Pre-match: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool [Sunday December 19th, 16:30]

So apparently this match is going to take place, despite five other Premier League and at least 19 of 36 EFL games scheduled for the weekend being postponed. A meeting is set for Monday where among other things, a holiday season shutdown of Premier League matches is to be discussed.

I'm not certain what the timetable is for Fabinho, Virgil or Curtis Jones returning. I don't know if they are even having symptoms.

Spurs are 7th in the table on 25 points, but have three games in hand after their two most recent league games were postponed because of several positive tests. Antonio Conte says all but two of his players are now out of isolation, but went on to describe low morale and fitness going into the game (Watch out for the sandbagger, says me)
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Hopefully another three points for us. I won't guess at a lineup because I'm not sure if Virgil and Fab are going to play.

Simply hope the game goes ahead tomorrow afternoon, in these uncertain times. I am confident we will smash the spuds, for another 3 points.

I think this game will suit us far more than the Newcastle game. Fancy a bit of a footballing lesson for Spurs tomorrow.

Usually quite confident with this fixture, but under the current circumstances, not knowing who’s gonna be available for either side, weird one to call at the mo.
Gone for 0-2 in the predictions, but need to see the team sheets to be sure.
Just need to bring home the three points.

When I’ve looked at the fixtures of late, we always seem to have the toughest one of the top 4. Need to make sure of this one, so hope Virg snd Fab are back.

I think this game will suit us far more than the Newcastle game. Fancy a bit of a footballing lesson for Spurs tomorrow.

Don’t think it’ll be an easy game, playing a Conte team never is. Haven’t really followed their results since he’s come in though, anyone know how they are getting on?

Hendo and Matip out now to?

Hendo and Matip out now to?

Heard it was hendo and mo

Heard it was hendo and mo

Fook

If all true were looking at

Ali

Trent Joe Beast Robbo

    Thiago keita Ox

    Jota  Bobby Sadio

Villa game called off now, be suprised if it goes ahead, just hope it does, hard to predict a result, if both teams are missing key players

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

Absolutely, was just listening to Geoff Stelling on Sky Sports and he said the Italian league 98% of players have been vaccinated and they are not calling games off.
And apparently the Budesliga are not going to pay players if they miss a game through Covid if they are not vaccinated.

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

The vaccine right now isn’t mandatory and I also believe there is a high level of players in the Prem who have the vaccine - all our players have and still we had three test positive

At the end of the day players and peoples health take priority

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

Don't be so F***ing stupid!!

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

Some amount of court cases in that scenario

Can't see this one happening tomorrow.

Can't see this one happening tomorrow.

Shouldn't be either if we have 4 cases (if true) not sure on Spuds situation

All games should have been postponed last week and clubs told to set up bubbles and testing to get players ready for Boxing Day games.

But as usual sense and the FA don’t mix very well.

Shouldn't be either if we have 4 cases (if true) not sure on Spuds situation

BBC saying Spurs won't have Son, Moura and Emerson

BBC saying Spurs won't have Son, Moura and Emerson

we haven't got Shabs,Brian or Billythered.
Seriously it is beginning to be a bit of a lottery isnt it

BBC saying Spurs won't have Son, Moura and Emerson

Evens it up a bit . May come down to in some games you have 3 missing so have we so no advantage and play

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

What happened to freedom of choice FMS? Who the f**k are you to tell anyone what they should do with their bodies? Especially concerning an experimental gene therapy without any animal trials and a clinical trial end date of March 2023.


Maybe you would like to tell the families of the 108 FIFA registered athletes who have died of cardiac arrest in the last 6 months?


https://americasfrontlinedoctors.org/2/frontlinenews/500-increase-in-sudden-cardiac-and-unexplained-deaths-among-fifa-athletes-in-2021/


I defend your right to put an experimental gene therapy into your body if you so wish, just as you should defend the right of any human being to not inject themselves with a substance with no long term efficacy or health studies.

Millions of soldiers around the world gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy every day in a civilized world. Without freedom we are nothing. Freedom of choice is a must for any civilized society.


God Bless You

All games should have been postponed last week and clubs told to set up bubbles and testing to get players ready for Boxing Day games.

But as usual sense and the FA don’t mix very well.

Exactly right. This whole pandemic is a F***ing sham. All players should be isolating in a bubble as you say. It's not exactly Quantum Physics but then again this is the FA!

What happened to freedom of choice FMS? Who the f**k are you to tell anyone what they should do with their bodies? Especially concerning an experimental gene therapy without any animal trials and a clinical trial end date of March 2023.


