40m.

Semenyo is comfortable playing on either flank, but Akliouche is a left-footed right-sided forward by trait and is also comfortable in the creative midfield position if needed.

Therefore, he wouldn’t be an ideal alternative option to Semenyo, but Kudus is comfortable on the left-wing. So, Spurs would be able to deploy both Kudus and Akliouche on either flank should they purchase the Frenchman.

Akliouche is a technically gifted player, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, is efficient in playing threading passes between the lines, and can create opportunities for fellow attackers.

In 21 appearances across all competitions, he has made seven goal contributions thus far this season. Having showcased his qualities in Ligue 1, he has secured his place in the French national team.

It is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to purchase him in January.

Manchester United are in battle with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur over a deal to sign Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, according to CaughtOffside.

The former RB Leipzig and Leeds United star stands out as one of the league’s most physically dominant holding midfielders while also offering elite technical ability, highlighted by his stunning strike against Sunderland last month that was launched from the halfway line.

Stats from FotMob place him in the 86th percentile for defensive output and rank him in the 62nd percentile for winning aerial duels. Throughout the current Premier League season, only Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo has recorded more interceptions, and it’s no surprise a club like United, which lacks a consistent holding midfield presence, is now vying for him.

According to CaughtOffside, the Red Devils are exploring different midfield options and have earmarked Adams among their potential targets to bolster their midfield ahead of the January transfer window.

The report adds that the 13-time Premier League champions have been closely monitoring the USMNT international and have been impressed by his tactical nous, pressing and ability to cover ground, especially against transitional teams.

While the 26-year-old is viewed as an ‘alternative option’ to the club’s key midfield targets, the club’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has put his profile forward, having been familiar with the midfielder from his time at Leipzig, according to the report.

Battle

However, CaughtOffside adds that United face stern competition from Chelsea and Tottenham, who are both keeping tabs on him for a possible transfer in 2026, as well as other clubs, including Newcastle United, AC Milan, Inter Milan and West Ham United.

With a contract at the Vitality Stadium that runs until 2028, Bournemouth are aware of growing interest in Adams and are set to demand a fee of around £26-36m to sanction his departure, according to the report.

No midfield additions were made during the previous summer window, even though Christian Eriksen departed following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, with priority instead placed on bolstering attacking options.

United’s results and performances now indicate that the same level of financial commitment is required in midfield, particularly given Kobbie Mainoo’s limited involvement and Manuel Ugarte’s inconsistent performance since his arrival, making a move for a more reliable midfielder like Adams essential.

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Liverpool to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday 17 of the Premier League at 17:30 local time tomorrow as they look to turn around a terrible run of form in the English top flight.

The Lilywhites have lost three out of their last five outings in the competition and face the league’s defending champions on home soil. Here is a look at the playing eleven Thomas Frank is expected to deploy as he looks to relieve some pressure off his job.

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario is expected to keep his place in goal for Tottenham.

Defenders – Pedro Porro and Djed Spence have not been at their best in recent weeks but will likely retain their berths at right and left back, respectively, whereas Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven might round off an unchanged backline for the hosts.

Palhinha to replace Gray

Midfielders – Archie Gray had a very poor game against Nottingham Forest last weekend and consequent to that, he could drop out of Tottenham Hotspur’s starting eleven this time around. Joao Palhinha is expected to come in for him in the double pivot in midfield to potentially partner with Rodrigo Bentancur.

Xavi Simons could continue to feature as the number 10 with Mohammed Kudus playing on the right wing and Randal Kolo Muani operating down the left for Spurs.

Forward – Richarlison could lead the line once more with the team struggling for depth in the final third.

Here is a look at Spurs’ potential team on paper.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly revive their interest in signing Manchester City forward Savinho in the upcoming winter transfer window, as per transfer expert David Ornstein.

Despite purchasing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United last summer, the Lilywhites were planning to sign another wide forward. Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth was heavily linked with a move, but Savinho was on their radar as well.

Eventually, Thomas Frank’s side failed to finalise a move for either of them. On deadline day, they opted to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain on loan. He is a versatile forward as he is comfortable playing anywhere across the frontline.

Now, on Sky Sports’ Back Pages podcast, Ornstein says that Tottenham are planning to sign a new wide forward in January, and money will be available to make the move.

Semenyo remains on Spurs’ radar, but competition is fierce for his signature as Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly in this race as well. So, Tottenham are also interested in Savinho, and although they failed to purchase him last time around, they could finally be able to secure his service next month.

Ornstein said:

“They’ll also have the opportunity to improve the squad in the January transfer window. There will be money available if the right profile comes to them, and if it will improve the team in their eyes.

“They like Antoine Semenyo, for example, if it’s not going to be him, maybe some other players in that wide attacking position, which is something they looked at last summer with Savinho from Manchester City. It didn’t come to fruition. Maybe it will in January, and they’ll hope that Thomas Frank can bring the results over time.”

Savinho to Tottenham

The 21-year-old, valued at around £39m by Transfermarkt, moved to the Etihad Stadium last year and has a contract until 2031. So, the Citizens aren’t in any rush to sell him next year.

