![\"Tottenham](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Carra-Frank-1140x641.jpg\")
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Credit: Imago<\/p>\n
![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/526139774_18527166871039431_7112003820785511616_n.jpg\")
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Thu 18 December 2025 9:00, UK <\/p>\n
Tottenham need a statement performance to ease the pressure off Thomas Frank, and three points against Liverpool would erase some doubts over the Dane. <\/strong><\/p>\n Spurs were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest<\/a> last time out, and this result left them in 11th position, four points behind fifth-place Crystal Palace. <\/p>\n As a result, Jamie Carragher thinks Tottenham will sack Frank<\/a> if Liverpool secure all three points against them on Saturday evening. <\/p>\n However, if he wants to save his job in north London, then the former Brentford boss will have to make a key decision in his starting lineup. <\/p>\n Spurs<\/a> were all over the shop defensively at the City Ground, and Archie Gray was one of several who struggled against Forest<\/a>. <\/p>\n The 19-year-old started in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, while Joao Palhinha was dropped by Frank<\/a> following their 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League. <\/p>\n But ahead of their showdown against the Reds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium<\/a>, Frank should restore Palhinha<\/a> to his starting lineup, mainly for the protection he offers defensively. <\/p>\n Palhinha is one of the best midfielders in the top-flight at winning possession, with that attribute needed against a star-studded Liverpool attack. <\/p>\n The 30-year-old should arguably come into the side for Bentancur, whose form has suffered in recent months, leading to many wanting him dropped. <\/p>\n Jamie Carragher loves Palhinha<\/p>\n Spurs have an option to sign Palhinha for just \u00a327million<\/a> at the end of the season, and the Portuguese international has proven to be worth that fee, and some. <\/p>\n In his column for The Telegraph<\/a> in October, Carragher even admitted that the Bayern Munich loanee is Tottenham\u2019s best signing.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best signing under Frank so far is Joao Palhinha, a highly effective ball-winner more so than a playmaker,\u201d Carragher said.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the early stages of his Spurs career, Palhinha is exactly what Frank and his new club need, and it could bring instant success.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing forward, there will have to be an evolution, as the pairing of Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur is perceived by supporters to be over-cautious in home games.\u201d<\/p>\n Clearly a huge fan of Tottenham\u2019s No.6, Carragher won\u2019t want him to perform well this weekend. <\/p>\n Enjoyed this article?<\/strong>\u00a0Stay connected with all the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account \u2013\u00a0@tottenhamnews24<\/a>7<\/a><\/p>\n ![\"Joao](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Palhinha-1024x695.png\")
Credit: ImagoThomas Frank must start Joao Palhinha vs Liverpool<\/p>\n\n Joao Palhinha\u2019s 2025\/26 Premier League stats<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 15 appearances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2 goals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2 assists<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 4.3 tackles per game<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2.9 balls recovered per game<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 7.1 duels won per game (63%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 83% pass completion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n