Maybe you would like to tell the families of the 108 FIFA registered athletes who have died of cardiac arrest in the last 6 months?


https://americasfrontlinedoctors.org/2/frontlinenews/500-increase-in-sudden-cardiac-and-unexplained-deaths-among-fifa-athletes-in-2021/


I defend your right to put an experimental gene therapy into your body if you so wish, just as you should defend the right of any human being to not inject themselves with a substance with no long term efficacy or health studies.

Millions of soldiers around the world gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy every day in a civilized world. Without freedom we are nothing. Freedom of choice is a must for any civilized society.


God Bless You

What does the players having a cardiac arrest have to do with the vaccine 🤷‍♂️


Experimental gene therapy ?! 😂

What happened to freedom of choice FMS? Who the f**k are you to tell anyone what they should do with their bodies? Especially concerning an experimental gene therapy without any animal trials and a clinical trial end date of March 2023.


Maybe you would like to tell the families of the 108 FIFA registered athletes who have died of cardiac arrest in the last 6 months?


https://americasfrontlinedoctors.org/2/frontlinenews/500-increase-in-sudden-cardiac-and-unexplained-deaths-among-fifa-athletes-in-2021/


I defend your right to put an experimental gene therapy into your body if you so wish, just as you should defend the right of any human being to not inject themselves with a substance with no long term efficacy or health studies.

Millions of soldiers around the world gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy every day in a civilized world. Without freedom we are nothing. Freedom of choice is a must for any civilized society.


God Bless You

Forget soldiers, a lot of the current freedoms to move about relatively normally in recent months is due to the majority of the population who willingly took a vaccine, reducing the numbers sick/putting strain on the health system to a point where it can function.

BBC saying Spurs won't have Son, Moura and Emerson

Bit of a joke at this stage, will be surprised if this one goes ahead (and if we're without Hendo/Mo)
Then again, it's Sunday TV, and $$$ talks, so who knows...

Bit of a joke at this stage, will be surprised if this one goes ahead (and if we're without Hendo/Mo)
Then again, it's Sunday TV, and $$$ talks, so who knows...

The club denied the rumours about Mo this afternoon

The club denied the rumours about Mo this afternoon

Ah, OK .. well then, ignore what I said there ... we're good to go so

People are saying clubs should be published for not having their players jabbed?
Liverpool currently have four? Five maybe with covid. We are fully jabbed and still nearly missing half a team.

Stop testing. Start playing again.

As for the game tomorrow, I think we should win. Scrappy though. 2-1.

Exactly right. This whole pandemic is a f**king sham. All players should be isolating in a bubble as you say. It's not exactly Quantum Physics but then again this is the FA!

A sham ? How ?

People are saying clubs should be published for not having their players jabbed?
Liverpool currently have four? Five maybe with covid. We are fully jabbed and still nearly missing half a team.

Yep.


Assume that some people don't understand that the vaccine does not stop many people from contracting covid, the vaccine's main effect is in lessening the severity with which the disease strikes.

People are saying clubs should be published for not having their players jabbed?
Liverpool currently have four? Five maybe with covid. We are fully jabbed and still nearly missing half a team.

Stop testing. Start playing again.

As for the game tomorrow, I think we should win. Scrappy though. 2-1.

Who are the 4 out wigh covid ?

Do you understand that the testing will also help reduce the spread within the squad 🤦‍♂️

Yep.


Assume that some people don't understand that the vaccine does not stop many people from contracting covid, the vaccine's main effect is in lessening the severity with which the disease strikes.

Since that is the case, then what are we trying to accomplish by continuing to focus and cancel games because of cases?

The element that could be tough about tomorrow is that as far as I can see the Spurs players have had a lovely little two week relaxation break.

Should be suitably refreshed and ready to go - meanwhile we were out there Thursday night playing football.

Let's hope Liverpool coincide our two weeks covid break for the African Cup of Nations.

Who are the 4 out wigh covid ?

Do you understand that the testing will also help reduce the spread within the squad 🤦‍♂️

Hasn’t worked for Brentford? How reliable are these tests?

Since that is the case, then what are we trying to accomplish by continuing to focus and cancel games because of cases?

Exactly. There was an article today where the premier league updated the games being cancelled and then how players should get boostered (implying that would solve the issue) but when you read it all the reasons for booster were not to save the fixture but to protect loved ones and team mates etc....

The element that could be tough about tomorrow is that as far as I can see the Spurs players have had a lovely little two week relaxation break.

Should be suitably refreshed and ready to go - meanwhile we were out there Thursday night playing football.

Let's hope Liverpool coincide our two weeks covid break for the African Cup of Nations.

Could also work against them not being able to train and losing focus and momentum

Could also work against them not being able to train and losing focus and momentum

Plus they may get tired sooner... so I’m hoping we get stronger the longer the game goes on...