The Brazilian enjoyed a promising debut campaign at Man City last term, making 12 goal contributions in all competitions. However, he has struggled to find regular game time this season, making only four Premier League starts. He has mostly played in the cup competitions, scoring twice and notching up as many assists so far.

Savinho is a left-footed versatile forward, as he is comfortable playing on either flank. He is quick, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, is efficient in delivering excellent crosses from the wide areas and works hard without possession.

The South American is a highly talented player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham should they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually manage to secure his service in January or next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘pushing very strongly’ to complete the signing of Leicester City forward Jeremy Monga, according to TEAMtalk.

The 16-year-old, valued at £8m by Transfermarkt, became the Foxes’ youngest-ever goalscorer in August when he netted the club’s only goal in the 2-1 defeat to Preston North End.

That milestone seemed to have injected more passion and synergy into the youngster, who has since become one of the Foxes’ most reliable forwards, delivering exceptional dribbling skills and a constant attacking threat whenever called upon.

With Spurs looking to make more attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window to push for a European finish, several attacking options are being explored, including Leicester’s Monga.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are plotting a swoop to sign Monga, who is also of keen interest to several clubs across Europe.

It appears the North London club are now looking to trump their rivals in the race for his signature, as the report adds that the club have been ‘pushing strongly’ to sign the Englishman ‘in recent weeks’.

The right winger is expected to give his final verdict on his next potential club in early 2026, according to the report, with Spurs now keen.

Tottenham need an experienced winger

However, the battle for Monga’s signature is set to intensify as TEAMtalk reports that Premier League rivals, including Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle United, are also in the race for the Coventry-born forward. At the same time, European giants like Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund have also held talks with Leicester about his transfer.

Finding a reliable option on the left flank is a clear priority for Tottenham, yet handing immediate first-team responsibility to a 16-year-old who has managed only two goal contributions this campaign would be a significant long-term gamble rather than a short-term solution.

Internal alternatives already exist. Mikey Moore will be returning at the end of the season, while Tynan Thompson is emerging as an exciting figure within the under-21 setup.

Given the circumstances, a move for a more experienced winger with a proven top-flight pedigree and the qualities to make an immediate impact would be more beneficial to their push for European places.

According to German outlet Bild, Manchester United are keen on signing Koln winger Said El Mala next summer, but could face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old has been terrific for Koln since their Bundesliga promotion, and he has already bagged 6 goals and 3 assists from 14 appearances. His progress has grabbed the attention of elite European clubs, and Bild claim that Man United and Spurs have ‘contacted’ the Bundesliga outfit through authorised representatives.

The Premier League duo have enquired about Koln’s willingness to sell the winger and they would be prepared to spend £26 million to £35 million to purchase the teenager next summer. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also his admirers, but El Mala sees the Premier League as the ‘next step’ in his career.

Huge talent

The German Under-21 international made his debut for Koln at the start of the campaign, having impressed for the development squads. He has been in-and-out of the starting XI with an average of only 47 minutes per league appearance. Despite this, he has been a huge hit for them, with 9 goal contributions in just 14 matches.

El Mala has been mesmerising with his raw pace and quick dribbling skills on the counter-attack. He likes to make direct runs against defences and has impressed with his goalscoring and ability to create chances for his teammates. The youngster has largely operated on the left wing, but can also play upfront or in the no.10 role.

His versatility could be behind the interest from United and Spurs in his services. The duo should have an upper hand over their European rivals, given El Mala’s desire to ply his trade in the Premier League. Spurs could see him as an option on the left wing, where they are still yearning for a regular contributor of goals and assists.

United are well occupied in the attacking midfield department with Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo, but may want more quality and depth in their ranks. El Mala could represent a relatively low-risk investment for both clubs if he can be purchased for £26 million upfront. He is only 19 and has plenty of time to adapt to a new league.

Tottenham Hotspur have struggled in front of goal in the first half of this season and with underwhelming results piling up the pressure on Thomas Frank, a few investments during the January transfer window remain on the cards.

Caught Offside has reported that Spurs are keen on signing Sevilla forward Ruben Vargas, who is enjoying a decent campaign with the Andalusian outfit with three goals and four assists to his name in 12 La Liga outings.

Leeds United are also interested in Vargas and are believed to be offering roughly £18 million for him in January, so Tottenham would have to offer more money but will be confident about signing the player ahead of their relegation-threatened competitors.

Vargas a decent back-up option

Ruben Vargas would bolster Tottenham Hotspur for the second half of this season and beyond. His numbers in La Liga read well and at a potentially nominal transfer fee, he promises to be an excellent secondary option for the Lilywhites.

A number of La Liga clubs are prepared to sell their players as they struggle to meet with strict Financial Fair Play guidelines in Spain, so it is not ruled out that Sevilla are willing to listen to offers for Vargas, who joined them from Augsburg last January.

Vargas, a Swiss international, is known for his dribbling and creativity on both flanks, as well as the impact he has in a central attacking midfielder’s role with late runs into the final third which help him get to loose balls or missed chances in the box.

Spurs will see him as an ideal fit at least initially in January with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison recovering from injuries, whereas in the longer run, the 27-year-old is a fairly good squad player to have, especially amidst injuries and a busy list of games.