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Tottenham Hotspur head into Saturday’s vital Premier League meeting with Liverpool determined to move on from a hugely disappointing defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend. Spurs had been showing signs of progress before that trip, but a flat display at the City Ground quickly ended that momentum. The loss left them languishing in 11th place, four points behind Liverpool, who sit seventh.
The setback has increased the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank. His anger was clear after the Forest match, with the Spurs boss openly expressing his frustration at both the performance and the outcome. Liverpool manager Arne Slot is also experiencing scrutiny, with his debut season at Anfield falling short of expectations so far.
The Reds have struggled to sustain a genuine title push, while Slot has also had to navigate reports of tension with Mohamed Salah. However, the Dutchman has downplayed those claims, particularly with Salah currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool boosted by returning players
Tottenham’s injury situation remains largely unchanged, with several long-term absentees still sidelined and no fresh reinforcements available. Liverpool, on the other hand, have received encouraging news ahead of the trip to north London, as Dominik Solanke and Jeremie Frimpong have both been declared fit.
Slot confirmed that Solanke has returned to training, albeit on a limited basis, while Frimpong is back in contention. He explained that final decisions would depend on how the players feel after completing their sessions, stressing that fitness and comfort levels would determine whether they start.
Chris Sutton’s verdict
Writing for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton highlighted the growing challenges facing Frank at Spurs. He described the Tottenham boss as “absolutely furious” after the Forest defeat, noting Frank’s admission that he felt a “hurricane” of emotions.
Sutton sympathised with Frank, pointing out how lifeless Spurs appeared during that match.
Although sitting 11th may not seem disastrous, he argued that the performances have been worrying.
He added that while Spurs have won their last two home games, those victories came against Brentford and Slavia Prague, suggesting that beating Liverpool would be a far more meaningful result.
Assessing Liverpool, Sutton said doubts remain even without Salah. Brighton troubled Slot’s side last weekend, and although Liverpool avoided defeat, they were far from convincing. He praised Hugo Ekitike but expressed concern over defensive issues, especially after Joe Gomez picked up an injury. Sutton also highlighted Dominik Szoboszlai’s importance in midfield, warning that any disruption to his role could weaken the team.
Ultimately, Sutton admitted he had little faith in either side.
“I don’t trust Spurs to show up, but I don’t fully trust Liverpool away from home either,” he wrote.
Prediction: 1-1 draw.
Paul Merson’s prediction
Paul Merson was far harsher in his assessment of Tottenham, labelling their display against Forest as “atrocious” in his SportsKeeda column.
He argued that aside from wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague, Spurs have been poor in recent weeks. Merson also suggested that previous comments made by Frank about the fans may have marked a turning point in his tenure.
With Spurs currently 11th, Merson warned they could slip as low as 14th or 15th depending on results, which he believes is unacceptable for a club of their stature.
Turning to Liverpool, Merson backed Hugo Ekitike to start ahead of Alexander Isak, pointing to Isak’s recent struggles and stressing the importance of a full pre-season. He believes Liverpool have a genuine chance to push towards the top four or five with a win.
He also discussed Slot’s options without Salah, suggesting Federico Chiesa as one possibility, although he expects Szoboszlai to be used on the right with Curtis Jones operating centrally.
Despite acknowledging Liverpool’s inconsistencies, Merson highlighted their unbeaten run and tipped them to win comfortably.
“Liverpool haven’t been spectacular, but they’re unbeaten in five,” he said.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Liverpool.
