Tottenham take the field this Saturday fully aware of what’s at stake against Liverpool. It’s not just another Premier League match. It’s a chance to avoid a historic negative home record while trying to keep a season alive that’s starting to slip away. On the other side, Liverpool arrive in London with less noise around them but very clear goals: build momentum, move into the European qualification places and confirm that the worst stretch is behind them.
Tottenham play under pressure with no room for error
The heavy 3–0 loss to Nottingham Forest last round changed the mood around Spurs. The defeat didn’t just end a short positive run, it also renewed pressure on Thomas Frank, whose work is once again being openly questioned. Right now, Tottenham sit in the lower half of the table, six points off the top four, and face an uncomfortable reality. Another loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would mean 11 home defeats in 2025, the worst home record the club has ever had in a single calendar year.
The situation becomes even more complicated because of the absences. Solanke, Kulusevski, Udogie, Maddison, Dragusin and Takai are all sidelined with injuries, while Sarr and Bissouma are away with their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The expected lineup points to Vicario in goal, a back line of Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven and Spence, a midfield featuring João Palhinha, Bergvall and Xavi Simons, and an attacking trio of Kudus, Kolo Muani and Richarlison.
Liverpool look to build momentum and make the most of the moment
Liverpool arrive in London in a steadier place than they were a few weeks ago. The win over Brighton helped end a poor run and eased the impact of off-field turbulence involving Mohamed Salah. The forward now leaves the club temporarily to play in the Africa Cup of Nations after setting the record for goal involvements for a single club in Premier League history, with 277 direct contributions.
Even without Salah, Liverpool are unbeaten in five matches and have won their last two games. The team is now chasing a third straight victory to close in on the top four and regain the rhythm shown earlier in the season. Arne Slot, however, is also dealing with a long injury list that includes Szoboszlai, Joe Gomez, Endo, Gakpo and Leoni.
The projected lineup keeps experienced names such as Alisson, Van Dijk and Mac Allister, with Chiesa, Ekitik and Wirtz completing the attacking unit. Liverpool know they don’t need to force the pace from the start. Recent history against Tottenham works in their favor. The Reds have won the last two meetings by an aggregate score of 9–1, including the rout that sealed the title in April, a detail that inevitably hangs over the stadium atmosphere.