Tottenham vs Liverpool: Preview, predictions and lineups

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool both return from Carabao Cup action when they lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham’s chaotic victory over Manchester United and Liverpool’s hard-fought win against Southampton ensured the two will meet in the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the beginning of the new year. A precursor to the last four clash will take place on Sunday afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Liverpool will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they visit the capital, with Chelsea having closed the gap in recent weeks. Back-to-back draws and the postponement of the Merseyside derby means their previously healthy lead has been cut to just two points.

Victory for Tottenham would see them move within ten points of the table-topping Reds and the Lilywhites have tended to shine in high-profile meetings this term. They have beaten both Manchester clubs twice and have proved unstoppable when on song. A visit from Liverpool will be their toughest assignment to date, however.

Here is 90min’s guide to a tantalising Premier League duel.

Tottenham vs Liverpool H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Tottenham’s defensive injury crisis has resulted in them shipping a fair few goals in recent weeks and they will be without Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for Sunday’s clash. However, Destiny Udogie, who missed the midweek win over Man Utd, should be fit according to Ange Postecoglou.

Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve his seven-game ban and will be watching on from the sidelines with Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore. Timo Werner missed the Carabao Cup clash due to illness but is expected to feature in come capacity against Liverpool.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke.

Liverpool’s injury list is comparatively short but they are missing several key defenders, too. Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate are unavailable on Sunday, with the latter’s absence having caused issues in recent outings.

Andy Robertson will be available for Sunday’s trip to north London despite being sent off against Fulham last weekend. The left-back served his one-game ban midweek in the Carabao Cup but faces a fight for his starting spot with the returning Kostas Tsimikas.

Liverpool made wholesale changes against Southampton, resting the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah. They should be relatively well-rested for the clash with Spurs.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Jota.

If recent matches between Tottenham and the league’s big-hitters are anything to go by, then we’re in for a treat on Sunday. The goals are likely to come in their droves, as evidenced by Spurs’ recent 4-3 meetings with Chelsea and Man Utd on home soil.

Tottenham’s makeshift back five, including Fraser Forster who made two calamitous errors midweek, will be stretched by a formidable Liverpool front line. In particular, Mohamed Salah is primed to continue his impressive record against the Lilywhites, with 12 goals in 20 past meetings.

Tottenham have masses of attacking talent themselves and their gung-ho style always causes issues for opponents looking to play on the front foot. However, Liverpool should have the confidence, knowhow and quality to navigate a stern test in north London.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-3 Liverpool

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP