Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank could consider a pair of midfield alterations for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Liverpool in North London.

The Lilywhites return home on the back of a 3-0 trouncing at the hands of Nottingham Forest, who benefitted from an Archie Gray error to open the scoring at the City Ground.

Neither Gray nor Rodrigo Bentancur cut the mustard last weekend, so both Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall could be reinstated, in what Spurs fans may feel is a more balanced midfield anyway.

In that scenario, the pair would function behind Xavi Simons - who had briefly ignited his Spurs career before last weekend - as well as Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani on the flanks.

Richarlison was a largely anonymous figure last weekend, but the Brazilian still completed the full 90 and also enjoys playing Liverpool more than any other Premier League team, claiming four goals and three assists against them in the past.

Richarlison should therefore be retained up front, and the same can be said for the entirety of the hosts' defensive line, as Destiny Udogie is absent for a few weeks with a thigh injury.

Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski will also miss the visit of the champions, as will Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bergvall; Kudus, Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

A rejuvenated Liverpool and a regressing Tottenham Hotspur side collide in Saturday evening's Premier League main event at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The reigning champions endeavour to extend their unbeaten run to a pleasing six games in all competitions, whereas the Lilywhites risk a record-setting home defeat in their final pre-Christmas fixture.

Match preview

Just when Tottenham appeared to have turned a corner under Thomas Frank, who had overseen a sterling comeback draw with Newcastle United before dominant home wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague, catastrophe struck at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest duo Ibrahim Sangare and Callum Hudson-Odoi toyed with the entire Spurs XI - claiming a wonderful three goals and three assists between them - in a 3-0 trouncing of the Europa League winners, who have now lost three of their last five Premier League games.

As the hosts languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table - six points off Chelsea in the fourth and final Champions League spot - speculation over Frank's future has inevitably been heating up, but he is believed to retain the board's backing for the time being.

Nevertheless, there are understood to be some internal concerns about the Dane, who could be part of unwanted Spurs history this weekend; if the North London outfit lose, they would have suffered 11 Premier League home defeats in 2025, their most ever in a single calendar year.

The Lilywhites have somewhat re-fortified the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium of late, winning three and losing just one of their last five on familiar territory, but that will give little comfort to the home faithful after last weekend's horror show.

A horror show may be the perfect way to describe Liverpool's off-field occurrences over the past couple of weeks, but all was temporarily forgiven against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, when the reinstated Mohamed Salah wrote another chapter of history.

The 33-year-old may still be out of favour as far as the starting XI goes, but by coming off the bench to assist Hugo Ekitike's second goal in that 2-0 victory, Salah set a new record for the most Premier League goal contributions for a single club with an astronomical 277.

Now that Salah is seeking to steer Egypt to Africa Cup of Nations glory, the Reds may be grateful for recent experiences playing without the Golden Boot winner, especially as they have not lost any of their five games since his demotion from the starting lineup.

The seventh-placed Reds could now crash the top four if results go their way this weekend, although when it comes to ever-present Premier League teams, only Bournemouth (16) have conceded at least two goals in more away games than Liverpool (15) since the start of last season.

Arne Slot's side defied their recent road travails in their 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan, though, and the visitors have won both of their last two games against the hosts by a stunning aggregate score of 9-1, including that title-clinching 5-1 success on April 27, 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Liverpool Premier League form:

Liverpool form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham's midfield ranks have been thinned by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, as Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma are representing Senegal and Mali respectively, but the latter was already out of contention through injury and disciplinary action.

On the fitness front, Dominic Solanke (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Destiny Udogie (thigh) and James Maddison (ACL) are no closer to comebacks, although Radu Dragusin (fitness) and Kota Takai (thigh) have been involved in training-ground friendlies and are surely not too far away.

The juvenile Archie Gray was partly at fault for Forest's opening goal last weekend, but Rodrigo Bentancur did not cover himself in glory either, so both Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall may be in line for starts against the holders.

As previously mentioned, the headline-making Salah has now departed on his own AFCON mission, which would not be too big of an issue for Slot had his replacement - Dominik Szoboszlai - not come off with an ankle injury against Brighton.

The Hungarian - who "didn't look great" after the game according to Slot - was one of two casualties for the Reds last weekend alongside the unfortunate Joe Gomez (muscle), although Conor Bradley is back from a ban and can deputise for the Englishman.

Jeremie Frimpong may also be in with a chance of returning from a thigh concern, but Wataru Endo (ankle), Cody Gakpo (muscle) and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are guaranteed absentees.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bergvall; Kudus, Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Chiesa, Jones, Wirtz; Ekitike

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool

No other Premier League fixture has seen as many goals as Tottenham vs. Liverpool (206), and nine of those came at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, but a more low-key affair is surely in order this weekend.

Both sides have enjoyed the rare luxury of a weekend off, but Szoboszlai's possible absence will deprive Liverpool of their most influential player so far this season, as well as the resurrected Salah.

However, Spurs' build-up problems and disjointed defence are difficult to overlook, so we still have faith in the injury-hit champions to continue on an upward trajectory and potentially hammer another nail into Frank's coffin.

Seemingly on the other side of their shocking Premier League form, Liverpool will travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday to take on Thomas Frank's inconsistent Spurs.

Arne Slot's Reds are now five games unbeaten across all competitions after beating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 last weekend, a feat that belies the fact that the club lost nine of their previous 12 matches.

Right-back Conor Bradley was suspended for that clash, but he is now back in contention to face the Lilywhites, while Mohamed Salah chipped in with an assist before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, it was not all positive for the Merseysiders as key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai picked up an ankle injury against the Seagulls, and versatile defender Joe Gomez suffered a muscle problem.

Read on as Sports Mole rounds up Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news prior to their Premier League showdown with Tottenham on Saturday.

GIOVANNI LEONI

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

Eighteen-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni arrived from Parma in the summer with bags of potential, but the anterior cruciate ligament injury that he suffered on his debut has scuppered his first season on Merseyside.

The Reds do not expect the youngster to be back in action in 2025-26.

JEREMIE FRIMPONG

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: December 20 (vs. Tottenham)

Right-back has been a problem position for Liverpool this season due to injuries, though Jeremie Frimpong is nearing a return to the team.

Slot mentioned in a press conference on December 13 that the former Bayer Leverkusen man was expected to take part in normal training this week, and while he remains a doubt, there is a chance he could feature in some capacity against Spurs.

JOE GOMEZ

Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: Unknown

Talented but injury prone, Gomez filled in at right-back while Bradley and Frimpong were both unavailable, but he is now sidelined with a muscle issue of his own.

Slot stated that he does not expect Gomez to be in the squad this weekend, barring a 'positive surprise'.

WATARU ENDO

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Leeds United)

Wataru Endo has been used sparingly by the Liverpool boss, but he picked up an ankle injury when he came on against Leeds on December 6.

The Japan captain is said to be out for a number of weeks and may not be ready to feature for the Reds until New Year's Day, when the club ironically face the Peacocks once again.

CODY GAKPO

Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Leeds)

One of the first names on Slot's team sheet, Cody Gakpo was surprisingly revealed to have also suffered an injury against Leeds.

Much like Endo, the Dutch winger is anticipated to be out for a few weeks, possibly until the start of 2026.

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: December 20 (vs. Tottenham)

Szoboslzai has arguably been the only Liverpool player that has performed to a consistently high level in 2025-26, and the fact that the midfielder picked up an ankle injury against Brighton is a major concern for the Merseysiders.

Slot said that Szoboszlai's injury "didn't look great" in the immediate aftermath of the game, but that he hoped for the best given the number eight's mentality.

LIVERPOOL SUSPENSION LIST

Liverpool have no players suspended for this game.

Liverpool will hope to take advantage of struggling hosts Tottenham Hotspur when they clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank's Spurs were outplayed when they lost 3-0 against Nottingham Forest last Sunday, and they come into the game in 11th place with 22 points.

Arne Slot oversaw a 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, waving goodbye to Mohamed Salah as he departed with Egypt, who will hope to win the Africa Cup of Nations this winter.

The Reds are currently seventh in the top flight with 26 points, and they are only two points from fourth-placed Chelsea.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details you need to know about how to watch Saturday's Premier League match between Tottenham and Liverpool.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool kick off?

This game will kick off at 5:30pm on Saturday, December 20 for viewers in the UK.

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool being played?

Spurs will host Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground that has a maximum capacity of 62,850.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool in the UK

TV channels

Fans in the UK can catch the action live on Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports Premier League.

Streaming

Supporters can also stream the match through the Sky Sports+ app or Sky Go, as well as with NOW UK if they have purchased the Sky Sports package on the platform.

Highlights

The game's key events will be posted on the SkySportsPL X (formerly Twitter) account, while highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app shortly after the full-time whistle.

Highlights are also set to be uploaded to the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel later in the day.

Who will win Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool?

Tottenham come into the weekend's clash having lost four, drawn two and won just one of their last seven Premier Leageu games.

The team's poor form has strained the relationship between Frank and supporters, and the atmosphere in the stands at London could be hostile.

Liverpool may have kept a clean sheet against Brighton, but they were fortunate that they did not concede, though their attacking display was considerably better than in recent weeks.

The Merseysiders are unbeaten in their past five matches, with the club emerging as winners on three occasions.

