Sports Mole

Today's Premier League predictions include an Anfield blockbuster between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester United host Aston Villa in a crucial top-five battle.

Nottingham Forest vs. Fulham (Sunday, 2pm)

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Nottingham Forest welcome Fulham to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon for their latest instalment of Premier League action.

Forest came from behind twice to draw 2-2 away to Manchester City in their previous league outing, while the Cottagers were beaten 1-0 at home by West Ham United.

We say: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Fulham

As the pressure continues to ramp on Tottenham Hotspur, who are only one point above the drop, we can see the teams around them picking up some confidence as we approach a nervy run in for the sides near the bottom.

Forest will no doubt be disappointed by their result in the week, however we are backing them to bounce back against Fulham and claim three crucial points in their bid for survival.

> Click here to read our full preview for Nottingham Forest vs. Crystal Palace, including team news and possible lineups

Crystal Palace vs. Leeds (Sunday, 2pm)

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Crystal Palace play host to Leeds United on Sunday afternoon, looking for the victory that may move the Eagles into the top half of the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.

Meanwhile, Leeds make the trip to Selhurst Park eager to halt a four-match winless streak that has resulted in the Yorkshire giants being pulled back into a relegation scrap.

We say: Crystal Palace 1-1 Leeds United

With one eye on the second leg against Larnaca, it remains to be seen whether Palace rest players for this contest. Meanwhile, Leeds have reached a point where a share of the spoils on their travels could prove pivotal come the end of the season.

Taking both of those into consideration, we would not be surprised to see a low-scoring draw play out at Selhurst Park.

> Click here to read our full preview for Crystal Palace vs. Leeds, including team news and possible lineups

Man United vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 2pm)

© Imago

Fighting for their fifth straight Old Trafford victory under the leadership of Michael Carrick, Manchester United host fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils suffered their first defeat since the arrival of the 44-year-old interim boss last time out, whilst the Villans have been busy dealing with continental matters in France this week.

We say: Man United 2-1 Aston Villa

Boasting a perfect record at Old Trafford under the tutelage of Carrick, Manchester United will be confident of extending their winning run this weekend, especially given the amount of preparation time they have enjoyed for this match.

Meanwhile, an injury-hit Aston Villa rush to the Theatre of Dreams after a Thursday night clash in France, with the Villans possibly set to suffer three straight Premier League defeats for the first time since February 2023.

> Click here to read our full preview for Man United vs. Aston Villa, including team news and possible lineups

Liverpool vs. Tottenham (Sunday, 4.30pm)

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The fixture that holds special places in Liverpool hearts after the events of 2024-25, the Reds do battle Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Anfield.

The hosts' 5-1 win in this game last season confirmed their status as Premier League champions, and an identical outcome is not beyond the realm of possibility while Spurs sink to even lower lows.

We say: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham

Tottenham's hierarchy and available players have not helped themselves along the way, but the Lilywhites have faced an injury crisis of untold proportions throughout the season, and their stretched squad will almost certainly fall short again.

Some may simply be wondering how many Liverpool will put past their beleaguered visitors, and we expect the Reds to hit the Lilywhites for three this time around.

A repeat of the fixture that won Liverpool the 2024-25 Premier League title, the Reds welcome crisis club Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Arne Slot's men have wrongs to right after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray, as do the Lilywhites following their sixth loss on the spin - 5-2 to Atletico Madrid - and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

LIVERPOOL vs. TOTTENHAM

LIVERPOOL

Out: Giovanni Leoni (knee), Conor Bradley (knee), Wataru Endo (ankle), Alexander Isak (leg)

Doubtful: Alisson Becker (muscle), Federico Chiesa (illness)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

TOTTENHAM

Out: Destiny Udogie (thigh), Cristian Romero (head), Joao Palhinha (head), Micky van de Ven (suspended), Yves Bissouma (unspecified), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee)

Doubtful: Conor Gallagher (illness)

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is 'not regarded' as a candidate for Manchester United's head coach position.

Michael Carrick is currently the individual in the Old Trafford hotseat after being appointed as interim boss in January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

Carrick's arrival has had a positive impact on results, with the 44-year-old overseeing six wins in eight Premier League matches in his second spell as the club's caretaker manager.

