Kyle Walker says Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been a "breath of fresh air" in the national team.
Jones scored on his England debut away at Greece and started against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
Listen to the full episode of You'll Never Beat Kyle Walker
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
For week 17, he takes on Reverend & the Makers singer Jon McClure.
Sutton's prediction: 2-3
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said this week that management is a harder job than being prime minister and, from my spell in charge of Lincoln, I can testify to that.
Postecoglou knows all about the highs and lows that managers can experience from one week to the next, because that has been the story of Spurs' season.
The same might apply just to this game too. While I think Tottenham will get some joy because it is going to be action packed, Liverpool will not lie down and I fancy them to come out on top.
How Spurs deal with Mohamed Salah on the counter-attack is going to be key, but I cannot see them stopping him completely.
People might look at Liverpool's draw with Fulham last weekend and think it was not a great result for Arne Slot's side but I was there and, honestly, the way they played with 10 men was incredible. They looked like they were the team with the extra man.
McClure's prediction: 1-2
Spurs are weird because you never know if they are going to turn up or not. Like Sheffield Wednesday (who McClure supports), they seem better away from home, too. I don't know if it is because they play on the break?
I am going with Liverpool here though. They have made the appointment of the decade in Slot. He has kept what was good about the Jurgen Klopp era - the high press and all that - but they just seem a little bit more street smart.
I have to say I love his interview style too because he is very honest. I think he is wonderful and think he is going to do great things at Liverpool.
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool head coach Arne Slot likes the fact Trent Alexander-Arnold wants to be remembered as the world's best right-back.
The England international, whose contract at Anfield is up in the summer, said in an interview this week that his motivation was to build a legacy which would see him spoken about long after he had retired.
"I definitely like this in a player," said Slot. "I think this is something every player must have if you play at this level and if you don't have this then you probably don't play at this level.
"As long as they understand that they need the team to be special as an individual. As long as they put the team first and as a result be special themselves, that is what they all do - including Trent.
"All the top players have this, they want to be special, they want to be the best. If that's not what you have I think it is so hard to put the effort in to stay fit, to be good every three days.
"You always see them during the game and you probably think 'what a life these players have' and it is true, they have a great life, but they have to put a lot of work in to be able to at their best every three days. That is not given to everyone, that mentality and discipline, and therefore that's the mentality of a top player and part of that is you need and want to be the best possible player in your position or the best player in the world."
Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist
It is not often you hear a Premier League manager saying he wants one of his rivals to win a trophy but that was the case when Liverpool boss Arne Slot spoke about Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou earlier today.
Slot, who was heavily linked with Spurs in 2023, expressed his view as, for the good of football, he wants Postecoglou to earn some physical recognition for his attacking tactics at the London club.
And, while Slot will be rooting for Tottenham in the Europa League rather than stopping the Reds winning any silverware, he will not want Spurs taking any points off his side when they meet in the league on Sunday (16:30 GMT).
Liverpool could be usurped at the Premier League summit before they play if Chelsea win at Everton but, although the Reds have had their lead cut following two top-flight draws, Slot was not showing any signs of being troubled by such a scenario.
Instead, he pointed out that the league table should only be used as a guide at the 19 game mark when everyone has played each other.
Slot has highlighted a few times this season how opposing teams have changed their tactics to nullify his team but, with Spurs unlikely to do so, it should make for entertaining viewing on Sunday.
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Tottenham (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Centre-back Ibrahima Konate and right-back Conor Bradley are the only two players who are injured and yet to return to team training.
He said the effort he and the performance team put into the pre-season plan has been rewarded because only these two were injured: "We gave them quite a lot of days off - although the players wouldn't agree, I'm sure - and I feel we find the benefits of that in this moment.
Meanwhile, Italy forward Federico Chiesa "is definitely getting stronger" after building up his minutes on Wednesday at Southampton, but he is "also facing a lot of competition in that right-wing position".
On giving academy players a chance in the Carabao Cup: "Most of the clubs [left in the competition] have played with their starters and only a few have picked non-starters. If we miss a few players, then we take a look at our academy and that is part of our identity. There is always room for them."
He said the return of Harvey Elliott was "a boost for the team" and having his players return at this stage of the season is "so important" when competing on four fronts.
Slot likened how he tells the players to manage games as to how he is as a father: "If you don't tell them a few things regularly enough, they tend to forget! Re-application is so important for a team. Maybe small details change, as football changes, but the main message has always been the same."
Slot said drawing Tottenham in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup "is interesting" but there were "four top teams still in it, so no easy one."
He has been impressed by Spurs despite an inconsistent first half of the season: "I really have to give them credit because if I look at Tottenham, they have always been a certain brand and identity and [Ange] Postecoglou has given them that identity back completely. It is a joy to watch them."
More on Postecoglou's attacking set-up: "I hope, hope, hope he wins a trophy, but not the League Cup! A fan for the Europa League. Trophies are important and his brand of football is important. If he wins, then you can stop talking about his style being too attacking."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Listen to full commentary of Tottenham v Liverpool from 16:30 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty ImagesIf things had worked out differently, then Arne Slot could have been in the opposing dugout when his Liverpool side take on Tottenham on Sunday (16:30 GMT).
The Dutchman was heavily linked with taking over at Spurs in 2023 but instead stayed on at Feyenoord before becoming Reds boss last summer.
Tottenham's loss has proved to be Liverpool's gain as Slot has won 20 of his 24 games in charge so far and the Anfield club are top of the Premier League, Champions League group and into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
However, Slot will want his team to get back to winning ways in the league at Tottenham and we will get his thoughts when he speaks to the media at 09:15 GMT today.
The Reds have had a nine-point lead at the top of the table reduced to two by Chelsea and could go into the Spurs game in second place if the Blues win at Everton in a 14:00 GMT kick-off on Sunday.
Liverpool have drawn their past two Premier League games and had the derby at Everton postponed, while Chelsea have won three games in that same period as part of a run of five victories in a row.
Slot will be hoping his players are fresh and firing on all cylinders at Tottenham after most were rested for the midweek win at Southampton in the League Cup.
Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Dominic Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah did not travel to the south coast to play Southampton in the Carabao Cup this week so should be back, along with Andy Robertson, who was suspended.
Slot will also be back on the touchline for the game after having to watch the cup win at St Mary's Stadium from the stands.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals has been made, with Tottenham paired with holders Liverpool and Arsenal set to face Newcastle.
The two-legged semi-final ties will take place in week commencing 6 January (first leg) and week commencing 3 February (second leg).
Spurs completed the line-up for the last four with their victory over Manchester United on Thursday.
Image source, Getty ImagesFederico Cheisa has made only four appearances since his move from Juventus to Liverpool, in a deal which could eventually be worth £12.5m.
He came off the bench to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton and manager, Arne Slot said: "I think what I saw is what you can expect.
"If a player is out for five or six months you cannot expect (too much). I saw ups and downs.
"I saw some really good moments and I saw some moments where I felt like, 'OK, you can do better than this.' For me, that's completely normal if a player has been out for so long.
"To get him back to his best is not easy. But it was good to see that he showed some quality already.
"But it's the same for him like the youngsters, it's not enough to play at this level, you have to compete with Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Lucho [Diaz], Darwin and Diogo.
"But it's good to see that he's back and that he had a few good moments in the game."
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool's transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot could barely have felt more seamless.
The Reds have won 20 out of their 24 games across all competitions, losing just once.
One player who has been key to that early success is midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has been deployed in the number six role under the Dutchman this term.
Tactics writer Ninad Barbadikar takes a closer look his new role in the side.
Slot's teams have been known to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation on the pitch, which is a move away from Klopp's favoured 4-3-3.
This change in system meant a new role for Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who now finds himself dictating affairs from the middle of the park having been asked to play higher as a 'number eight' under Klopp.
Image source, Getty ImagesGravenberch brings a number of strengths to the table - press-resistance, awareness of space around him both in and out of possession and a passing ability which helps connect defence and attack.
His move into the 'number six' role has meant Slot has been able to use Alexis Mac Allister further up the pitch in possession. In fact, Gravenberch's role in Liverpool's side this term mirrors the Argentine's role from last season.
Moving Gravenberch further back has meant he has the space to both receive and turn away from markers. His progressive carries can be of huge help to Liverpool in getting up the pitch.
However, the 22-year-old is still learning the role and has been stifled at times when pressed high by opponents - such as in the 3-3 draw at Newcastle - which can hit Liverpool's ability to build up.
Read Ninad's full deep dive on Liverpool this season here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final between Southampton and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Southampton fans
Laurie: I saw for the first time something I haven't seen since being promoted - a bit of real determination and proper team effort. And this was only Simon Rusk's first game. Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana made a huge difference and looked very dangerous. The truth is: the whole team have to start believing. I feel they are capable, especially now they are actually being allowed to adapt their game.
Steve: Tough conditions but wow, what a difference! The shackles are off. If we keep that degree of effort, we could make a season of it yet.
Mike: Any potential managerial candidate looking at last night's performance will no doubt be thinking twice or will want assurances of a war chest to patch up a defence that is holed below the waterline. When Jan Bednarek is your first-choice defender, you are truly in trouble.
Nik: Rome wasn't built in a day, right? The second-half performance showed some spirit and fight, which was good to see. We are down and out - bar a miracle. It's going to be a long rest of the season but, as long as we show some spirit and some progress, I'll be back full of naive hope again in 2025-26!
Liverpool fans
Rudy: Another business-like performance from Liverpool. Mass changes but we still managed the win, despite a potential banana-skin. Credit Southampton as this performance was decades better than Sunday. That's 20 games unbeaten! The 'Slot Machine' rolls on!
