Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank spoke to the media at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after our 2-1 loss against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Here's what he had to say...

Plenty of character shown - what were your thoughts on the performance and the two red cards?

Thomas: "I think overall it was a good performance tonight, proud of the players and the team and how they responded. I actually think the first 30 was also good from us and how we responded to setbacks through the game, something we have been working very hard on, because that is the biggest thing the best teams need to do. How do we respond to setbacks during a game because the best teams deal with it and move on and keep going, stick to the plan, we talked about it before, structure and everything. Today we did that excellently. There was great personality and character in the team. The first red which I have seen given before, I also said before definitely a few times at Brentford and I have seen others, I don’t like this as a red card. I think the game is, probably too big to say gone, but for me it’s not reckless and it’s not exceptional force. He is chasing Van Dijk. He is trying to put pressure and then he changes direction. Unfortunately his foot is on his Achilles. You can say ‘ah, you need to be smarter, don’t do it and all that’ but so are we not allowed to have physical contact anymore? The next thing on that is if he gets three games, which I don’t understand, how can he get three games for something which is not reckless? That is absolutely wrong and we probably can’t appeal it. We responded excellently to that. Then 1-0 goal, we kept going. I think the second goal is a mistake from the ref. I think there are two hands in the back. Clear two hands in the back. I don’t understand how you can do that. Everywhere else you have seen that a thousand times out there on the pitch, someone will go up for a header, a goal kick into the centre-back, two hands in the back ‘boom’ foul, but apparently not in the penalty box. I think that was the biggest mistake in my opinion and from VAR but apparently that was not enough. We kept going."

The second red?

Thomas: "I also think we got on the wrong end on two. You can see there's probably a reason why the whole team react as they do. I think that's probably a good indicator. Normally, if it's one player reacting, if it's the whole team, probably because there's something about it. I think we all played football enough and seen enough football that there's something probably around that. So, I can't see if it's right or wrong that he gives the first yellow. The second yellow, I see two big boys competing. Konate absolutely smashing through Cuti. It's a foul, I'm not saying more. His foot landed on Cuti's head. Not a yellow, I'm not saying that. Cuti makes a reaction. I think I guess it can be given, but also I guess it can be not given."

It's an emotional game, but does your captain have to control his emotions when you're chasing that equaliser?

Thomas: "I think any player needs to control their emotions and be cool-headed. It's not only because you're a captain that you need to be exceptionally cool-headed. That's also always good, of course. We're talking about a very passionate player that's been very good for this club and team in many years."

The commitment certainly got the crowd back on board...

Thomas: "The crowd were excellent and the fans were excellent today. I think they kept us going throughout the game and especially the last let's say 20, they almost sucked the second goal into the net as well. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. It would have been an excellent comeback."

Can I just get your reaction to the team's home form in 2025? It's surely unacceptable...

Thomas: "I think it's fair to say, I said from the beginning, that it's so important that we do everything we can to make our home a fortress. And to make that home a fortress, we need more performances like we did today. Today, there was a few bits that didn't go our way. I think also a great effort from Kolo Muani and if that goes in, 1-1, a little bit of margin there, then probably don't concede the 2-0. Then it's not a goal I need to discuss. So, all those things you need a little bit going your way. I think stats you can spin either way. Overall, we as a club need to make a home that is very difficult to come to."

You just spoke about Xavi missing the next three games, how disappointed are you for him?

Thomas: "That's why it's probably good Arne and I are agreeing on that one. So, yeah, that's of course disappointing. I think it's harsh to say, because if it was intentional or a very stupid tackle, which I don't think it is, then it's one thing. So, I just think it's too harsh, a tackle like that can be three games."

How much are you going to miss him now over this busy, festive period?

Thomas: "Of course, one game, okay, that's one thing. But three games, of course, is too much."

Thomas Frank praised the character and mentality of the players after a gallant effort to come from 2-0 down with 10 and then nine men against Liverpool fell just short – the Reds eventually holding on for a 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

After an even start, Xavi Simons received a straight red card after a VAR review for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk on 33 minutes. Our 10 men competed well, but we were hit by two goals in 10 minutes from Alexander Isak (56) and Hugo Ekitike (66).