Could also work against them not being able to train and losing focus and momentum

\
They should def be rusty since they had a large number of players out which meant htey couldn't train together either.

Hasn’t worked for Brentford? How reliable are these tests?

If they hasn’t identified who had Covid how many players do you think would have ended up with it

By isolating the players you reduce the risk of the virus affecting the whole squad

The element that could be tough about tomorrow is that as far as I can see the Spurs players have had a lovely little two week relaxation break.

Should be suitably refreshed and ready to go - meanwhile we were out there Thursday night playing football.

Let's hope Liverpool coincide our two weeks covid break for the African Cup of Nations.

But if many of them had covid, as they claim, maybe they'll not be fully fit after that, even if they had light enough symptoms ?!
Also reports are that they will be missing some of their key players, though not sure how reliable that is.

Would expect Conte will try make them harder to break down than they were pre his arrival.

Hard to know/predict though, will wait till see both teamsheets after the game has been confirmed as going ahead...

If they hasn’t identified who had Covid how many players do you think would have ended up with it

By isolating the players you reduce the risk of the virus affecting the whole squad

So? I don’t care how many players may have been prevented from catching it.
But if a club with 100% fully jabbed players can’t play a game of football because of a outbreak of covid cases then does it matter FROM A FOOTBALLING POINT OF VIEW how many players are jabbed?
The answer is no. Sure they are protecting loved ones and saving the nhs blah blah but football will continue to struggle to fulfil its fixtures when this virus is going nowhere fast.

But if a club with 100% fully jabbed players can’t play a game of football because of a outbreak of covid cases then does it matter FROM A FOOTBALLING POINT OF VIEW how many players are jabbed?

Yes, because it reduces the likelihood of spread, and testing helps isolate cases quickly.
So instead of large numbers getting it, the number is reduced and a team can be fielded.

Not ideal though, missing even some players, and having matches go ahead, will grant you that.

Some guy in Egypt on Twitter said mo is okay but rumours on twatter say hendo, origi and thiago have tested positive with a staff member

Yes, because it reduces the likelihood of spread, and testing helps isolate cases quickly.
So instead of large numbers getting it, the number is reduced and a team can be fielded.

Not ideal though, missing even some players, and having matches go ahead, will grant you that.

Yeah: I get that. Personally I would say now that if you have squad of 25, you should have to fulfil your fixture unless you can’t pick 11.

Some guy in Egypt on Twitter said mo is okay but rumours on twatter say hendo, origi and thiago have tested positive with a staff member

If that is the case it will be off .8

If that is the case it will be off .8

That will mean thiago has got it twice then as he got it just after he signed.

If we have a population that is 100% vaccinated as is the case with the team and we still cannot resume life as before, then not sure when we ever will.

I would dock points from any club that has failed to vaccinate the vast majority of their squad. At this stage of the season to learn that there are so many unvaccinated is appalling.

Just plays into the old stereotype that footballers are thick.

Yep, enormous truth in this ... really is astonishing that the clubs own insurance allows it to be honest - if any of them were to get long covid it would be the same as a serious leg break potentially

Virgil was saying they take a test in the morning when arriving and sit in the Car for 30 mins whilst they await the test. These lads are like brothers so they will be upset to see some of them test positive and i wonder if this did play out a bit against Newcastle the concentration in the first half was poor and so much better in the second half.
I think they will be ok tomorrow against a much more challenging team I have a good feeling about the game.......as long as it goes ahead

If we have a population that is 100% vaccinated as is the case with the team and we still cannot resume life as before, then not sure when we ever will.

Agree, need to start living again. Stop living in fear.

Is this match still going ahead as of now?

Agree, need to start living again. Stop living in fear.

Agree life is for living, anyhow another win and 3 points for the Reds !

Any truth that we could have as many as six players miss this one?

This game needs calling off. Spurs are well rested and should be reasonably well prepared after having their games cancelled due to covid.

Sounds like we will be severely understrengh today so why should we have to play. Can't have 1 rule for one and a different one elsewhere. Call it off.

This game needs calling off. Spurs are well rested and should be reasonably well prepared after having their games cancelled due to covid.

Sounds like we will be severely understrengh today so why should we have to play. Can't have 1 rule for one and a different one elsewhere. Call it off.

Been thinking about this and I reckon they could knock the winter break in Jan on head and replay fixtures then , maybe Klopp feels better to play now whilst Afcon lads are here but get your point we don't want to jeopardise points by playing weakened team

Been thinking about this and I reckon they could knock the winter break in Jan on head and replay fixtures then , maybe Klopp feels better to play now whilst Afcon lads are here but get your point we don't want to jeopardise points by playing weakened team

I just don't think it's right. Of course I'd much rather face spurs at full or near full strength but if as rumoured its more than 3 now then some who are negative could also be positive.

