The Independent

Liverpool take on Tottenham in the Premier League this afternoon, with the hosts hoping to climb into the top five as the visitors look to try and stave off the threat of relegation.

Arne Slot’s side begin the day in sixth, level on points with Chelsea in the battle for top five, and while some of their recent performances – including in the losses to Wolves and Galatasaray – aren’t filling fans with hope, it is still all to play for after the Blues lost to Newcastle yesterday.

At the other end of the table, things are threatening to unravel at Spurs, with the remarkable 5-2 loss to Atletico in midweek the latest episode in a scarcely believable saga that could end in relegation.

Igor Tudor’s side sat just one point above the drop zone at the beginning of the weekend, but with club reportedly looking at targets to replace the Croatian, it could all get so much worse before it gets better in north London.

Igor Tudor is hoping for a drastic change in fortunes to save his and Tottenham’s skin as the relegation-threatened giants travel to Liverpool.

Both sides return to domestic action off the back of Champions League disappointment, with the Reds succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in their last-16 first leg, while Spurs were once again embarrassed in a 5-2 thrashing by Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool will see the visit of a Spurs side devoid of inspiration as the perfect chance to get back to winning ways, while Tudor will know the walls are already closing in on his interim tenure.

Defeat at Anfield could see Tottenham, winless in 2026, finally drop into the drop zone, having gone into the weekend a mere point ahead of Nottingham Forest and West Ham below them.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Liverpool vs Tottenham?

Liverpool’s meeting with Tottenham kicks off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday 15 March at Anfield.

How can I watch it?

Fans in the UK can watch the clash on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm GMT. The match can also be streamed on Sky Go. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.

Team news

Alisson could return for Liverpool after missing the defeat at Galatasaray through injury, while Arne Slot also added that Federico Chiesa could also return to contention following illness. Slot also provided an update on Alexander Isak, who is still managing his rehabilitation and is hopeful of a return in the coming weeks.

Tottenham’s injury list remains extensive, not helped by Micky van de Ven’s silly red card against Crystal Palace which sees him suspended for this clash. Cristian Romero and Palhinha’s availability is up in the air after a clash of heads against Atleti, forcing both off the pitch. Destiny Udogie is also a doubt with a thigh problem, while Guglielmo Vicario will surely return to the starting XI after Antonin Kinsky’s disaster in Madrid.

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike.

Liverpool vs Spurs betting tips

Things don’t get any easier for Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, when they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool, desperate for a win to ease their relegation fears (4:30pm, Sky Sports Main Event).

Spurs are just one point and two places outside the relegation zone at the time of writing, but their situation could be a lot more perilous by the time they kick off against the reigning Premier League champions.

Things have gone from bad to worse since Igor Tudor replaced Thomas Frank, with the Croatian having lost all four of his games in charge.

He was brought in because of his reputation for getting an immediate response, but if anything, Spurs are worse now than they were under Frank.

They have conceded 14 goals in those four games and scored five, in the defeats to Arsenal, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Atletico Madrid last time out.

Many felt he wouldn’t survive the aftermath of that defeat in Spain, which saw him make a surprise change in goal, giving Antonin Kinsky his first start since October, only to replace him after 17 minutes with Spurs already 3-0 down.

His side are now 15/8 with the football betting sites to be relegated, and 39/5 to get a win at Anfield, which would be their first in 15 years!

Liverpool vs Tottenham betting preview: More woe for Spurs

It’s not been a good season for Liverpool with their title defence falling flat. This season started ok but a run of nine defeats in 12 games between the end of September and November put pay to their chances of retaining the title.

They now sit 19 points behind Arsenal in sixth place, but know the only thing that matters this season is to ensure they qualify for next season’s Champions League, especially after their recent spending.

Arne Slot bought in eight new players in the summer for fees of over £400m, but it’s fair to say they’ve not settled as he would have hoped. Alexander Isak has made just 16 appearances, scoring three times before breaking his leg against Spurs in the reverse fixture.

Jeremie Frimpong has had an injury-interrupted start to life at Anfield, while fellow fullback Milos Kerkez has struggled to find the form he showed at Bournemouth last season.