Speaking to us afterwards, Thomas reflected: “It was a very good performance, many good things. We worked very hard and talked a lot about how we deal with setbacks, because the best teams deal with setbacks – if you lose five passes in a row, for example, or you concede a goal or a red card, two goals, and I would say another red, and a few other situations. The team just kept going, great character, great mentality, great energy, I loved everything about that, I must say.

“I think we defended well until half-time, still had a few counters. In the second half we did the same, then conceded a goal - the second one, I think it’s a free-kick, in my opinion – then we get the 2-1 goal and really pushed hard. I think we had great moments and opportunities to get the 2-2.

“There a lot of good things in this team, a lot of good character, there's a lot, so I think we just had that little bit of a momentum shift throughout the game, I think we felt that we were 100% in the game, and also a little bit of determination when you feel you are hard done by and you need to show that grit, so I really liked that.

“I said that to the players straight after the game, I think that feeling… of course you feel hard done by, but the performance and the way that we were fighting and the way we were playing, giving everything, that's what you need to take forward in every minute of every game.”

A spirited fightback fell just short as we suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday evening, finishing the game with nine men in a dramatic and chaotic ending at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Having been reduced to 10 men in the first period following a straight red card shown to Xavi Simons for a challenge on Dutch international team-mate Virgil van Dijk, we conceded twice in 10 second-half minutes to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage.

But we pulled one back through substitute Richarlison, his fifth career goal against Liverpool, and had the visitors on the ropes for the final stages, only to suffer another dismissal when Cristian Romero was sent off for a second yellow and we couldn’t find that equaliser in the closing minutes.

On a chilly evening in north London, five minutes had gone when the first effort at goal came, Randal Kolo Muani latching onto a bobbling ball 10 yards out only to see his effort blocked by Conor Bradley. The visitors had their first chance on 13 minutes, Dominik Szoboszlai lofting a free-kick in from the left which van Dijk headed straight at Guglielmo Vicario. The early stages lacked the intensity and tempo usually found in this fixture and it wasn’t until the 27th minute before the next major opportunity, as Djed Spence headed Pedro Porro’s cross back into the danger zone where Kolo Muani was waiting but his header was comfortable for Alisson in the Liverpool goal.

A big moment of controversy arrived moments later, when Xavi went to close down van Dijk as he was heading back towards his own goal and caught the Liverpool defender on the back of his calf. Referee John Brooks brandished the yellow card before VAR intervened, with Brooks upgrading the decision to a straight red card after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.

That obviously left us down to 10 men but it also changed the atmosphere in the stadium as the noise cranked up in support of the team. Liverpool naturally started seeing more of the ball and Vicario did well to tip away a Florian Wirtz effort on 37 minutes, although we did have a couple of swift counters before the interval, the best of which ending with neither Kolo Muani nor Spence able to get on the end of Pedro Porro’s cross.

The visitors brought on Isak at half-time and the pattern of the game was set, Liverpool dominating possession as we dropped back with a low block to try to keep them out, hitting them on the break whenever we could. It worked for the first 10 minutes of the second half until Romero’s intended pass to Kolo Muani was cut out and Liverpool struck, Ekitike and Wirtz setting up Isak who slammed past Vicario with 56 minutes gone. It was the briefest of cameos for the Liverpool forward as he was injured taking his shot under pressure from Micky van de Ven and was substituted.

Despite the setback we kept plugging away and hit the woodwork when Kolo Muani showed good pace on the attack and hit a shot which flicked off Milos Kerkez and looped up over Alisson onto the crossbar. That misery was further compounded by Liverpool’s second, Ekitike heading home Jeremie Frimpong’s cross to leave us with a mountain to climb.

Our heads didn’t drop though and we pulled one back with eight minutes remaining. It was a right old scramble, Brennan Johnson with a shot blocked, Joao Palhinha knocking the rebound into the middle, van Dijk missing his clearance and Richarlison was on hand to roll the ball into the bottom corner. That goal changed the whole complexion of the game. Players and fans were up for the battle, Liverpool suddenly were hanging on and when Johnson slipped the ball in behind for Richarlison, it looked like the equaliser might come, but Ibrahima Konate got back to block.

We were throwing everything at the visitors only to be dealt another blow when Romero was given a second yellow card for his reaction towards Konate when they were both on the ground. That was in the third minute of nine added on, but still we kept going, Porro hitting a 30-yard free-kick which Alisson did well to gather low down. Even with nine men, we put Liverpool under pressure but Alisson was there to push away a dangerous cross from Wilson Odobert. In the end we couldn’t find the elusive second and suffered yet another home defeat, but we came so close to pulling off an incredible comeback.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro both reached 100 appearances in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Both in the starting XI for our clash with Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they have both now made a century of appearances in the competition.

Rodrigo joined us on a permanent deal back in January, 2022, from Juventus and enjoyed a blistering start to life in Lilywhite with a series of superb displays which helped us secure Champions League qualification that spring.

He then continued that form into 2022/23, adding goals to his game before he suffered a season ending anterior cruciate ligament injury the following January, which kept him out of action until October, 2023.

He played a key role in our run to Europa League glory in 2024/25, playing in all bar two of our matches that campaign, while he has been a mainstay under Thomas Frank this term, again playing all bar two of our matches.

Pedro Porro has also been a mainstay this season, playing in every single one of our games so far in 2025/26, while he also played a pivotal role in our Europa League triumph, scoring twice and providing three assists, including a goal and assist in the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

The Spaniard initially joined us on loan from Sporting CP in the January of 2023 before making the move permanent in the summer.

Since arriving in N17, his ability to constantly be available has been beyond impressive. The defender has been in all bar three matchday squads since making the move to north London, with injury only preventing him from being part of our squad on two occasions.

Otherwise, he has been in the matchday squad for 144 of our 147 games since January, 2023.

Rodrigo has now made 137 appearances for the Club in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists.

Pedro has made 131 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 23 assists.

We can confirm the starting line-ups and substitutes for our Premier League home encounter against Liverpool (Saturday 20 December, 5.30pm UK).

In our final outing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this calendar year, Thomas Frank has made one change to the team that started at Nottingham Forest with Lucas Bergvall coming in for Richarlison.

Radu Dragusin makes the matchday squad for the first time in almost 11 months since recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January.

Pedro Porro and Rodrigo Bentancur are both making their 100th Premier League appearance this evening.

Here’s our team in full...

Starting XI: Vicario, Xavi, Gray, Bergvall, Romero (c), Kudus, Pedro Porro, Spence, Bentancur, van de Ven, Kolo Muani.

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

Reiss Elliott-Parris bagged his first Under-18s hat-trick as our Under-18s signed off for the calendar year with a superb 5-0 victory at Fulham on Saturday.

The forward opened his account from the penalty spot with Oliver Boast and Tye Hall joining him on the scoresheet as we dominated the first half-an-hour at Motspur Park, before adding two more after the break to earn himself an early Christmas present in the form of the match ball.

Fulham improved after the break and substitutes William Sutton-Bangura and Brodie Dair forced Blake Irow into impressive saves to preserve his clean sheet, but we were worthy winners overall in our final fixture of 2025 at this level.

It was the ideal response after Tuesday’s disappointing loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Youth Cup, with the players popping the ball around with zest and purpose from the off. We were also highly effective with our early corner kicks and after Malachi Hardy headed one over following a close-range effort from Ronny Moncur, that kind of set-piece featured in the build-up to each of our first three goals.

Elliott-Parris scored his ninth-minute penalty after being brought down in the box shortly following a corner, before Boast converted from close range 10 minutes later after Elijah Upson headed Harry Byrne’s set-piece delivery back across the six-yard box. And with only 25 minutes gone we were 3-0 up and firmly in control as Hall volleyed Byrne’s corner home at the back stick.