We need a 14 day break. We need the strict protocols to return, bubbles etc if things have gotten lax and go from there. Its out of control now and it's wrong to carry on.

This game needs calling off. Spurs are well rested and should be reasonably well prepared after having their games cancelled due to covid.

Sounds like we will be severely understrengh today so why should we have to play. Can't have 1 rule for one and a different one elsewhere. Call it off.

Surely you are aware that us being under strength, is more reason for the powers that be, to make us play.
Under any agenda, any advantage they can give to our opposition will be taken.

For whatever reason, they would prefer Guardiola to win EVERYTHING, so they can upgrade their sucking up to him. 🤷‍♂️

I just don't think it's right. Of course I'd much rather face spurs at full or near full strength but if as rumoured its more than 3 now then some who are negative could also be positive.

We need a 14 day break. We need the strict protocols to return, bubbles etc if things have gotten lax and go from there. Its out of control now and it's wrong to carry on.

I agree there needs to be some guidance though of what is acceptable 3, 4 ,5 etc . Could be a masterstroke given some teams 3 or 4 games behind but City look like in same boat and fixtures like Newcastle they are going to want to play now

Anyway, still think we’ll win 0-2 at least 😂

Only reason game should be called off is because of that major incident being called in the capital, makes no sense having a game go ahead if emergency services are strained etc.

But as we live in the capitalist society we do, money talks, so the game will go ahead. Three points to us.

Only reason game should be called off is because of that major incident being called in the capital, makes no sense having a game go ahead if emergency services are strained etc.

But as we live in the capitalist society we do, money talks, so the game will go ahead. Three points to us.

they will wait until a couple of hours before kick off and then call it off after away supporters have completed their journey.
I hope it goes ahead we could all do with seeing the sight of Mo scoring a hatrick.

Will be awful for our supporters if it's called off now but I guess our boys will be having their pre match tests soon and if we've got more positives I think it'll almost certainly have to be postponed?

they will wait until a couple of hours before kick off and then call it off after away supporters have completed their journey.
I hope it goes ahead we could all do with seeing the sight of Mo scoring a hatrick.

Bit like some of Villa's support milling around the ground yesterday when game called off.

Clearly something going on as our under 23s game today was postponed as we couldn't fulfil the fixture

I agree there needs to be some guidance though of what is acceptable 3, 4 ,5 etc . Could be a masterstroke given some teams 3 or 4 games behind but City look like in same boat and fixtures like Newcastle they are going to want to play now

City have no issues. They have 2 first teams illegally put together by breaking the rules. It benefits them to carry on as even if they lose 7 or 8 they've plenty to come in and an unlimited pot of dirty money ready to go in 2 weeks time. They were on a run of 24 wins in a row this time last year and with everyone else struggling you can see them doing it again

Clearly something going on as our under 23s game today was postponed as we couldn't fulfil the fixture

Might all be making the numbers up for the 1st team

Yep, enormous truth in this ... really is astonishing that the clubs own insurance allows it to be honest - if any of them were to get long covid it would be the same as a serious leg break potentially

Exactly. You look at the mess Kimmch in Germany has got himself into as result of getting severe COVID. He now admits he wishes he had taken the vaccine. If he had and still got it, he'd be back playing. It'd have been nothing but a sniffle in comparison to the serious lung issues he's having now

Bit like some of Villa's support milling around the ground yesterday when game called off.

it pisses me off no end like sending us to Southampton or Brighton on Boxing day the FA are another group of idiots that need putting out to pasture along with most governing bodies.

How are Tottenham looking for numbers? Are many of their squid still out with it?

Just smash these cu*ts... got 2 Spuds fans doing my head in all morning...

Seems a lot of sporting integrity is going out the window.

Seems a lot of sporting integrity is going out the window.

Shame we never used the Covid excuse last season...

If they hasn’t identified who had Covid how many players do you think would have ended up with it

By isolating the players you reduce the risk of the virus affecting the whole squad

Nonsense. They can catch covid outside of the training facilities you know..

Nonsense. They can catch covid outside of the training facilities you know..

Yes you can but that doesn’t stop it being fact that isolation helps reduce the spread

Isolation can cause a lot more problems for people who live alone. We need to get used to living with this and stop Doctors dictating our future they would have us all banged up until May if they had there way. I and millions of other people have stuck to everything they have asked and yet here we are again being told to stop living its getting tiring to say the least.
Its also the subject of all conversation as in how its now in this thread.
Anyway looking forward to team News

Covid for Thiago and Henderson unwell too (not covid)

First choice midfield all out of this one

Big day for wee Tyler…