Tottenham vs. Liverpool Preview: A Premier League Thriller
When Tottenham and Liverpool meet, the script rarely sticks to expectations. Both teams come into this clash with momentum, ambition, and attacking firepower to spare. Ange Postecoglou’s bold and expansive Spurs side has turned heads this season, while Liverpool—now under the guidance of Arne Slot—continue to embody their relentless attacking philosophy. This isn’t just a meeting of two top-six powerhouses; it’s a clash of footballing ideologies, shaped by managers who demand fearlessness from their players.
Tottenham's Clinical Touch defies Expectations!🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 20, 2024
Spurs net 4 Goals against Man Utd despite a Low Expected Goals (xG) of 0.67 pic.twitter.com/hGN1r76N6L
Sunday’s fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium arrives at a critical juncture. Spurs are looking to prove they can compete with the Premier League’s elite despite a growing injury crisis, while Liverpool aim to reaffirm their status as genuine title contenders. With attacking stars like Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Mohamed Salah all set to feature, this encounter promises goals, drama, and a heavy dose of festive-period tension.
Tottenham vs. Liverpool: All you need to know
Team News
Tottenham
Tottenham’s injury list reads more like a casualty report than a team sheet. Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are all sidelined, leaving Postecoglou’s backline vulnerable against one of the most potent attacks in world football. Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert are also out, while Rodrigo Bentancur serves a suspension.
However, there’s a glimmer of optimism. Timo Werner might return from illness, and Destiny Udogie, who missed Spurs’ midweek EFL Cup win, is expected to be fit. Udogie’s availability is significant as he prepares to duel with Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman. Expect Udogie to slot back in for Djed Spence, despite the latter’s impressive recent form.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s issues at the back are far less pronounced. Conor Bradley (hamstring) and Ibrahima Konate (knee) are expected absentees, but the return of Kostas Tsimikas from an ankle injury offers Slot flexibility at left-back. Andrew Robertson, still far from his peak form, might start on the bench as Tsimikas slots into the starting XI.
Key Players
Tottenham – Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski is a man in form. The Swedish winger has scored in four successive games across all competitions, a streak highlighting his growing influence in Tottenham’s attacking setup. His ability to glide past defenders, deliver precise crosses, and make intelligent runs into space makes him indispensable. Kulusevski also thrives in high-pressure scenarios, as seen in his composed finishes and creativity in the final third. With Son Heung-min often drawing defensive attention, Kulusevski could be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s defensive line.
Moreover, his versatility cannot be overstated. Whether hugging the touchline or drifting inside to create overloads, Kulusevski keeps defenders guessing. He’ll also play a crucial role in pressing high up the pitch, disrupting Liverpool’s attempts to build from the back.
Liverpool – Mohamed Salah
For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah remains the centrepiece. With 13 goals and nine assists in the league already this season, the Egyptian king has been directly involved in 71% of Liverpool’s Premier League goals. His consistency on the road is particularly frightening: he’s scored in six of Liverpool’s seven away matches this season. If Tottenham’s makeshift defence offers even a glimpse of space, Salah will pounce.
Beyond the numbers, Salah’s influence stretches beyond goals and assists. His movement drags defenders out of position, opening space for teammates like Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz. Salah’s decision-making in the final third — whether it’s a deft pass, a curling shot, or a clever flick — makes him one of the most feared forwards in world football.
Mo Salah = Playmaker Supreme! 👑⚽
— 365Scores (@365Scores) December 14, 2024
100 assists for Liverpool in all competitions, with 13 this season—the most by any Premier League player in 2024/25.
From scoring to creating, the Egyptian King does it all. 🔥🔴 pic.twitter.com/sy8ulWKh6a
Key Statistics
Historically, this fixture has favoured Liverpool. Tottenham have won just two of their last 25 meetings with the Reds across all competitions. However, Spurs can take solace in recent history — a win on Sunday would mark their first back-to-back home league victories against Liverpool since 2012.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a theatre of chaos recently, with 14 goals scored across the last two fixtures — seven apiece for Spurs and their visitors. Yet, defensive frailties persist. Spurs have kept just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home matches.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain the only unbeaten side away from home in the league this season. Five wins and two draws from seven outings underline their resilience on the road, even if recent draws against Newcastle and Fulham have offered minor blemishes on an otherwise spotless campaign.
This clash isn’t just about three points; it’s about momentum heading into the gruelling festive schedule. For Spurs, it’s about proving they can hang with the league’s elite despite their mounting injuries. For Liverpool, it’s a chance to reinforce their title credentials and put some breathing room between themselves and their nearest challengers.
And then there are the milestones. Son Heung-min is on the verge of history, looking to become the first player to score in six consecutive games against Liverpool in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah could become the first-ever player to hit double digits in both goals and assists before Christmas.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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