Thomas Frank is a man under pressure at Tottenham, but which key battles do Liverpool need to win to get the better of his Spurs side this weekend?
The Reds have had a week without a game, which Arne Slot will have enjoyed, allowing for more time on the training ground and for injured players to return.
Next up is Saturday’s trip to Spurs, with the north Londoners not yet convincing under Frank, following his appointment from Brentford.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to Spurs fan Paul O’Keefe (@pokeefe1) to get the lowdown on the season to date, Frank’s future and the key battles this weekend.
How happy are you with Tottenham’s season so far?
HONG KONG - Thursday, July 31, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur's head coach Thomas Frank during a post-match press conference after the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Houspur FC at the Kai Tak Stadium. Tottenham won 1-0.(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I don’t believe any Spurs fan is particularly happy with the season so far.
The performances have largely been disappointing and lacklustre, so it has been a slog for the fans.
Is Thomas Frank the right man for the job?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 11, 2023: Brentford's manager Thomas Frank interviewed before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Thomas Frank is clearly a pragmatic manager, with systems that rely on efficiency and consistency.
Spurs are a vortex of chaos, so good luck with that!
Overall, it’s too early to tell if he is the man to take them forward.
Which players have stood out most for Spurs?
Mohammed Kudus has shown glimpses of what he is capable of and has been one of the more impressive players this season.
Joao Palhinha has been excellent doing exactly what he does. He is an engine and an enforcer.
Spurs fans have been very critical of him not being creative or progressive enough, but for me, the issue is who partners him to get that creative balance required in any pairing.
Lucas Bergvall has impressed when given the opportunity this season. He is still young and will become even better.
He is 100mph in everything he does currently and needs to show the same enthusiasm, but at the right times. Otherwise, he can look careless.
It’s all about the coaching of an undeniable talent.
What’s the aim for the season now and how do you predict it will pan out?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 6, 2022: A general view of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The aim for Tottenham is always European football. The fans want everything (obviously) competitive in the Premier League and cup runs.
I expect Spurs to end up top eight this season.
What do you make of Liverpool’s season and would you stick with Arne Slot?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As an outsider, I was surprised Liverpool didn’t go the extra yard early and get Marc Guehi to the club.
The forward line was pretty set, and as good as he is, Alexander Isak was not a necessity in the end.
On Arne Slot, for any manager to walk into English football and take over from a club legend and then go and win the league in his first season is truly remarkable.
For me, that would buy Slot time, and to be calling for his head before Christmas after he’s just won the title is a little embarrassing to be honest.
Where do you think Liverpool will finish?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates with team-mate Ibrahima Konaté after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Third or fourth for me.
Where will the key battles take place?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur's Dominic Solanke (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I expect it to be quite a battle in the centre of midfield, so width will be the key.
Who can win the midfield battle and get it to the wide players to progress feels important.
Finally, what’s your prediction?
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. The game ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Spurs are only consistent at being inconsistent, so genuinely anything could happen!
But if we look at it rationally, Liverpool should pick up the win.