Tottenham predicted line-up vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1) | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur welcome reigning champions Liverpool on Saturday evening, desperate to steady the ship after a bruising setback last time out.

Spurs head into the contest on the back of a damaging 3-0 defeat that punctured the optimism built under Thomas Frank following some encouraging performances.

That loss leaves Tottenham languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

The North Londoners are six points adrift of fourth place, and once again searching for consistency at a pivotal point in the season.

Frank faces this high-profile test with his options stretched, as injuries and Africa Cup of Nations absences continue to bite.

Match preview

Tottenham have blown hot and cold under Frank.

Just as it appeared they were turning a corner, the collapse against Nottingham Forest exposed issues in midfield and around defensive protection.

The Spurs boss retains the backing of the board, but there are growing internal concerns.

Defeat this weekend would see Tottenham suffer their 11th Premier League home loss of 2025, their worst return in a single calendar year.

There has at least been some improvement at home. Spurs have won three of their last five league games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank will hope that platform can help them take the fight to Liverpool.

The visitors arrive in North London unbeaten in five games in all competitions and buoyed by a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Liverpool have also enjoyed recent dominance in this fixture, winning the last two league meetings by an aggregate score of 9-1, including last season’s title-clinching victory.

Match stats

Tottenham have lost three of their last five Premier League games and have already suffered 10 home league defeats in 2025.

Liverpool have won both of their last two matches against Spurs, scoring nine goals in the process.

Spurs have won only one of their last 15 league matches against Liverpool, a 2-1 victory for the home side after the visitors received two red cards.

The Reds have been utterly dominant in this fixture, and Tottenham must be desperate to turn things around.

Team news

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Archie Gray of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park on December 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Frank confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns following last weekend’s defeat, but Spurs remain without several key figures.

Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are still sidelined, while Destiny Udogie is not expected back until the new year.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are unavailable due to AFCON duty. There could be a midfield reshuffle.

Archie Gray endured a difficult afternoon at Nottingham Forest. The ‘fearless’ midfielder may make way for Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese international (37 caps) offers greater defensive security alongside Rodrigo Bentancur.

Frank was quick to defend Gray in his pre-match press conference, praising his mentality and response to adversity.

However, Liverpool’s visit may require more experience in the engine room.

Out wide, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons are expected to continue behind Richarlison, while Randal Kolo Muani should retain his place on the right.

Richarlison has been directly involved in seven goals against Liverpool in the Premier League (four goals and three assists), more than against any other opponent.

Tottenham predicted line-up (4-2-3-1)

Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence; Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur; Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani; Richarlison.