If the Reds are to win on the weekend, then any victory will be hard fought, but they should be seen as favourites on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to decide the future of the ostracised Yves Bissouma.

With the January window approaching, the club are reportedly evaluating various options to trim the fringe elements of the first-team squad.

The North London side are currently navigating a testing period as they look to rediscover their identity under Thomas Frank.

The Lilywhites have slipped to 11th in the Premier League table following a series of inconsistent performances throughout the Dane's first few months at the club.

A heavy 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last time out has intensified the scrutiny on the coaching staff and the overall direction of the squad.

While Bissouma is effectively persona non grata in North London, a fresh report has suggested that the Mali international may remain at the club for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Spurs reportedly make Bissouma decision as transfer interest cools

According to Football Insider, previous interest in the outcast midfielder from Everton and West Ham United has notably waned.

Neither club are understood to view the Mali international as a leading target for the January window as they focus on other areas of their respective squads.

As a result, Spurs are expected to activate a one-year extension clause in the 29-year-old's contract to protect his market valuation.

While a permanent sale remains the priority for the North London outfit, they are determined not to lose the former Brighton & Hove Albion man for nothing in the summer.

Could Bissouma still have a Spurs future?

Bissouma has been effectively exiled from the first-team environment since a disciplinary issue saw him omitted from the UEFA Super Cup squad in August.

The midfielder has not featured in any competitive fixtures this season and was left out of the club's Champions League squad.

Although Frank has seemingly closed the door on a reconciliation, the precarious nature of the manager's current position could yet offer hope.

Tottenham Hotspur will be bidding to recover from a damaging defeat when they continue their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Saturday.

Spurs will enter the match off the back of a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, with the result leaving them down in 11th spot in the Premier League table on 22 points.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest against Liverpool, who are seventh in the division on 26 points.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

Maddison has been sidelined since sustaining an ACL injury in August, and the Englishman is targeting a return to action during next year's pre-season.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Solanke underwent ankle surgery at the end of September, and he remains on the sidelines, with a clear return date for the striker unclear at this stage of proceedings.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: December 28 (vs. Crystal Palace)

Dragusin is yet to play a single minute of senior football this season due to a knee injury, but the defender recently featured in an Under-21s game and could be available before the end of the month.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski is still recovering from a knee injury that he picked up towards the end of last season, and a return date for the attacker is unclear at this stage.

Yves Bissouma

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Bissouma continues to recover from an ankle injury while the club deals with “an internal matter” relating to the midfielder being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon earlier this year.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brentford)

Udogie picked up a hamstring injury towards the end of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle on December 2, and the defender will not be back until the start of 2026.

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Takai is yet to make an appearance for Tottenham since joining in the summer due to a thigh injury, and the defender is still not being considered for selection despite recently featuring for the Under-21s.

Pape Sarr

Status: Out

Type of issue: AFCON

Possible return date: Unknown

Tottenham are currently without the services of Sarr due to the midfielder's involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no suspended players for this match.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Mauricio Pochettino as a possible replacement for Thomas Frank.

Spurs suffered a sobering defeat in the East Midlands on the weekend, when they lost 3-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Callum Hudson-Odoi found the net either side of the half-time whistle for the Tricky Trees, with Ibrahim Sangare firing home a long-range effort.

As a result of the loss in the Midlands, Frank's side are sitting down in 11th spot in the Premier League standings, six points behind Chelsea in fourth.

The festive assignments do not get much easier for Spurs, who welcome champions Liverpool to North London on Saturday evening.

Spurs target Pochettino as Frank replacement?

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur have commenced the process of identifying potential replacements for under-pressure boss Frank.

The report claims that the North Londoners have earmarked former head coach Pochettino as the best target at this stage.

That being said, it is understood that Spurs are not looking to dismiss the current manager in the short term, hoping to give the Dane time to turn performances and results around.

Pochettino is currently in charge of the United States, who are preparing to be co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

Spurs have also supposedly highlighted Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Fulham man Marco Silva as possible alternatives to Frank.

Call for calm in North London

Despite sitting 11th in the Premier League at the moment, Spurs are not a million miles away from relative success.

As mentioned, the top-four spots are only six points away heading into the business end of a busy festive period.

There is also the factor of Pochettino's position with the United States, with the Argentine unlikely to leave that post on the eve of the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has emerged as a 'top target' for a European giant even in the wake of fierce criticism, according to a report.

The Italy international has endured the dictionary definition of a mixed season, enjoying a handful of exemplary displays against the likes of Monaco and Chelsea to save Spurs from embarrassment.

However, Vicario has also come under fire for a series of weak displays, most notably in Sunday's appalling 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Teenager Archie Gray was culpable for the first goal, but Vicario did not help his teammate by passing to him when he was already under pressure, and he then failed to cover himself in glory when Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross-cum-shot sailed into the far side of the net.

