The Premier League schedule-makers clearly have a sense of humour, handing us Liverpool just before Christmas—nothing says “festive spirit” like the potential for another 90-minute emotional rollercoaster at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. On 20 December, under the floodlights and in full voice (before the cold kicks in and the Bovril takes priority), we’ll be hosting the Reds in what’s traditionally been a “hold onto your pint” kind of fixture.
We’ve had our share of lively affairs with Liverpool—high scores, VAR controversies, moments of magic, and more than a few “how did that go in?” defensive calamities. It’s rarely dull. But let’s not forget, the stakes are real this time around: league positioning, momentum heading into the second half of the season, and frankly, pride. We’ve been on the wrong end of the scoreline a bit too often lately, and it’s time to flip the script—or at least keep it respectable.
Odds Say It All (Don’t Look Too Long)
According to the ever-cheerful bookmakers:
Spurs win: 12/5 (29.4%)
Draw: 57/20 (26%)
Liverpool win: 107/100 (48.3%)
So yes, the bookies are leaning red. But we’ve seen weirder things happen—remember when we actually beat Liverpool back in January? Ah, the nostalgia.
Recent Encounters: Mostly Trauma
Let’s just rip the plaster off:
April 2025: Liverpool 5-1 Spurs
Feb 2025: Liverpool 4-0 Spurs
Jan 2025: Spurs 1-0 Liverpool (We hold onto this one dearly)
Dec 2024: Spurs 3-6 Liverpool (What even was that?)
May 2024: Liverpool 4-2 Spurs
So, not great. But every new fixture is a fresh start. Or at least, that’s what we’re telling ourselves.
Form Check: Spurs – LWWDL (Otherwise Known as “Typical”)
Thomas Frank’s first season in charge has been a lesson in organised chaos. There’s clearly a plan brewing—more defensive structure, more directness—but it’s still very much a work in progress. We’ve shown signs of cohesion lately, even if the occasional collapse (cheers, Nottingham) reminds us not to get carried away.
That said, there’s been cause for cautious optimism: a gritty draw at Newcastle, a comfy win over Brentford (sweet for Frank), and a Champions League triumph against Slavia Praha that made us dream a little. Then Nottingham promptly slapped us back to reality. Classic Spurs.
Players to Watch (And Pray For)
Richarlison: Equal parts chaos and charm. He’s looked sharper of late and could be the difference if we hit them on the break.
Mohammed Kudus: A magician on the ball—when he decides to pass. Still, he’s always capable of a match-winning moment.
Xavi Simons: Starting to find his feet in North London. His mix of flair and brains could cause Liverpool real problems.
Injury Table: Still Crowded
Out: Udogie (hamstring), Solanke (ankle), Maddison (ACL, but back training).
Close: Bissouma (ankle)—might make the bench if the stars align.
Liverpool: Still Annoyingly Resilient
Despite some wobbles, Arne Slot’s men have gone five unbeaten. They’ve not looked like the juggernaut of old, but they’re grinding out results with annoying efficiency. Their win over Inter Milan will have them buzzing, and we know what happens when Liverpool get a sniff of form.
Reds to Worry About
Szoboszlai: That lad can run all day and ping a pass through a keyhole.
Ekitike: Fast, smart, and annoying—like Son if he’d picked the wrong club.
Wirtz: Yet to fully explode, but we know what tends to happen when talented attackers play us. (Spoiler: they explode.)
Liverpool’s Walking Wounded
Out: Endo (ankle), Gakpo (mystery injury), Salah (AFCON prep).
Back: Frimpong (hamstring), possibly thrown straight back in. Lucky us.
Predicted Line-Ups
Spurs (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Odobert, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison.
Liverpool (4-4-2):
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike, Isak.
Prediction? Chaos, Probably
Logic says Liverpool edge it. Form says Liverpool edge it. History says Liverpool thrash us. But hope—sweet, irrational hope—says we sneak a draw. Maybe even a cheeky win if the stars align, Romero behaves, and Richarlison channels peak R9 for a night.
Let’s just hope we don’t concede in the first five minutes. Again.
Final Score Prediction: Spurs 2-2 Liverpool
(We lead, obviously. Then heartbreak. Obviously.)