Fulham almost scored with their first meaningful attack just before the half-hour mark but a goal-line block from Tyler Tingey – operating as a right-back – denied striker Bashil Lubega at the near post. At the other end, Elliott-Parris curled wide with only goalkeeper Oliver Mayer to beat while Armend Muslika’s second attempt after a blocked free-kick was deflected over the bar as we sought to add to our advantage before half-time.

Fulham tightened up in midfield after the restart and Sutton-Bangura’s awkwardly-angled shot towards the near post was turned over the bar by Irow, but any hopes the home side had of mounting a comeback were extinguished on 62 minutes when Boast latched onto a loose ball on the right and squared for Elliott-Parris to score his second of the game.

Mid-way through the second half, the striker had his hat-trick, latching onto a ball in from the left by Leon Myrtaj, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, and poking low inside the far post. Dair’s long-range shot was brilliantly saved by Irow at full stretch as the Cottagers looked for a late consolation but even with a number of changes made, we stayed in the driving seat as Jamie Carr’s first win as Under-18s Coach arrived in emphatic fashion.

‘Pleased with the application’

Jamie was delighted with the players’ response in the wake of the midweek FA Youth Cup setback, telling us afterwards: “It's not easy coming off the back of a tough result and a lot of the lads had to go again and play significant minutes today, so I’m pleased for them from that point of view. I was pleased with the application – everyone worked really hard to defend our goal, which was a key focus today, and we got our reward in the end.

“In the last couple of weeks we’ve been working towards making progress in a couple of areas in particular and I thought the lads bought into it really well and executed some of the things we’ve been asking of them in terms of controlling the middle of the pitch – I think you could see that we created a number of chances from that. Obviously we saw a team that was willing to defend – we spoke a lot about that this week in terms of making sure we don’t ship poor goals – so I was really pleased with that as well.”

On Elliott-Parris’ first treble at this level, Jamie added: “It’s brilliant for him and again, he’s gone two games in a few days with quite a short turnaround, so it’s great from that perspective as well that he was able to score those goals.”

Our final game of the calendar year sees us travel to Manchester United for a second consecutive weekend for the quarter-final of the Subway Women’s League Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s all the key info you need to know…

What time is kick-off against United?

The match starts at 1pm UK time.

How can I watch the game?

The game will be televised live on Barclays Women’s Super League Official YouTube channel.

Our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app will bring you full live text and audio commentary throughout the match.

Video highlights will be available on club channels after the full-time whistle at Leigh Sports Village.

What is the team news?

Martin Ho reported that everyone that faced United last weekend is available for selection once again on Sunday.

Charlotte Grant, Cathinka Tandberg and Olga Ahtinen all remain out for the clash in Manchester.

Long-term absentees Ella Morris, Luana Buhler, Jess Naz and Maite Oroz are still out.

Manchester United’s Jayde Riviere will be assessed after missing United’s midweek clash against Juventus in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, while defender Millie Turner could be in contention to return after three months on the sidelines.

Wrapping up in style: Our impressive end-of-year home streak

@SpursOfficial

Fri 19 December 2025, 18:00| Tottenham Hotspur

We wrap up our home schedule for 2025 with a festive Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm UK).

When it comes to our final home league outing in a calendar year, we hold an impressive recent record with only three defeats in our previous 20 such matches dating back to December, 2005 (W12, D5).

Starting 20 years ago with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United at White Hart Lane on New Year's Eve, a 1-0 loss to this weekend's opponents Liverpool came the following year before we put together an 11-game unbeaten run from 29 December, 2007 (6-4 win over Reading) to Boxing Day, 2017 (a 5-2 success over Southampton at Wembley Stadium).

After losing to Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-1, Wembley) and Leicester City (2-0, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) either side of beating Brighton in 2019, we are currently undefeated in our last four home finales in the top flight having seen off Crystal Palace (3-0), Leeds United (4-3) and Bournemouth (3-1) and drawing with Wolves (2-2) last year.

Whilst Liverpool certainly hold the upper hand in this league fixture, the last meeting in N17 did see us clinch a 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg thanks to Lucas Bergvall's first goal in a Spurs shirt on that evening in early January.