As a result of their fine form under Carrick, Man United are sitting in third place in the Premier League table, boasting a three-point buffer to Chelsea and Liverpool in fifth and sixth spot respectively.

Pochettino 'not regarded' in Man United manager search

Carrick has already staked his claim to be the club's new permanent head coach and will only boost his chances if he leads his side to Champions League qualification.

According to ESPN, Man United's hierarchy have been impressed with Carrick's approach and success, although they are in no rush to give him the job on a permanent basis.

The club's decision-makers appear to be keeping their options open in their search for Amorim's permanent replacement.

While they are considering a number of candidates, Pochettino is not one of those in the frame for the manager's job.

Pochettino is currently in charge of the USA national team, with his contract set to expire after the World Cup.

As a result, he will become available ahead of the 2026-27 season and could make a return to the club management for the first time since leaving Chelsea in 2024.

However, Man United believe Pochettino is on course to return to Tottenham Hotspur, ruling him out of the running for the head coach role at Old Trafford.

Will Pochettino be the next Spurs boss?

Pochettino continues to be linked with a return to Spurs after he developed a strong relationship with the fanbase during his five-year spell in charge of the north London club.

However, a potential second stint as Tottenham boss will surely depend on the result of the club's relegation battle.

Spurs are currently sitting a point above the relegation zone, and it is difficult to see a scenario in which Pochettino would be willing to take on the job if the club drop down to the Championship.

There is also the possibility that Tottenham could look to appoint an immediate permanent manager to replace struggling interim boss Igor Tudor.

Any permanent appointment before the summer would rule Pochettino out of the running due to his current obligations as USA head coach.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly started to search for potential candidates to replace interim boss Igor Tudor.

The 47-year-old was appointed last month on a deal until the end of the season following the decision to relieve Thomas Frank of his duties as Spurs head coach.

Tudor was brought in to spark an immediate upturn in fortunes to ease the club's fears over a shock relegation.

However, rather than overseeing an improvement, performances and results have taken a turn for the worse under the former Juventus manager.

Tudor has lost each of his four competitive matches in charge, conceding at least three goals in three of those defeats.

Spurs working to find Tudor replacement

Under Tudor's watch, Spurs slumped to Premier League defeats against Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace, before they fell to a heavy 5-2 loss in Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid - a game in which he hauled off goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after 17 minutes following two costly errors.

The ex-Marseille boss is now preparing his relegation-threatened side for a tricky Premier League away clash against reigning champions Liverpool.

While Tudor will remain in the dugout for the trip to Anfield, there is growing doubt about whether he will still be in charge for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico on Wednesday.

According to The Athletic, Spurs are 'actively working' on a search for potential options to replace their current interim boss.

The report claims that sacking Tudor is seen as a 'sensible course of action' should the team fall to another Premier League defeat on Sunday.

If Spurs opt to dismiss Tudor, the club's key decision-makers will have to decide whether to appoint another interim manager or find a new permanent head coach.

Should Spurs sack Tudor?

Spurs hoped that Tudor's previous experience of working as an interim manager would enable them to secure safety and then look to make a long-term appointment in the summer.

However, they now have to rethink those plans because Tudor's appointment has completely backfired, with Spurs sitting just a point clear of the drop zone ahead of the weekend's round of fixtures.

Unless there is a significant improvement on Sunday, Tottenham will have to hit the panic button and sack Tudor just a month after his arrival in north London.

The Spurs hierarchy would then have to make one of their toughest decisions in modern history, knowing that another failed managerial appointment could lead to the club's first relegation from the top flight since 1977.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot may consider axing Florian Wirtz from his starting XI when the Reds welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield for Sunday's Premier League showdown.

The Germany international has made a full recovery from a back injury, but he struggled to get into the game during Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League loss to Galatasaray and was hooked on the hour mark.

With the Reds aiming to turn that deficit around in next week's second leg, Wirtz could be spared from the first whistle on Sunday, especially if Slot feels the need to err on the side of caution with his fitness.

Wirtz's loss could be Cody Gakpo's gain on the left flank; Slot has affirmed that Rio Ngumoha is an option to start games, but his words and his actions with the teenager have contradicted themselves, so it would be a shock to see Ngumoha trusted from the off.