Geoff: Overall, an encouraging performance and a good indicator of our squad strength and depth. Two well-taken goals got us through a spirited Southampton fightback, and we deserved the positive result. From goalkeeper to forwards, we showed good skills and tenacity. A pleasing win.
Roger: We conceded a very poor goal, which then put us under pressure for the rest of the game. The two defenders should have easily ushered Cameron Archer onto his left foot but, with no challenge coming in, he produced a great finish. Great to see Harvey Elliott back, scoring and playing well. We probably did just enough to win, based on the first half.
Tim: The important thing is that we won in normal time and rested six of our first starters for Sunday. It was good to see some other players we don't normally get to watch. This was a game we just needed to get through without injuries.
Liverpool have made 26-year-old England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold an improved contract offer, but Real Madrid will intensify their efforts to sign him on a free contract next summer, with a meeting set in January. (Caught Offside), external
Even if Alexander-Arnold does leave, the Reds are unlikely to make a move for 24-year-old Bayer Leverkusen and Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong, because manager Arne Slot would prefer a traditional right-back that is best in a back four. He does not believe that would suit Frimpong. (Florian Plettenberg/Sky Germany), external
Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are interested in 22-year-old Real Valladolid and Spain winger Raul Moro, who may be available for between 4-10m euros. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Finally, Leeds United would be interested in Liverpool and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, if they are promoted to the Premier League, but the 26-year-old could look elsewhere for first-team football. (Team Talk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool boss Arne Slot, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "It wasn't easy circumstances to play in because of the wind of course, but it was a very good and important win for our team.
"We saw a lot of players that maybe don't start, we saw a lot of players that have had an impact already, so for us to have these players playing games is important.
"It doesn't matter too much what your back line is if you have the ball as much as we did in the first half. Then you have control. Second half the control was not there as much so your defenders are exposed, especially if they are not defenders.
"We handled it really well and only conceded one or two chances. The second half wasn't as good as the first but it was enough in the end to bring the win over the line."
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool's Harvey Elliott, speaking to Sky Sports: "We came into this game knowing the circumstances that Southampton were going through and knew they were going to come out fighting and we were ready for it.
"Some of us hadn't played so much this season. We also had really young lads in the team. But we fought as a team and thankfully we came away with a win."
On Southampton's performance: "I wouldn't say I was surprised by it because if you look at the Premier League, they caused problems for us as well.
"They are a side full of confidence and they are not scared to play out from the back and take risks. Credit to them, they caused problems for us today.
"We had to make sure we stood strong and defended as well as we can as a team. And despite conceding one goal, we did that really well."
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Southampton’s performance
What did you make of Liverpool’s display?
Come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies
There are three Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Arsenal v Crystal Palace 19:30
Newcastle v Brentford 19:45 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Southampton v Liverpool 20:00 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
All kick-off times GMT
Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesSo a change of scenery for Liverpool on Wednesday as they turn their attention to the Carabao Cup.
Arne Slot has already hinted at changes, with some of his regular starters likely to get a rest.
Diogo Jota will not start, but Slot will hope the forward will be fully fit soon as his clinical finishing can be a huge boost, as we saw against Fulham on Saturday.
Caoimhin Kelleher will start in goal, and there may be a chance for Federico Chiesa to get some minutes, but otherwise an opportunity for some of the young players to stake a claim - and we saw how effective that was in this competition last season.
Southampton may be bottom of the table but it is still an away game against a Premier League side, and they did cause Liverpool a few problems in the recent league game at St Mary's.
With a trip to Tottenham to come on Sunday, it will be a case of careful game management for the Reds' head coach, especially with a number of players still sidelined.
But, he has been spot on with just about everything so far...
Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside
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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesTwo points from six, but it isn't time to worry at Anfield... yet. The point against Fulham after being a goal down in 11 minutes and a man down after 17, felt like three.
Knowing you can be competitive against good teams with only 10 men gives the group a huge lift. Everton helped by denying Arsenal all three points in north London, but how do teams cope best when they lose a man so early in a game?
Changing system and going to a defensive 4-4-1 can be incredibly difficult to play against. Those two banks of four staying tight together are hard to get through. An organised deep 5-3-1 system is even worse, you might get a lot of the ball but you will get very little space.
I prefer the maverick coaches. I had one who went for a 3-3-3 formation when we went a man down at 0-0 away from home, it utterly discombobulated the opposition. We weren't sitting back, we became the attacking team and incredibly we went on to win 2-0.
Arne Slot frequently left three v three at the back against Fulham with no covering player. Brave.
Had it backfired he would have looked naive, but it worked. They increased their work-rate, maintained 60% possession and managed not only to equalise twice, but were the team more likely to score at the end.
His players will believe in him even more after he showed that he believed in them.
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