Spursvs.Liverpool

For the first time in a number of weeks, the Merseyside giants could go into a top-flight fixture not sitting at the top of the Premier League table.

Depending on how Chelsea fare against Everton earlier in the day, Arne Slot's side may be required to overcome Spurs in North London to head into the Christmas period in first place.

Nevertheless, there will be full faith in Salah and co delivering at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, particularly when the Egypt international has arguably been the player of the season so far.

What record is Salah chasing?

Salah has put together a remarkable record from Liverpool's opening 15 matches, contributing 13 goals and nine assists during that period.

In the history of the Premier League, no player has ever reached double figures in both of those categories, the 32-year-old one assist away from breaking new ground.

You have to go back to October 5 for the last time that Salah failed to contribute either in a top-flight game, that occurring in the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Eight Premier League matches have been played since that narrow success at Selhurst Park, Salah being involved in all but nine of Liverpool's goals in the league in total. That is a share of 71% and, by far, the highest in the division.

The statistics favour Salah when it comes to strengthening that record. Liverpool have incredibly scored in each of their last 17 matches against Spurs in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Spurs have kept just one clean in their most 23 league fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Is anything in Spurs' favour?

Ange Postecoglou's side have been in free-scoring form across the last two matches, netting nine times in wins over Southampton and Manchester United respectively.

Spurs also benefitted from a missed offside call and controversial red card to prevail 2-1 in the corresponding encounter in 2023-24.

That said, Spurs have failed to win back-to-back home league matches against Liverpool since 2012, as well as prevailing from just two of their most recent 25 contests with this opponent in all competitions.

Written by

Darren Plant