Federico Chiesa is expected to return from illness in time for the weekend, but Mohamed Salah should still start against his joint-favourite opponent; he has scored 16 goals vs. Spurs in all competitions, the same total he has managed against Manchester United.

Further changes could see Curtis Jones, Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson all come into the XI, as Slot manages a tight turnaround in between domestic and European fixtures.

First-choice number one Alisson Becker missed Tuesday's loss to Galatasaray due to a small muscle issue, and while Slot is hopeful of having the Brazilian back, Giorgi Mamardashvili performed well in midweek and deserves another opportunity.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

The fixture that holds special places in Liverpool hearts after the events of 2024-25, the Reds do battle Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Anfield.

The hosts' 5-1 win in this game last season confirmed their status as Premier League champions, and an identical outcome is not beyond the realm of possibility while Spurs sink to even lower lows.

Match preview

On April 27, 2025, a merciless Liverpool put five goals past a sorry Spurs side to win English title number 20, Premier League title number two, and Premier League title number one with fans present inside Anfield.

There will be no repeat of the iconic trophy lifts for the Merseyside giants this time around, though, and just when Arne Slot's side were getting back on track in the Champions League race, melancholy was the order of the day at Molineux.

Three straight league wins over Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United preceded Liverpool's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 3, when Andre's last-gasp, deflected winner triggered West Midlands mayhem and left the Reds three points off the top four in the Premier League table.

Slot's side exacted revenge in the FA Cup three days later, but the Dutchman's future inevitably came under the spotlight again when his side were slain 1-0 by Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, making it two losses from three games in all tournaments.

Defeat on Sunday would mark Liverpool's 10th of the Premier League season - not since 2015-16 have they hit double figures in terms of top-flight losses - but it is not outlandish to suggest that Tottenham at home is the friendliest fixture any team can hope for right now.

The statistics back up that suggestion; Tottenham are in the worst form of any Premier League team over the past six gameweeks - taking just one point from a possible 18 - and disaster continues to follow them everywhere they go.

Igor Tudor was instilled as the firefighter who could carry his Spurs players out of the burning building, but his fire hose is running on empty, and increasingly disgruntled members of the Lilywhites faithful would be glad to see the back of him.

Just when Tottenham's season seemingly could not hit a lower ebb, the events of Tuesday night occurred; five goals conceded, 17 nightmarish minutes for Antonin Kinsky, and surely a one-way ticket to Champions League elimination.

The 16th-placed Lilywhites are only one point better off than West Ham United and Nottingham Forest in the relegation dogfight, but thanks to their superior goal difference - and the fact that the Irons face Manchester City - they should not end the weekend in the bottom three.

However, that will still come as little comfort to the travelling supporters, whose side have also lost 12 of their last 16 Premier League matches against Liverpool - whether a 13th from 17 will be enough to hand Tudor his P45 remains to be seen.

Liverpool Premier League form:

Liverpool form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Liverpool travelled to Turkey in midweek without the services of number one goalkeeper Alisson Becker due to a muscle injury, but Slot is hopeful that the Brazilian will be fit for the visit of Spurs.

Fringe attacker Federico Chiesa is also expected to be available again following an illness, but Giovanni Leoni (knee), Conor Bradley (knee), Wataru Endo (ankle) and Alexander Isak (leg) remain in the infirmary.

With only three days to recuperate before hosting Galatasaray in their UCL second leg, a couple of changes are surely inbound from the Liverpool boss, who may even consider demoting Florian Wirtz as a precaution following his recent back issue.

In keeping with the theme of Tottenham's torrid season, even more selection concerns have arisen for Tudor, who will firstly be without Micky van de Ven due to suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace two Thursdays ago.

Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha are also absent after a nasty clash of heads on Tuesday night, while Yves Bissouma (unspecified) is definitely out, Destiny Udogie (thigh) will not be ready yet, and Conor Gallagher (illness) is touch-and-go.

Long-term absentees Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee) and Wilson Odobert (knee) are no closer to returning, so Tottenham could be missing as many as 13 players for their visit to the champions.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Dragusin, Spence; Gray, Sarr; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Solanke

We say: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham's hierarchy and available players have not helped themselves along the way, but the Lilywhites have faced an injury crisis of untold proportions throughout the season, and their stretched squad will almost certainly fall short again.