The big bright sparks have been Hugo Ekitike, who has scored 16 goals in his first season, and Florian Wirtz, who is finally showing why the Reds were willing to spend £116m to bring him in from Bayer Leverkusen.

They go into the game with four wins in their last six in the League, but they were beaten last time out against the bottom side Wolves, going down 2-1.

They did follow that up with a 3-1 win over the same side in the FA Cup just three days later, but were beaten away at Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the game in Turkey, although Liverpool will be confident of overturning the deficit at Anfield on Wednesday.

Spurs were in action that same night, losing heavily to Atletico Madrid to extend their losing run to six straight defeats in all competitions.

Tudor’s side have conceded three or more goals seven times so far this season, including three of their last four, while Liverpool have scored three or more 12 times; their problem has often been at the other end of the pitch.

The Reds have conceded 39 goals in the league so far, which is only two fewer than in the whole of the last campaign, and betting sites are offering 7/4 on both teams to score and Liverpool to win.

Liverpool vs Spurs prediction 1: Liverpool to score over 2.5 goals - 11/10 BetMGM

Can Salah punish Spurs again?

Mo Salah’s form has been hit and miss for Liverpool this season, but he has struggled in the main to reach the form and incredible numbers from last season.

He has 16 for the season, but seven of those have come for his country, including four in the Africa Cup of Nations.

After scoring two in his last three games, he will be hoping he can get back to some sort of form against a team where his record is exceptional.

The forward has scored 16 goals against Spurs, with 12 of those coming in the Premier League, including three in his last three appearances against them.

He also has five assists in his 24 appearances against Tottenham, which is why the best price you can get on a goal or assist on betting apps is just 13/20 .

Liverpool vs Spurs prediction 2: Salah to score at any time - 7/4 BetVictor

Liverpool vs Spurs team news

Liverpool vs Spurs predicted lineups

Liverpool: Allison; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike

Spurs: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Dragusin; Porro, Gallagher, Gray, Spence; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Tel.

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Sports betting can be addictive, so bettors should take precautions to keep themselves safe when using gambling sites.

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These are free tools to help punters stay in control and they are available at various gambling sites, including the best bingo sites, casino sites, casino apps, slot sites and poker sites.

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Alisson Becker could return for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend after missing the Champions League trip through injury.

The Brazil shot-stopper was missing in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray, with Arne Slot’s side left with a last 16 deficit before next week’s return leg at Anfield.

Giorgi Mamardashvili deputised for Alisson, but Arne Slot has provided an update on his No 1’s condition and the chances of facing relegation-threatened Spurs.

“He felt something when he passed the ball in one of his muscles but after we checked it, it was minor,” Slot said.

“So it didn't take long, but games follow up so fast he had to miss Galatasaray, but hopefully he is ready to play Sunday.

“If not then definitely Galatasaray on Wednesday.”

While Slot added that Federico Chiesa could feature on Sunday, too.

“Chiesa, I expect he feels better; he is able to train with us today, Slot confirmed.

While Alexander Isak is still managing his rehabilitation with the Sweden striker hopeful of a return in the coming weeks.

“[Isak] is with the rehab team still not with the team yet,” Slot added.

The Dutch coach also expects a different Spurs test, despite their struggles, including a midweek thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

“You have to look at how those other games went, playing style, managers,” Slot said. “Ange was there last two times, known for different style than we mainly see in the Premier League now.

“So yeah, games are more open, as PSG v Chelsea was, two teams want to attack and press and that is not so common anymore that two teams want that style against each other. I expect a different Spurs setup than a year ago."

The article below is an excerpt from the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter.

Members of Inside Football and Independent Premium subscribers get the full column – alongside more bonus reporting from inside the Premier League – every Friday. Become a member for just £3 a month here.

Football history repeats itself a lot, especially as farce, which was particularly true of goalkeepers this week. Take a story from one of the vintage English Champions League ties, in Manchester United’s famous quarter-final against Real Madrid in 2002–03. Everyone wanted to talk about Ronaldo’s hat-trick afterwards, which was what one golfer apparently tried to do on seeing Sir Alex Ferguson play a round. The United manager’s great’s response? “Yeah, but what about the goalie?”

