Published on: Dec 22, 2024 9:00 am IST|Updated on: Dec 21, 2024 4:07 pm IST
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are set to face off in a blockbuster Premier League clash on 22 December 2024.
Before their upcoming EFL Cup semi-final showdown, this match will serve as an important test for both sides. Tottenham is looking to climb closer to the European spots, while Liverpool aims to solidify their spot at the top of the table.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou led his team to a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United in midweek EFL Cup action. Despite a shaky defensive performance, including two costly errors by goalkeeper Fraser Forster, Spurs held on to secure victory. Son Heung-min’s spectacular corner-kick goal, which went directly into the net, proved decisive.
In the Premier League, Tottenham thrashed Southampton 5-0 last weekend, marking the first time in their history that they scored five goals in the first half of a league game. However, Spurs remain mid-table, sitting five points outside the Champions League places.
Their home form has been inconsistent, with Spurs enduring a four-game winless streak in all competitions before their recent revival. Avoiding a similar slump is critical as they face one of the league’s toughest opponents.
Liverpool continued their excellent form with a 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup. Goals from Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott ensured their progression to the semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of winning four trophies this season.
The Reds are unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions, though their lead at the top of the Premier League table has narrowed to two points after back-to-back draws with Newcastle United and Fulham. Liverpool’s away form has been particularly strong—they remain the only Premier League team unbeaten on the road this season.
Liverpool also boasts a strong record against Spurs, having lost only two of their last 23 league meetings. However, one of those defeats came at this very stadium last season, thanks to an own goal by Joel Matip.
Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League): LWDLLW Tottenham Hotspur (All Competitions): DLLDWW
Liverpool (Premier League): WWWWDD Liverpool (All Competitions): WWDWDW
GK: Forster
DEF: Porro, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk
MID: Kulusevski, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai
ST: Son, Solanke, Salah
Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke
Postecoglou is likely to stick with most of the team that faced Southampton, except for Udogie replacing Djed Spence at left-back.
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Tottenham 17/5
Draw 7/2
Liverpool 3/4
Likely result – Liverpool win