Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Liverpool on Saturday, December 20th, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in an eagerly anticipated Premier League clash at 5:30 PM BST/12:30 AM EST. The match comes at a critical time for both teams, with Spurs struggling for form and Liverpool looking to build on recent improvements.
Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham has had a challenging season, currently sitting 11th in the league with 22 points after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in their last outing. This loss followed two home victories against Slavia Prague and Brentford, but Spurs have won only two of their last 25 Premier League encounters against Liverpool, with the last victory at home dating back to 2023. Key players like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke will be absent due to injury, while Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Liverpool, meanwhile, is looking to capitalize on Spurs’ struggles, positioned four points ahead of them in the league. They have demonstrated a mixed defensive record, struggling to maintain clean sheets while conceding away goals. The Reds have recorded 15 away goals against them over the last two seasons, making them the second-most leaky defense among current Premier League teams.
Richarlison, Tottenham’s top scorer this season with six goals, is expected to be a key player, known for consistently scoring against Liverpool, albeit primarily at Anfield. However, the team’s overall struggles are reflected in their goal-scoring efficiency, as demonstrated by Richarlison’s xG of just 3.2 this season.
For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah’s absence due to AFCON will be felt, although there is some optimism as Jeremie Frimpong returns to fitness, and Cody Gakpo may also be available after positive scan results. Hugo Ekitiké, who has scored two consecutive braces, is primed to continue his strong form, while Curtis Jones is likely to start based on recent performances.
The match not only holds significance for the standings but also represents an opportunity for both clubs to showcase their resilience. Arne Slot has emphasized the need for Liverpool to improve their dependability, while Thomas Frank has highlighted the importance of creating a resilient mindset within his squad.
As Tottenham and Liverpool prepare to clash, fans can expect a match filled with intensity and potential implications for the league standings. The tight nature of the Premier League this season adds extra weight to the encounter, with both teams keen to secure vital points.