2025/26 Premier League MW17 Tottenham vs. Liverpool Preview: Can Tottenham halt Liverpool's resurgence? December 18, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

A compelling Premier League showdown awaits as Tottenham Hotspur host Liverpool in a crucial Matchweek 17 clash of the 2025–26 season. Set against the backdrop of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, December 20, this evening encounter kicks off at 5:30 PM GMT and carries significant implications for both sides as the campaign approaches its midpoint.

Match Overview and Current Form

Liverpool travel to North London riding a wave of renewed confidence after rediscovering their winning formula. The Reds are pushing for a third straight victory and arrive unbeaten in six matches across all competitions. Following an uneven start to the season, Jürgen Klopp's side appears to have turned a corner, highlighted by commanding recent wins over Inter Milan and Brighton. That resurgence has lifted Liverpool into seventh place in the Premier League standings, with 26 points from 16 matches. Their recent league form—two wins, two draws, and two defeats in their last six—signals steady progress, underpinned by a far more resilient defense that has conceded just once in the last four league games, aside from a late lapse at Elland Road.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, enter this fixture under mounting pressure. A sobering 3–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out exposed lingering defensive issues and extended a troubling run of form. Spurs have managed just one win in their last seven Premier League outings—a 2–0 success over Brentford—and that inconsistency has seen them slide to 11th in the table with 22 points from 16 matches. With four home defeats already this season, asserting authority at their own stadium remains a pressing concern as they prepare to face a Liverpool side gaining momentum.

Head-to-Head Record and Historical Context

Recent history in this fixture strongly favors Liverpool. The Reds have claimed victory in six of the last eight meetings across all competitions, establishing a clear psychological edge. Last season's encounters were particularly emphatic, as Liverpool recorded a staggering 15–5 aggregate scoreline over four matches, a run that included the title-clinching win at Anfield. That dominance extended to North London, where Liverpool struck six goals in a memorable visit one year ago. Most recently, on April 27, 2025, Liverpool cruised to a 5–1 Premier League victory, further underlining their control of this matchup.

Tottenham vs. Liverpool Sports Bet Odds

The Reds are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Reds are favored by a goal, with full-time result odds of 2.00.
• The Spurs are the underdogs by a goal, with full-time result odds of 3.50.
• Draw has full-time result odds of 3.60.
• Total is set at 2.5 goals, with Under odds at 2.20 and Over odds at 1.66.

Recent Encounters

• April 27, 2025: Liverpool 5–1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
• February 6, 2025: Liverpool 4–0 Tottenham Hotspur (Carabao Cup)
• January 8, 2025: Tottenham Hotspur 1–0 Liverpool (Carabao Cup)
• December 22, 2024: Tottenham Hotspur 3–6 Liverpool (Premier League)
• May 5, 2024: Liverpool 4–2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Key Players and Tactical Considerations

Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt, but the Reds still boast considerable attacking depth. Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a key threat, coming off a brace against Brighton and showcasing his sharp finishing. Given Tottenham's recent defensive lapses, the French forward could again prove decisive. Just as important has been Liverpool's improved organization at the back, a platform that has fueled their current rise.

For Tottenham, unlocking Liverpool's tightening defense will be pivotal. Despite their struggles, Spurs remain capable in attack, with both teams scoring in four of their last six league matches and Tottenham failing to find the net in only three league games all season. This fixture also has a strong history of goals, with both sides scoring in 10 of the last 12 meetings. Liverpool, too, have been prolific, netting at least twice in three of their last four Premier League games.

Final Thought:

With Liverpool surging and Tottenham searching for stability, this clash feels like a crossroads moment for both clubs. Spurs must rediscover resilience and belief at home, while the Reds will look to assert their growing authority—making this a defining test of momentum, mentality, and ambition as the season reaches a critical phase.

2025-26 Premier League Table

2025/26 Premier League Table

#	CLUB	W	D	L	PTS
1	Arsenal	11	3	2	36
2	Manchester City	11	1	4	34
3	Aston Villa	10	3	3	33
4	Chelsea	8	4	4	28
5	Crystal Palace	7	5	4	26
6	Manchester United	7	5	4	26
7	Liverpool	8	2	6	26
8	Sunderland	7	5	4	26
9	Everton	7	3	6	24
10	Brighton & Hove Albion	6	5	5	23
11	Tottenham Hotspur	6	4	6	22
12	Newcastle United	6	4	6	22
13	Bournemouth	5	6	5	21
14	Fulham	6	2	8	20
15	Brentford	6	2	8	20
16	Nottingham Forest	5	3	8	18
17	Leeds United	4	4	8	16
18	West Ham United	3	4	9	13
19	Burnley	3	1	12	10
20	Wolves	0	2	14	2