We head into Saturday's encounter looking to bounce back from a disappointing showing at Nottingham Forest last time out and are seeking a December clean sweep at home following successes over Brentford (2-0) and Slavia Prague (3-0) this month.

Reigning champions Liverpool picked up where they left off by winning their opening five games this term, but Arne Slot's side have since won three of their last 11 (D2, L6) and just one of their last six away from Anfield in the division (D1, L4).

Here are some other headline stats, courtesy of Opta, ahead of our final home game in 2025...

We have won seven of our last nine Premier League games kicking off at 5.30pm on a Saturday (L2), a run which included a 2-1 win over Liverpool in September, 2023.

This is the top scoring fixture in Premier League history (206 goals). The last three league matches between us have seen 21 goals (seven per game), while there have been at least three goals in 14 of the last 16 Premier League meetings.

We have won just two of the last 25 Premier League games against Liverpool (D6 L17), picking up home wins in October, 2017 (4-1) and September, 2023 (2-1).

Liverpool have won just one of their last five Premier League games kicking off in this time slot on a Saturday (D2 L2).

The Reds have won just one of their last six away Premier League games (D1 L4), with that win coming at West Ham last month.

Among ever-present teams in the last two Premier League seasons, only Bournemouth (16) have conceded two or more goals in more away games than Liverpool (15).

Meanwhile, Liverpool have lost five of their last six league games in London, though their five-game losing streak in the capital was ended with that 2-0 win at West Ham.

Liverpool have won their final away league game of the year in eight of the last 11 years (D2 L1), with their only defeat in this time coming at Leicester at the end of 2021.

Richarlison has been involved in seven Premier League goals against Liverpool (four goals, three assists), more than he has against any other opponent.

Hugo Ekitiké has scored four goals in his last two Premier League games, netting braces against Leeds and Brighton. Only Luis Suárez has netted multiple goals in three consecutive Premier League games for Liverpool (four in December, 2013).

Continuing our '60 seconds on...' preview feature, where we take a closer look at our next opponents with the people who watch them week in, week out.

Next up, Liverpool in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm). It's usually a cracker - and to preview the match, we've called on the services of Phil McNulty, who has years of experience working at the very highest level of football in his role as BBC Sport's Chief Football Writer - including covering England at six World Cups - and born in Liverpool, he knows Merseyside football inside-out...

Phil, you know Merseyside football as well as anyone – what’s the verdict on Liverpool at the moment?

Phil: "There is no doubt this has been a very disappointing title defence so far, as Liverpool were so many people’s tip – including mine – to retain the Premier League title they won so impressively last season, especially after spending almost £450m in the summer. Head coach Arne Slot has not been able to find the perfect balance he seemed to have last season, with the strategy of using Florian Wirtz behind the strikers at the start of the season making them more vulnerable. Teams were suddenly running straight through Liverpool’s midfield, unthinkable last season, with a previously solid defence leaky from the start of the campaign. Only Hugo Ekitike has justified his £70m fee up to now. All the talk is that Florian Wirtz has been outstanding in training, but this has yet to translate into games and no goals from a £116m signing as we approach Christmas is a poor return. There is clearly real talent there, though, and that will surely show soon. Alexander Isak arrived under-cooked after his summer in exile before his British record £125m move from Newcastle United. He has also been sidelined by a groin injury, but there is no getting away from the fact he has been a real disappointment so far. He has scored just one Premier League goal in the win at West Ham United and has, so far, looked a shadow of the striker who was so outstanding at Newcastle. Jeremie Frimpong, brought in from Bayer Leverkusen at right-back after the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, has barely got started because of hamstring injuries, while Milos Kerkez has yet to show his best form following a £40m move from Bournemouth. The failure to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on the final day of the last transfer window has proved expensive, because Ibrahima Konate has had a poor season which, in turn, has had an impact on Virgil van Dijk, in my opinion. They may now feel they should have tried to close out that deal earlier. I think Liverpool will improve as the season goes on, but there is no doubt they have disappointed in the Premier League context up to now."

