Tottenham vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

An entertaining clash is in store in North London as Tottenham Hotspur host Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Spurs progressed into the final four of the Carabao Cup on Thursday night after they edged out Manchester United in a 4-3 thriller.

The Lilywhite have been drawn against Liverpool in the semi-finals after Arne Slot’s side won 2-1 at Southampton.

Rodrigo Bentancur is serving the final game of the seven-match suspension he received for a racial slur about teammate Heung-min Son. Timo Werner missed the Manchester United match through illness but should be available, while Destiny Udogie is fit after suffering a knock last weekend.

Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate are the only injury concerns for Liverpool with Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa recently returning. Andy Robertson is back in contention after he missed Carabao Cup action through suspension.

Tottenham vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

Form

Tottenham: LLDWW

The goals are flowing for Tottenham who have netted nine times in their last two matches. It was a typical Spurs display in midweek, who looked threatening offensively but vulnerable at the back.

Fraser Forster made two catastrophic errors that invited Manchester United back into the contest with Spurs 3-0 up before a nervy finish.

Those four goals on Thursday, paired with another five against Southampton last weekend, sees Spurs enter the weekend with momentum.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are wallowing in 11th position. However, three points on Sunday afternoon would see them move within five points of the Champions League places, ahead of facing fourth-placed Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Liverpool: WDWDW

Despite not looking at their fluent best, Liverpool still had enough to overcome Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

First-half strikes from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott ended up being decisive in a 2-1 win at St Mary’s, with Cameron Archer issuing a response for the Saints.

The Reds have lost just once this season in all competitions and are currently on a 20-game unbeaten run.

However, after dropping points during draws with Fulham and Newcastle in recent weeks their lead at the top of the table has been reduced to two points.

Chelsea can displace Liverpool as leaders if the Blues beat Everton earlier on Sunday. However, the Reds will have two games in hand on Chelsea heading into their fixture with Spurs.

Last Meeting: Liverpool 4-2 Tottenham, Premier League, 5th May 2024

Liverpool dominated Spurs to beat Ange Postecoglou’s side 4-2 at Anfield in May.

Mohamed Salah started the game with intent as he rattled the woodwork twice in quick succession. It was a case of the third time’s a charm for the Egyptian, as he nodded in from Cody Gakpo’s floated cross.

Flat-footed defending from Spurs gave Liverpool the opportunity to deservedly double the lead. Guglielmo Vicario denied Salah but could only push his effort into the path of Andy Robertson, who smashed in from close range.

Jurgen Klopp’s side all but confirmed the three points five minutes after the interval through Gakpo. Harvey Elliott dispossessed Emerson Royal with ease before crossing dangerously onto the head of the Dutchman, who glanced an effort into the bottom corner.

Elliott then got on the scoresheet himself with a sumptuous curling effort from the edge of the box to make it four.

Spurs did muster two consolation goals through Richarlison and Heung-min Son but the damage had already been done as Liverpool collected the spoils. The final scoreline flattering Spurs, who were second-best for the majority of the encounter.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham: Forster; Spence, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

Who is the referee?

Sam Barrott will be the match official. He will be assisted by Lee Betts and Wade Smith while Michael Oliver will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Paul Tierney and he will be assisted by Sian Massey-Ellis.

What channel is Tottenham vs Liverpool on?

Tottenham vs Liverpool will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW TV.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 22nd December 2024.

Odds

Tottenham – 10/3

Draw – 3/1

Liverpool – 3/4

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