Some may simply be wondering how many Liverpool will put past their beleaguered visitors, and we expect the Reds to hit the Lilywhites for three this time around.

Tottenham Hotspur could be missing as many as 13 players for Sunday's Premier League showdown with champions Liverpool following the latest grim team news update from Igor Tudor.

The Lilywhites make the journey to Anfield aiming to avoid a sorry seventh defeat on the spin across all competitions; their current six-game losing run is already their worst in history.

Tudor became the first Spurs boss to oversee four losses in his first game in charge on Tuesday night, when his side capitulated in a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and the contest was also costly on the fitness front.

Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha both had to come off late on following a nasty clash of heads, and Tudor confirmed at his pre-game press conference that neither man would be able to face Arne Slot's side.

In addition, Yves Bissouma (unspecified) and Conor Gallagher (illness) are fresh concerns, but there is optimism that the latter will overcome his affliction in time for the trip to Merseyside.

The 13 players Tottenham could be missing for Liverpool game

Tudor - who is also missing Micky van de Ven through suspension - told the press: "No Romero and Palhinha out. Micky is out. Bissouma has a problem and Conor has a fever but we hope he will be ok. Always something happen. Very rare and I've never seen this in my career."

In brighter news, Destiny Udogie is closing in on a return from a thigh injury, but this weekend's game may still come too soon for the Italy international, who should at least be back for Nottingham Forest on March 22.

As well as Gallagher, Bissouma, Van de Ven, Palhinha, Romero and Udogie, Spurs are also without seven long-term absentees in James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski (all knee), Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies (both ankle), Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus (both thigh).

The under-pressure Tudor can - and will - at least make one unenforced change in goal, having confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario will replace Antonin Kinsky in between the posts.

Kinsky - who is celebrating his 23rd birthday today - was substituted after just 17 minutes on Tuesday following two catastrophic errors, and the Czech shot-stopper is being tipped for a loan exit in January.

How can injury-hit Tottenham line up against Liverpool?

With no Davies, no Romero, no Van de Ven and no Palhinha, Tudor would seemingly have to stray away from his favoured three-at-the-back system, but the Croatian is not without emergency alternatives.

Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso are guarantees in defence, and any of Djed Spence - whose place on the left could be covered by Souza - Pedro Porro or Archie Gray could also occupy a spot in a back three.

However, Gray may be needed in central midfield alongside Pape Sarr if Gallagher cannot overcome his illness, while Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have surely played their way into attacking starts after registering direct goal involvements in the Spanish capital.

Randal Kolo Muani is surely at risk of the axe in that case, leaving Tudor with a Xavi Simons vs. Mathys Tel dilemma to solve up front as Tottenham chase their first Premier League win of 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season continues to create fresh uncertainty around the club’s managerial situation as pressure continues to mount on interim boss Igor Tudor.

After another difficult run of results, questions are once again being asked about the long-term direction of the club and whether the current leadership in the dugout can stabilise things.

Adding further intrigue to the situation is the growing interest in a former Spurs favourite who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.

Tottenham manager target Robbie Keane eyed by three teams

Robbie Keane has emerged as a managerial target for multiple clubs ahead of the summer, with the Lilywhites among those keeping a close eye on the situation.

The former Spurs striker is currently enjoying success with Ferencvarosi TC, where his attacking style and ability to deliver results have enhanced his reputation in managerial circles.

However, Tottenham are not alone in their admiration.

Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Scottish giants Celtic are also believed to be interested in appointing Keane as they plan for next season, creating a potential three-way battle for his services, according to TEAMtalk.

What is the latest on the future of Igor Tudor at Spurs?

The interest in Keane comes at a difficult time for Tudor, as since taking over from Thomas Frank, the Croatian has endured a disastrous start with four defeats from his first four matches.

Those results have intensified criticism from supporters and raised serious doubts within the club hierarchy about whether he is the right man to lead the team moving forward.

For now, Spurs have resisted the urge to make another immediate change, but the atmosphere around the club has become increasingly tense as performances continue to decline.

Will Spurs sack Igor Tudor before the end of the season?

At the moment, owners ENIC are expected to give Tudor at least one more opportunity to turn things around, but the pressure is undeniably building.

