Chris Sutton and Paul Merson disagree over Tottenham vs Liverpool predictions
Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on Saturday, hoping to put last weekend’s deeply frustrating defeat to Nottingham Forest behind them. Spurs went into that match with a bit of momentum, but their performance at the City Ground brought them crashing back down to earth. The loss not only halted any forward progress but also left them sitting 11th in the table, four points adrift of Liverpool, who currently occupy seventh place.
As a result, scrutiny on Thomas Frank has intensified. The Spurs head coach cut a visibly furious figure after the Forest defeat, making it clear how unhappy he was with both the performance and the result. That pressure is something Liverpool manager Arne Slot is also familiar with at the moment. His first season in charge has not unfolded as many expected, with Liverpool struggling to mount a serious Premier League title challenge. Slot has also had to deal with off-field distractions, including a reported falling-out with Mohamed Salah, although the Dutchman has insisted that situation is not a major concern—particularly with Salah away representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool receive a fitness boost
Tottenham’s squad situation remains unchanged from last weekend, with several long-term absentees still unavailable and no major returns to bolster Frank’s options. In contrast, Liverpool have been handed a welcome boost ahead of the trip to north London, with Dominik Solanke and Jeremie Frimpong both declared fit and available for selection.
Speaking ahead of the game, Slot provided an update on their condition, explaining that Solanke had taken part in training for the first time, albeit only partially. He also confirmed Frimpong’s return to the squad.
Slot said:
“Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training session, for the first time so let’s see where he is today and how he feels tomorrow. Jeremie is back in the squad as well.
“If a player feels comfortable and has done everything required, then he can start. If he completes the session but doesn’t feel quite right, then we will have a discussion.”
Chris Sutton’s prediction
Former England striker Chris Sutton shared his thoughts in his BBC Sport column and highlighted the mounting difficulties facing Frank at Spurs.
“At Tottenham, poor Thomas Frank is having a really tough time,” Sutton wrote. “He was absolutely furious after the defeat at Nottingham Forest, saying it felt like there was a hurricane inside him.”
Sutton said he could fully understand Frank’s anger, pointing to how flat and ineffective Spurs looked in that match. While their league position of 11th might not look disastrous on paper, Sutton argued that the performances themselves have been underwhelming.
“They’ve never really found any fluency under Frank,” he added. “They did win their last two home games, and that’s something he can cling to, but Spurs fans are probably thinking those wins only came against Brentford and Slavia Prague. Beating Liverpool would be a far bigger statement.”
Turning his attention to Liverpool, Sutton noted that even without Salah, questions still remain about Slot’s side. Brighton caused Liverpool problems last weekend, and while the Reds got through the match, it was far from convincing. Sutton singled out Hugo Ekitike for praise but raised concerns over Liverpool’s defensive situation, especially with Joe Gomez forced off injured.
He also mentioned Dominik Szoboszlai’s importance in midfield, suggesting it would be a blow if he had to move positions or was limited due to injury. Ultimately, Sutton said he lacked confidence in both teams.
“I don’t trust Spurs to turn up, but I don’t fully trust Liverpool either, especially away from home,” he concluded.
Prediction: 1-1 draw.
Paul Merson’s prediction
Paul Merson offered a far more damning assessment of Tottenham in his column for SportsKeeda, describing their performance against Nottingham Forest as “atrocious.”
“If you take away the wins against Brentford and Slavia Prague, Spurs have been really poor in recent weeks,” Merson said.
He also pointed to comments Frank previously made about the fanbase, suggesting that moment may have marked the beginning of the end for the manager at the club.
“Spurs are 11th now, and depending on other results, they could drop to 14th or 15th by the end of the weekend. That’s nowhere near good enough for Tottenham.”
Merson then turned his focus to Liverpool’s attacking options, insisting Hugo Ekitike should start ahead of Alexander Isak. He argued that Isak’s struggles highlight the importance of having a full pre-season and believes Liverpool have a real opportunity to push into the top four or five with a win.
He also speculated on how Slot might reshuffle his side in Salah’s absence, suggesting Federico Chiesa could be an option, though he felt Szoboszlai might be deployed on the right instead, with Curtis Jones filling in centrally.
While acknowledging that Liverpool have not been particularly impressive, Merson noted their recent unbeaten run and backed them to come out on top comfortably.
“Liverpool haven’t set the world alight, but they’re unbeaten in five games,” he said.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Liverpool.