Apocryphal or exaggerated as such stories may be, Ferguson did jettison Fabian Barthez the very next window: summer 2003.

Many Premier League coaches might have felt the same over the past few days – “what about the goalie?” – except they had just picked them, in huge decisions.

Igor Tudor and poor Antonin Kinsky set an unfortunate theme, picked up by Rosenior and Filip Jorgensen, and surprisingly perpetuated by Gigi Donnarumma. The Italian, widely seen within the game as a “Robin van Persie signing” from Pep Guardiola in terms of specifically buying a player to win now, had some bad moments in that defeat to Real Madrid.

The repercussions – and they’re not necessarily all negative – are likely to go way beyond the Champions League. They may influence relegation, the title race and who actually gets back into the competition.

The obvious importance of your goalkeeper has always occupied an odd place in football, since there are many coaches who privately admit that this most exposed of positions is the one they understand the least. Some of the greatest managers are notorious for having blind spots about goalkeepers. And that is logical. Look how few goalkeepers become managers. The position has long been seen as something separate from the rest of football, a different aspect of the game.

Their increased integration into general play, however, is part of the issue here.

Unlock the rest of this article

To unlock the rest of this exclusive Inside Football column click here to become a member. You’ll also get access more bonus reporting in this week’s members-only newsletter, including:

After you join, you will receive the full, Friday edition of Miguel Delaney: Inside Football in your inbox.

The newsletter is sent at midday every Friday, with a free edition also landing on Monday evenings.

Tottenham have pushed back the deadline for supporters to renew their season tickets because of the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

Spurs sit only one point above the bottom three and are without a win in their last 11 league games, while boss Igor Tudor is under intense scrutiny after just four matches in charge.

In a communication to supporters, the club announced the period to renew season tickets will run until June 7, having initially been set to close two days after the end of the 2025-26 season on May 26.

“We recognise the seriousness of the current league position of our men’s team and, following discussions with our Fan Advisory Board and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, can confirm the renewal window for 2026-27 will now remain open for an extended period until Sunday, June 7 to ensure fans have full clarity on next season before renewing,” read the notice.

“Everyone at the club remains absolutely steadfast in our collective commitment to improve our Premier League position and finish the current season as strongly as possible.”

Meanwhile, former England defeated Gary Neville has branded Tudor’s brief tenure a “car crash” that needs to be brought to an end.

The Croatian’s position was weakened significantly by Tuesday’s debacle against Atletico Madrid, where Tudor selected reserve keeper Antonin Kinsky only to substitute him 17 minutes in after his two errors contributed to Spurs falling 3-0 down.

They went on to lose 5-2, all but ending their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals, and, speaking to The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Neville said of the treatment of Kinsky: “I thought it was brutal.

“I thought the whole thing of the last few weeks and then that, the whole thing is just a car crash, a shambles.”

Tudor was only appointed four weeks ago following the sacking of Thomas Frank but Neville believes Tottenham must act again immediately.

“If you’re going to make another change, that for me needs to be today or tomorrow, because you don’t wait,” he added.

Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright agreed: “You don’t want to see anybody get sacked but, when you see somebody who’s blatantly out of their depth, it’s uncomfortable.

“For him to make that decision, for that poor goalkeeper, for him to go into a game like that at a club like that to start, I don’t know what he’s seen in training. For me, (Guglielmo) Vicario is the number one, he plays in that game.”

Tudor did not acknowledge the 22-year-old after hauling him off, but Roy Keane described the outcry as an overreaction, saying: “He (Kinsky) has made a couple of mistakes, huge mistakes.”

Former England striker Wayne Rooney added: “He’s tried to protect him but it looks horrendous. I think the biggest issue was starting him. I’ve no problem with him taking him off.

“Should he hug him? If I got brought off after 20 minutes, I wouldn’t want a hug off my manager. He can speak to him after the game.”

Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who is currently in charge at Hungarian side Ferencvaros, was cited as a possible replacement along with Sean Dyche.

Spurs forward Dominic Solanke spoke to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, saying: “Obviously we as players know we haven’t been good enough, but we’re trying desperately to turn it around.

“We need everyone, the fans included, to help us, give us that extra boost and hopefully we can turn it around as soon as possible.”

Tottenham Hotspur have extended the deadline for fans to renew season tickets beyond the end of the season after acknowledging the “seriousness” of the club’s relegation threat.

Spurs are sat just a point above the drop zone with nine Premier League games to play and could very realistically succumb to one of the biggest humiliations in the history of English football.

The club have not won a league game in 2026 and currently look the most doomed out of the teams fighting for survival, which include Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Leeds United.

Spurs have now reached out to their season ticket holders to inform them that they will have the chance to learn the club’s fate before splashing out on a season ticket renewal, which can range from £850 to over £2,000.

In an email sent out to supporters, the club wrote: “We recognise the seriousness of the current league position of our men’s team and, following discussions with our Fan Advisory Board and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, can confirm the renewal window for 2026/27 will now remain open for an extended period until Sunday 7 June to ensure fans have full clarity on next season before renewing.”

The club have frozen ticket prices for next season and also expanded the Young Adult age category - which carries a 25 percent discount from adult tickets - from 18-21 to 18-25.

While not referencing their potential relegation directly, Tottenham reiterated the commitment and desire to salvage their season, sparing themselves of the most high-profile demotion arguably since Manchester United’s drop over 50 years ago.

“Everyone at the club remains absolutely steadfast in our collective commitment to improve our Premier League position and finish the current season as strongly as possible,” the club continued.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank your incredible support during this time.”

Igor Tudor’s job is already under intense scrutiny after less than a month as interim boss, overseeing four dismal losses in his first four games. The Independent understands Sean Dyche is being considered as a potential replacement.

Spurs’ domestic woes crossed over into the Champions League this week, with Tudor watching his side fall 3-0 down at Atletico Madrid in the space of 15 minutes before replacing goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, whose inclusion in the starting line-up dramatically backfired. His side went on to lose 5-2 in the Spanish capital.

And while Tottenham’s European campaign is now all but over, it’s the Premier League run-in that really matters, with Spurs facing nine games to save their skin.

That begins with a tough trip to Liverpool on the weekend before a crucial relegation six-pointer with fellow strugglers Forest.

Meetings with Sunderland and Brighton then follow before travelling to Wolves, who despite being glued to the bottom of the table all season have found life at Molineux in recent weeks, taking points off leaders Arsenal before beating Champions League-chasing Aston Villa and Liverpool.

They’re back in the West Midlands to face Villa a week later before another pivotal relegation clash against Leeds, by the end of which their fate could be all but decided.

Their final two outings consist of a trip to Chelsea, who will dream of inflicting relegation on their London rivals, before ending the season at home to Everton.

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Who could replace Igor Tudor? Tottenham consider shock appointment as relegation fears grow

Miguel Delaney

Thursday 12 March 2026 10:43 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur are planning a significant club revamp and have approached Dougie Freedman for a sporting director role, with Bournemouth's Tiago Pinto also a candidate.

The club is currently in crisis, teetering on relegation, and are considering Sean Dyche as a potential replacement for manager Igor Tudor.

Tudor's abrasive approach and worsening results are deemed unsuitable for the current situation, leading to an acceptance that his tenure is not working out.

Dyche, known as a 'survival specialist', is being considered for his defensive order, but is reportedly reluctant to take a short-term role and faces complications from his recent sacking at Nottingham Forest.

The need for a summer overhaul is essential regardless of the season's outcome, though relegation would significantly alter the club's plans and budget.

Tottenham Hotspur have approached Dougie Freedman to lead a revamp of the club, with Bournemouth’s Tiago Pinto also on the list for sporting director, as they also attempt to solve this season’s crisis. Sean Dyche is being considered as a potential replacement for Igor Tudor.

With the club hierarchy wracked by indecision, they are also having to plan on multiple levels. A summer football overhaul is essential regardless of what happens, but relegation would obviously considerably change the picture.