A heavy defeat against Liverpool this weekend could prove a defining moment in determining his future.

If results fail to improve quickly, the club may feel they have little choice but to act before the season concludes.

With alternatives like Keane already attracting interest elsewhere, Spurs risk being forced into a decision sooner rather than later.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is keeping his fingers crossed that both Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa will be fit for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.

Neither the Brazilian goalkeeper nor Italian attacker were fit to face Galatasaray in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 showdown, as the Reds fell to another 1-0 defeat to the Turkish giants at Rams Park.

Mario Lemina's goal made the difference against Slot's side, who had previously suffered a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the league phase in September and are now under pressure to turn the tie around next week on home soil.

In between those two legs, Liverpool host a relegation-threatened Spurs side, whose last visit to Anfield came on the day that the Reds secured the 2024-25 Premier League title last April.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Slot provided some more detail on Alisson's injury, explaining that the South American had felt a tweak after passing the ball and should "definitely" be fit for the second leg with Galatasaray if not Spurs.

Arne Slot gives triple Liverpool fitness update before Tottenham

"He's been with the physios and in rehab until now," Slot said. "We are training today as you know, so let's see if he can join the team session. That is something I expect, but not 100% sure because I haven't spoken to him or the medical staff.

"I'm hopeful but that's not to say I'm 100% sure. He felt something when he passed the ball in one of his muscles, but after we checked it was so minor we think it doesn't have to take very long.

"But as always games follow up so fast that he has to miss Galatasaray, and hopefully he's available for Sunday. If not I'm expecting definitely against Galatasaray [second leg]."

Furthermore, the Dutchman is also optimistic of having Chiesa back in the squad for the visit of Tottenham, adding: "I expect he feels better now, he felt unwell the day before the game. I think he's able to train with us again."

Slot was also quizzed on Alexander Isak's recovery from a serious leg injury, but he had little to add on the Swede, responding: "With the rehab team still, not with the team."

Is Alisson Becker's Liverpool career winding down?

Few can question that Alisson has cemented his place in the all-time Premier League goalkeeping greats, but in recent times, injuries have been plaguing the 33-year-old shot-stopper.

Alisson missed a handful of games earlier this season with a hamstring problem, and he was also absent for 25 matches in the 2024-25 campaign as a result of three separate thigh injuries.

The Brazilian could easily compete at the top level for another five seasons or so, but he is only contracted to Liverpool until the end of the 2026-27 season, and whether he will sign a new deal is the topic of much uncertainty.

Number two Giorgi Mamardashvili is now 25 years old and at the point where regular football is becoming a necessity, which will not be possible while Alisson is fully fit and in form.

The South American's latest issue may have been minor, but his persistent muscular problems are becoming difficult to ignore, and a parting of the ways this summer may be on the cards if the powers-that-be harbour serious concerns about his fitness record.

Sean Dyche reportedly would be hesitant to take over at Tottenham Hotspur on a purely short-term basis.

Spurs are facing the very real prospect of a historic relegation from the Premier League following a catastrophic run of results.

Interim boss Igor Tudor has failed to record a single point since taking charge several weeks ago, and the club are now winless in 11 league matches.

The North London side currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the bottom three, with only nine games remaining to secure their top-flight status.

Thus, senior figures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are reportedly evaluating their options as pressure mounts to dismiss the Croatian manager immediately.

Dyche 'reluctant' to accept short-term Tottenham SOS call

According to talkSPORT, Dyche would not be keen to join the North Londoners until the end of the season.

The former Burnley and Everton manager is understood to be a primary candidate for the role should the hierarchy decide to axe Tudor following his nightmare start.

However, Dyche is reportedly seeking a commitment that extends beyond the current campaign before agreeing to lead a survival mission.

The English manager's reported stance mirrors the approach he took when joining Spurs' relegation rivals Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

Relegation battle forces Spurs to consider club legends

Hiring a manager like Dyche would represent a stark admission from the board that survival is now the only priority.

Should a deal with the firefighter specialist fail to materialise, the club may look toward familiar faces such as Ryan Mason or Robbie Keane.

Keane has impressed while in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros and is viewed as a candidate who could potentially unite a fractured dressing room.

The situation is further complicated by reports that Tudor has already alienated several first-team stars with his uncompromising hard-line approach.