Before meeting in the EFL Cup semi-finals, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool clash in the standout Premier League fixture of the weekend in North London on Sunday afternoon.

Ange Postecoglou’s men triumphed in a thrilling 4-3 encounter with Manchester United in midweek, while league leaders Liverpool edged past Southampton 2-1 to keep their quadruple aspirations alive. As Spurs boss Postecoglou shared a handshake with Ruben Amorim on Thursday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his knowing smile said it all: his side had weathered a rollercoaster of a game to edge closer to a potential Wembley final. A pair of errors from Fraser Forster allowed Manchester United back into Thursday’s semi-final after Spurs took a 3-0 lead. However, a Son Heung-min corner that sailed directly into the net proved the difference in a chaotic contest. Postecoglou, maintaining his characteristically lighthearted post-match demeanor, may yet deliver Spurs’ first trophy in 17 years if his second-season silverware aspirations hold true. The semi-final victory followed a dominant 5-0 thrashing of Southampton in the Premier League. That win marked the first time Spurs scored five goals in the first half of a Premier League game. Yet, despite such highs, Tottenham sit mid-table, five points adrift of the Champions League spots. Ending a four-game winless streak at home, Spurs now aim to avoid a four-match Premier League winless run on their own turf—a feat they have not experienced since 2013 at White Hart Lane. While Spurs dismantled Southampton last weekend, Arne Slot’s Liverpool faced stiffer resistance in midweek cup action, requiring first-half goals from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott to edge out basement side Southampton 2-1. Cameron Archer’s strike proved inconsequential as Liverpool advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals, one of four trophies they remain in contention for this season. Unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions, Liverpool retain their place atop the Premier League table heading into the weekend. However, their lead has shrunk to two points following successive draws with Newcastle United and Fulham. A 2-2 draw against Fulham—despite playing with 10 men after Andy Robertson’s first-half red card—was a testament to Liverpool’s resilience. Slot’s side remains the only Premier League team undefeated away from home this season.

Liverpool have also dominated Tottenham in recent years, losing just two of their last 23 Premier League meetings. However, one of those defeats occurred at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, marred by a controversial “significant human error” and a late Joel Matip own goal. Tottenham head into the festive period with a depleted defense, as Ben Davies (hamstring), Cristian Romero (thigh), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), and Guglielmo Vicario (ankle) are all unavailable. Rodrigo Bentancur is also suspended, while Wilson Odobert (hamstring) and Richarlison (hamstring) are sidelined. Mikey Moore and Timo Werner face late fitness tests due to illness, but Destiny Udogie—who was substituted against Southampton due to soreness—should return to the starting XI. Postecoglou is expected to make just one change, with Udogie replacing Djed Spence at left-back. Captain Son Heung-min, needing one assist to surpass Darren Anderton’s club record of 68 Premier League assists, will again lead the line. Liverpool’s injury concerns are far less severe. Conor Bradley (hamstring) and Ibrahima Konate (knee) are the only expected absentees for the Reds this weekend. Robertson is eligible to return after serving his suspension, but Kostas Tsimikas—back from an ankle issue—may retain his spot at left-back, given Robertson’s recent struggles. Having been rested midweek, Mohamed Salah is set to make history on Sunday. With 13 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season, the Egyptian could become the first player to record double figures in both categories before Christmas.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has seen both teams score in each of Spurs’ last seven matches, and that trend should continue in this enthralling clash. However, Liverpool’s additional rest, rotation in midweek, and Tottenham’s defensive absences could tip the scales. In all likelihood, the “Slot tools” will keep spinning, and Liverpool will spend Christmas Day at the Premier League summit.

Best tip: X2

Correct Score: 1-3