Easy question, probably not such an easy answer – Liverpool lost four games last season, they’ve already lost six – what has the difference been, on the pitch? Are they starting to steady the ship?

Phil: "Since dropping Mohamed Salah, Liverpool have gone four games unbeaten, so there are signs the tanker is starting to turn, but they are still nowhere near the levels they achieved last season. See answer one for the difference, but there have been other key factors, such as tried and trusted world-class players such as Salah and Virgil van Dijk suffering a loss of form. Dominik Szoboszlai has been a shining light. As Slot has tried to integrate new players, some of the intensity and organisation that made them so outstanding last season has been lost, but I genuinely believe things will get better as the season goes on."

How would you expect Arne Slot to set up to face Spurs on Saturday?

Phil: "Well, obviously no Mohamed Salah as he is with Egypt at AFCON, but he has not been starting anyway. Dominik Szoboszlai is an injury doubt and Liverpool will be desperate to have him available as he has been their best player this season. Joe Gomez suffered an injury against Brighton and is out, but Conor Bradley can come back in at right-back after suspension. I expect Liverpool’s set-up to be pretty similar to the Brighton game, with Ekitike the striker and Wirtz maybe coming off the flank and Alex Mac Allister and Szoboszlai (if fit). Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones can provide a solid platform, making Liverpool more stable than they have been this season. If Szboszlai is out, that’s a huge miss."

We saw first-hand what Hugo Ekitike is capable of when we played Eintracht Frankfurt last season – is it fair to say he looks the real deal in the Premier League – and Liverpool’s dangerman?

Phil: "Ekitike is the one summer signing who has been an unqualified success. He is a real threat, with pace and clinical finishing. He has been outstanding, which has placed the spotlight even more harshly on Alexander Isak’s poor form. He does, as you say, look like the real deal. When you watch Ekitike at his best, it does actually make you wonder whether Liverpool might have been better saving their £125m spent on Isak to strengthen other areas, but it almost seemed that deal was so far down the line, and the Swede had burned so many bridges at Newcastle United, that there was no turning back."

Finally, how do you expect it to play out on Saturday?

Phil: "Well, Spurs mystify me and I bet I’m not alone there. I was there when they beat Brentford and Slavia Prague recently. I thought they looked good, then everyone agreed it was a really disappointing performance in defeat at Nottingham Forest. It will be an interesting one because Liverpool have struggled when teams have gone at them and put them under pressure this season, so I’m sure that is what Thomas Frank will be trying to do. As far as Liverpool is concerned, they will be looking to add to the green shoots of recovery that have been sprouting in the last couple of weeks. Given the form of both team this season, it is genuinely too close to call."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be without Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez and Mohammed Salah for tomorrow's encounter in N17, while a decision is still to be made on what part Dominik Szoboszlai will play.

With the Reds making the trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for our final game before Christmas, they will be missing forward Gakpo and defender Gomez, who are sidelined with muscular injuries.

Forward Salah is also unavailable for selection with the forward on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

Slot though is hopeful that midfielder Szoboszlai will be fit enough for the game after he was forced off for the Reds in their 2-0 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Liverpool Head Coach said, “He [Gakpo] had a scan that looked promising so that means that we are not that worried anymore, as we were maybe one or two weeks ago.

“So that means he might come back a bit earlier than expected two weeks ago, but that’s definitely not tomorrow and also not next week.

“Joe is not in the squad as well for the weekend and Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training [session], for the first time so let’s see where he is today and how he is tomorrow. Jeremie is in the squad again as well.”

Slot was later asked whether Szoboszlai will be ready to start on Saturday and replied: “That completely depends on how he does today.

“So if he can fulfil the whole training session and then you speak to the player and the medical staff. If the player feels comfortable to play and he did all the things he had to do, then he will start. If he can fulfil the whole session or he fulfils it but he doesn’t feel comfortable himself, we will have a discussion.

“But Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now and for the performances he’s brought in, he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit.”

Conor Bradley is back at Slot's disposal after serving a one-match suspension last weekend while Jeremie Frimpong is also fit enough to return to the squad.