Match Preview: Hugo Ekitike Chasing Record as Liverpool Face Tottenham Hotspur
The Reds are five games unbeaten heading into this one...
As we head into the weekend, Liverpool will make the trip south to face Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash that has the potential to significantly impact both teams’ seasons. Despite a rocky start to the campaign, Liverpool have been showing some signs of revival, while Spurs find themselves struggling for consistency. With Arne Slot’s side unbeaten in their last five matches, Liverpool will look to continue their upward trajectory, while Tottenham Hotspur, currently languishing in 11th place, will need to find a way to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool’s Recent Form: A Glimmer of Hope
After a difficult run of results in October and November, Liverpool have managed to find some rhythm in recent weeks. Sitting in 7th place in the Premier League table, they are not yet back to their best but are steadily improving. The Reds have secured key victories, including a crucial 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League and a 2-0 victory over Brighton last weekend, keeping clean sheets in both matches. While performances haven’t always been smooth, the results are beginning to show, and that’s what matters most.
One of the standout figures during this run has been Dominik Szoboszlai, who has settled into life at Anfield after joining in the summer. Despite an injury scare in the win over Brighton, Szoboszlai has trained this week and will be available for the Spurs clash. Another positive for Liverpool is the return of several key players. Jeremie Frimpong, after recovering from a hamstring injury, is now back in contention, and Conor Bradley will return after serving a suspension. However, the Reds will still be without centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who is out for the season with an ACL injury, and Wataru Endo, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Cody Gakpo.
Mohamed Salah has also now departed for AFCON and will likely be absent from selection for the next month or so.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Struggles
In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur are enduring a difficult spell under manager Thomas Frank. The North London side have been inconsistent, and their home form has been a particular source of frustration. With only two wins in eight home games, the atmosphere around Spurs is far from positive. Last week, they were humbled 3-0 by Nottingham Forest, and that result only added to the pressure on Frank, who has yet to find the right balance in his side.
The issues at Spurs have been evident for some time. Under Frank, the team has struggled to find an attacking identity, and their recent performances have been lacking. Spurs fans, who once believed that a winning side could finally emerge, are now questioning the direction of the club. Injuries have not helped their cause either, with important players like midfielder James Madison and forward Dejan Kulusevski both missing significant time.
The 3-0 loss to Forest showed where Spurs are struggling. Poor defending and lacklustre attacking play have become all too familiar for a side that once prided itself on its attacking prowess. While they still have quality in their ranks, including the likes of Mohammed Kudus, the team as a whole has been disappointing. With the pressure mounting on Frank and the players, Tottenham are at a crossroads, and it will be interesting to see how they respond against a resurgent Liverpool side.
Team News and Predictions
Liverpool will be buoyed by the return of key players, including Szoboszlai and Frimpong, while the rest of the squad will look to continue their recent form. However, with Gakpo still sidelined, the Reds will be looking for their forwards, including Hugo Ekitike, to step up and contribute to the goal tally.
The Frenchman could become the first player since Luis Suarez in December 2013 to score multiple goals in three consecutive Premier League games.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ekitike.
Tottenham, meanwhile, will be missing several important players due to injury, including the influential Kulusevski and Maddison. It remains to be seen whether Frank will be able to find the right system to get the best out of his available players. With the way Tottenham have been playing, it’s difficult to see them producing a performance to match the intensity of Liverpool’s recent form.
Based on recent form and injury issues, Liverpool are likely to head into this game as favourites. Despite Tottenham’s home advantage, Liverpool’s momentum and solid performances in recent matches give them the edge.
Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool
Goalscorers: Ekitike, Kudus, Szoboszlai