Vicario has now conceded at least two goals in five of his last six matches in the Premier League, but the 29-year-old remains Thomas Frank's undisputed number one over January signing Antonin Kinsky.

Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario emerges as Inter Milan transfer target?

Vicario also has two and a half years left to run on his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but according to Gazzetta, he has been earmarked as Inter Milan's 'top target' to replace the stalwart Yann Sommer.

Thirty-six-year old Sommer has established a reputation for being one of the best goalkeepers on the planet during his three years at San Siro, but his contract expires at the end of the season, and Inter are planning for life without him.

The Nerazzurri are supposedly optimistic of sealing a deal due to Vicario's apparent desire to return to his homeland and represent the 2024-25 Champions League winners, as well as the 29-year-old being 'inspired' by Samir Handanovic as a youngster.

However, Inter are only prepared to fork out €20m (£17.6m) to bring Vicario to the club next year, which would equal the amount Spurs paid Empoli for the Italy international when performance-related add-ons are taken into account.

Vicario has managed 25 clean sheets in 97 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions since 2023, including four shut-outs in nine games en route to the 2024-25 Europa League title, but he was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons on Sunday.

Jamie Carragher slams Guglielmo Vicario amid Tottenham transfer links

Vicario was seen gesturing his frustration towards Gray for his mistake against Forest, but Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher blasted the 29-year-old for not taking responsibility for his part in Hudson-Odoi's goal.

"It's not just a keeper playing out. It's a keeper on his weak foot. Typical Vicario, he is always blaming someone else," Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"Every time I see a goal go in, he throws his arms at someone else. He seems to do it a lot, and he did it again today. We can talk about young Archie Gray in midfield, but I'm putting this on the goalkeeper.

'Archie Gray could do a lot better, of course, he could, but what the lad does initially is he is trying to help someone who doesn't actually need help. The goalkeeper doesn't actually need any help because the ball should go out wide to his player. I don't know what the problem is. There is no real pressure on it."

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering to offload Brennan Johnson in the January transfer window.

Johnson joined Spurs in September 2023 for a fee worth up to £47.5m from Nottingham Forest and has scored 27 goals and 18 assists in 104 appearances for the club.

The Wales winger scored the winner in the Europa League final win over Manchester United, but his future has come under intense speculation in recent weeks.

While Johnson is a highly talented attacker, inconsistency has been the demon preventing him from becoming a guaranteed starter under any manager at Spurs.

Johnson has a contract at the north London club until 2028, and Spurs have a big decision to make whether to extend his deal or sell him.

Crystal Palace eye move for Johnson?

According to a report from TEAMTalk, Crystal Palace are one of the clubs could be eyeing a move for Johnson in the January window.

Interest in the attacker is growing, with two more Premier League clubs having made informal contact about a potential deal.

While Johnson remains a valued member of the squad, there is uncertainty regarding whether he will be high-level enough for Spurs as they look to buy new players in his position.

Tottenham value him at around £50m, but they could sell him slightly lower than that amount if the right terms of the deal are made.

Spurs eye move for Antoine Semenyo?

The north London club are looking to bolster their forward department, and they have been linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo, who is also targeted by Liverpool and Manchester City.

Semenyo would cost around £65m, and Spurs are reportedly not only willing to pay that amount but also to shatter their wage structure to accommodate him.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has come under pressure following a poor run of form, but the club hierarchy is reportedly backing him.

Spurs suffered their fourth defeat in seven games in all competitions when they lost 3-0 against Nottingham Forest on Sunday at City Ground.

It was their sixth league defeat of the season, and Frank admitted after the game that there is no quick fix to the problems at the club.

According to a report from The Athletic, there have been discussions at the club about Frank’s future, but nothing specifically related to the defeat against Forest.

The north London club have taken a 'clear position' regarding their manager, and the hierarchy is ready to give him the time he needs to stamp his own mark.

Thomas Frank Tottenham future: Big decision for Lewis brothers

Frank was the final managerial appointment of the Daniel Levy era, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who won the Europa League last season.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League under Postecoglou, and Frank was tasked with rebuilding the team, which was never going to be easy.

The Lewis brothers, Vivienne and Charles Lewis, effectively took over the running of the club after Levy was sacked as executive chairman in September, and taking a firm decision on Frank is one of their major tests.

No quick fix but new signings needed in January

After a strong start to the season, Spurs have lost their momentum, and their form, especially in the Premier League has been very inconsistent.

They sit 11th in the Premier League table, with 22 points from 16 games, and also sit just outside the top eight in the Champions League group phase table.

There is a sense among the board members that Frank is trying to change the culture at the club, and for that, he must be given proper time and financial backing to build the squad to his own taste.