After the rarity that is a midweek with no fixture, Tottenham kick-off their festive program this evening with a huge clash against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. Spurs were dismal in defeat by Nottingham Forest six days ago and Thomas Frank will be keen for a immediate response in the final game before Christmas.
The corresponding fixture last season at the same time of year turned out to be a treat, particularly for the neutral and the visitors, as the two teams played out a nine-goal thriller, though Tottenham's three goalscorers on the day are currently out injured and there is a major doubt on the Liverpool side in Dominik Szoboszlai after he sustained an ankle injury in the win over Brighton.
Arne Slot won both meetings against Frank last season without conceding a single goal but his side have, surprisingly, failed to record back-to-back wins in the league since September. Follow Tottenham vs Liverpool LIVE below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!
Tottenham vs Liverpool latest news
- Kick-off: 5.30pm GMT | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- How to watch: Sky Sports
- Tottenham team news: Eight missing
- Liverpool team news: Szoboszlai doubtful
- Standard Sport Prediction: Away win
Frank issues Solanke update
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneDominic Solanke has not played since August due to a recurring ankle injury.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Thomas Frank said he was looking forward to naming Solanke in a matchday squad, and added that he was progressing towards a return to action.
“Everyone is doing fine. Last game, I think it's the same players available,” Frank said.
“No one new is available
"I'm looking forward to naming him (Solanke) in the squad. He is progressing forward."
Predicted Liverpool XI
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIf Dominik Szoboszlai successfully passes a late fitness test then Arne Slot could be tempted to stick with the same front four that started the win over Brighton, meaning Hugo Ekitike gets the nod over Alexander Isak.
Florian Wirtz is expected to continue on the left with Cody Gakpo still out injured. Mohamed Salah is unavailable having joined up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Slot will be forced into one change at the back as Joe Gomez has been ruled out with a muscular injury he sustained against the Seagulls last weekend.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Predicted Tottenham XI
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere could be a change in midfield for Tottenham this evening, with Thomas Frank potentially opting to bring Joao Palhinha in ahead of Archie Gray, who was at fault for Nottingham Forest’s opening goal last weekend.
However, the front four could be unchanged with Xavi Simons trusted to start a big game for once.
Predicted Tottenham XI: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Xavi, Kolo Muani; Richarlison
Frank has chance to flip Spurs narrative again in huge Liverpool test
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWarped expectations have prevented Tottenham from facing up to the reality of their situation.
This is a club in a deep malaise, one that predates Thomas Frank, and one that will take time to fix - as per the Dane’s assertions.
Micky van de Ven, speaking to the Overlap this week, was never going to downplay Tottenham’s aspirations for the season, but in harbouring dreams of Champions League qualification, he touched on a crucial point of contention.
The expectation for Tottenham each year is to qualify for the Champions League, yet not since the 2021/22 season have they finished inside the top four. That is four seasons and four managers ago, counting Ryan Mason’s brief stint.
Tonight's settings
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePremier League football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and under the lights!
Tottenham vs Liverpool latest match odds
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTottenham to win: 12/5
Liverpool to win: 10/11
Draw: 21/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThese two teams shared nine goals in the corresponding fixture at the same time last season. Liverpool did score six times in a ruthless display of attacking football.
Tottenham wins: 50
Liverpool wins: 93
Draws: 44
Score prediction
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSpurs have won their last two at home, albeit against Brentford and Slavia Prague. Before that, they hadn’t won at home in the league since the opening weekend of the season.
During the winless period there were some really poor performances, notably against Chelsea and Manchester United, so there is pressure on the players to produce a much better performance.
If Liverpool can keep the number of chances they concede to a minimum, they should be in a position to pick Spurs off and claim all three points.
Liverpool to win, 3-1.
Liverpool team news
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLiverpool will certainly be without Mohamed Salah (AFCON), Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez (both muscle), Giovanni Leoni (knee) and Wataru Endo (ankle).
Jeremie Frimpong is back in the squad after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Slot has confirmed.
Dominik Szoboszlai is a doubt after picking up a knock during the win over Brighton, but appears to be winning his race to be available for selection.
Tottenham team news
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThomas Frank is set to be without as many as EIGHT senior Spurs players for the visit of Liverpool.
James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski are all out injured, while Kota Takai and Radu Dragusin are still someway short of full match sharpness.
Yves Bissouma, currently suspended by the club, departed this week for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty which means Pape Matar Sarr is also unvailable for selection having been selected by Senegal.
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How to watch
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League ahead of kick-off at 5.30pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground!
Free highlights: The Sky Sports app and YouTube channel will show highlights shortly after the final whistle is blown with Match of the Day broadcasting on BBC One at 10.20pm GMT.
Tottenham vs Liverpool live
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Tottenham vs Liverpool!
It is the final game before Christmas for both these sides and victory is crucial to build momentum going into the hectic festive period.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5.30pm GMT from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Stick with us!
