Chris Sutton warns Arne Slot about 'hurricane' with Tottenham vs Liverpool prediction

Liverpool will seek to continue its tentative revival against Tottenham, but not all pundits expect Arne Slot to get the job done against an embattled Thomas Frank

Not everyone has faith in Arne Slot and Liverpool ahead of the trip to Tottenham(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Liverpool has been told not to expect plain sailing against a struggling Spurs side.

The Reds, whose own return to form is in a very much fledgling state, have been tipped to draw in London. For the first time in weeks, Arne Slot has seen his side string together two results and performances with which he can be genuinely pleased. A gritty win at Inter, followed by a comfortable outing against Brighton, has restored some wind to Liverpool's sails.

As has been the case for most of the season, Hugo Ekitike has been a real bright spot, while Slot can also be cautiously encouraged by the progress of Florian Wirtz. Just as significant are the consecutive clean sheets at the other end.

A trip to Tottenham would ordinarily be a real test of this delicate revival. But while Liverpool begins to haul itself out of a hole, Thomas Frank is firmly in the trenches.

There is no indication that Frank's job could be on the line immediately if Spurs lose to Liverpool. But he is undoubtedly embattled, with his only league win in the last seven coming at the expense of his former employer.

Yet despite this hardship, Chris Sutton has warned that Liverpool cannot yet be "trusted" to take advantage. He predicts a 1-1 draw.

"At Tottenham, poor Thomas Frank is having a tough time of it," Sutton wrote for the BBC. "He was so furious after their defeat at Nottingham Forest that he said it feels like there is a hurricane inside him...

"I certainly don't trust Spurs to turn up, but I don't think you can fully trust Liverpool again either, especially away from home in the Premier League," Sutton continued later on. "Because of all of that, I can't back either of them to win it."

Chris Sutton has predicted a 1-1 draw between Tottenham and Liverpool(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Sutton highlighted Liverpool's potential issue at right-back, where Joe Gomez will be missing. He also warned about the implications of a potential injury to Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been Slot's "best player" this season — although the Hungarian is expected to be available.

Analyzing the fragility of both teams ahead of the weekend's clash, Sutton also claimed that Brighton had chances against Liverpool last time out. That seems a little harsh, given that the Reds led from the first minute, and the Seagulls had just one shot on target.

But the pundit did acknowledge that Ekitike was excellent. The striker handed Liverpool that early lead and added the second too, and he will no doubt be key to any ambitions of a win over Spurs.

Hugo Ekitike rises highest to score for Liverpool against Brighton(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Another fast start would be ideal. Liverpool has struggled when going behind this season, and will not want to let the naturally conservative Frank play the match on his own terms.

But while Sutton has his doubts, his fellow pundits are backing Liverpool to get it done. Musician Sampa the Great predicts a 3-1 win for Slot's side, while AI has forecast a 2-1 victory.

Whether those predictions accurately account for the effect of Frank's "hurricane" remains to be seen. But Liverpool doesn't need Sutton to know that nothing is ever easy in the Premier League.