Freedman is one of the most respected recruitment specialists in the game for his work at Crystal Palace, but is currently in a lucrative role at Al Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. While uncertainty over Spurs budget for next season may also prove inhibitive in any prospective negotiations, sporting directors are said to see the job as appealing for the chance of a blank canvas to reinvigorate a giant club. At Bournemouth, meanwhile, Pinto has specialised in signing exactly the kind of players Spurs would want.

The picture could considerably change depending on how this season finishes, with the hierarchy understood to again be split over what decision to take on the manager.

There is an obvious acceptance that it is not working out under Tudor. Results have got worse and performances have plummeted, with the Croatian’s abrasive approach seen as wrong for the situation, accentuating confusion over the tactical system he is trying to play.

A problem, mirroring the Thomas Frank situation, is that Spurs don’t know who to bring in.

Dyche has been considered as one of the few “survival specialists” remaining in the game, amid an acceptance that the team could just do with the defensive order that he would bring.

The 54-year-old is nevertheless said to be reluctant to take on a short-term role, and sources say there could also be complications with his settlement from Nottingham Forest. Dyche was sacked from Spurs’ relegation rivals last month.

If he were to join Tottenham, it would open the possibility that two coaches who have managed Forest this season - Dyche and Nuno Espirito Santo - could relegate the midlands club.

Tottenham Hotspur is in turmoil, with interim head coach Igor Tudor facing an increasingly untenable position following a disastrous 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid and a stark warning from the Supporters’ Trust.

The crisis has even prompted former manager Harry Redknapp to play down his chances of a dramatic return, despite the club's alarming slide.

Tudor's brief 26-day tenure has seen the club plunge into unprecedented depths, becoming the first Tottenham boss to lose his opening four games.

The latest humiliation in Madrid, which included young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky being substituted after just 17 minutes due to two costly errors, marked the club's sixth consecutive defeat – a historical low for the club.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) did not mince words, labelling the performance and result against Atletico "a total disgrace."

In a scathing statement, the THST declared: "It’s symptomatic of the abysmal state of things at Spurs right now. Emergency action is needed as right now we are sleepwalking off the edge of a cliff. Being a Spurs fan has never been so difficult, but supporters will not sit by and watch the club continue to decline."

They further demanded that "at the very least those in Madrid should have their match tickets refunded."

Tudor, who is scheduled to speak at a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, notably refused to address questions about his future post-match.

Speaking to the Press Association at Cheltenham, Redknapp, who previously managed Spurs between 2008 and 2012, expressed his doubts about a comeback.

"I’ve been asked a few times if I’d go back to Spurs and it’s probably not going to happen, is it?" he said.

While admitting, "Would I go back? Of course I would, but I doubt very much it’s going to happen”, Redknapp revealed his current focus lies elsewhere.

"My only concern at the minute is The Jukebox Man (his horse) in the Gold Cup, I’m nothing to do with Spurs any more."

He added that the club "haven’t been in touch, not at all”, but voiced concern for their league status: "They’ve got it all on to stay up, it’s going to be hard. I’m looking at their fixtures and (Nottingham) Forest are playing all right, West Ham are playing very well, it’s going to be tough for Tottenham."

He concluded by wishing both clubs well: "I hope Spurs stay up and I hope West Ham stay up."

Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood offered a blunt assessment of Tudor’s impact.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Sherwood described Tudor as "a firefighter who has a can of petrol in his hand," suggesting he is "adding fuel to the fire rather than restoring confidence to the players."

Sherwood criticised Tudor’s tactical indecision, stating: "He keeps chopping and changing things, which is a worry to be honest. He’s gone from three at the back to four at the back, then back to three again, with players playing out of position.

“I’ve scratched my head at some of the decisions he’s made since he came in."

Sherwood speculated that the upcoming international break after the Nottingham Forest game could provide "a good opportunity for a new manager to come in and have a look at things."

With Tottenham just one point above 18th-placed West Ham, the pressure intensifies ahead of their daunting visit to Anfield on Sunday.