A Super Sunday in the Premier League rarely needs extra spice, but this weekend comes loaded with sub-plots that go far beyond the table. Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City and Liverpool v Newcastle United are the highlights, but the real focus falls on the lines rather than the pitch.
For Thomas Frank and Arne Slota, these matches become silent doomsday. Frank is dealing with a growing injury crisis at Spurs amid questions over direction and results, while Slot is still struggling to keep Liverpool alive during a season that has lacked rhythm and authority.
Neither manager is eyeing an immediate sacking, but football rarely waits for a long-term context. Performances, not excuses, dictate narratives. With the pressure on North London and Merseyside, this Super Sunday feels like one that could define how the rest of their campaigns unfold.
TOTTENHAM v MANCHESTER CITY
Thomas Frank to face Pep Guardiola with rumors still strong about his job security. To be fair, an ever-increasing injury list hasn’t helped, and this game is important because the team won’t have the strongest midfield, which is crucial against a team like City. Rodrigo Bentancur has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, Joao Palhinha could make it but there are significant doubts as to whether he will be ready. Lucas Bergvall has sprained his ankle and will be out for two to three months.
Frank faces a big test against Guardiola’s City. (Photo: Reuters)
Tottenham are short at left-back after Ben Davies broke his ankle against West Ham, with Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie sharing responsibility in that position. Richarlison is out for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury.
As such, Frank deserves some sympathy as he tries to get his team together, but his tactical plans and team balance have been seriously disrupted.
Despite some poor results, Tottenham continued to aggressively press their opponents and attack with intent. The crowd will demand urgency and commitment, so expect Spurs to fight from the first whistle. Quick counter attacks will also be from deep.
Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma will patrol the midfield, up against Rodrigo, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva, but Guardiola’s 4-1-4-1 system could open up space for the Spurs pair. Gallagher in particular brings unrelenting energy and will chase from start to finish.
City, on the other hand, will look to quiet the crowd by taking control from kick-off. Their possession-based football and balanced passing will immediately test Tottenham.
Both teams are likely to score. Spurs can create chances for Dominica Solanke, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons, but they cannot rely on centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to save them, as they did against Burnley when both goals came from defenders.
Omar Marmoush featured for City in their 2-0 win over Wolves despite rumors linking him with a move away. He poses a serious threat alongside newly signed Antoine Semeny. Jeremy Doku will once again dribble aggressively down the left side, while Erling Haaland will be waiting to pounce at any free moment.
Set pieces have to play their role, Tottenham’s counters often stop fouls. City will be well-rounded as ever and Guardiola’s ability to adapt midway through the match suggests this could turn into a classic encounter.
LIVERPOOL v NEWCASTLE
It’s hard to say which side needs to win more when they both beat each other last weekend.
Newcastle signed Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey in the summer, but none of them have replicated the form of their previous clubs, frustrating Eddie Howe. Arne Slot will be looking to ease the scrutiny pressure on his tenure at Liverpool. (Photo by Reuters)
The club has been rocked this week, with Joelinton banned for at least three games. Bruno Guimaraes completed a short training session ahead of Newcastle’s Champions League game against PSG and should be available for the match.
Howe came under heavy criticism after the 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, where Newcastle managed just four shots on target from 18 attempts. Yoane Wissa was replaced by Woltemad in the 62nd minute, but this change does not have much time. Fans are clamoring for more opportunities for William Osula as Howe continues to look for reinforcements despite limited funds.
Arne Slot has his own worries. Mohamed Salah has returned from the AFCON but has yet to rediscover his sharpness. Slot worked closely with him in training, focusing on finishing and movement. Whether that carries over against Newcastle remains to be seen.
Dejan Szoboszlai has become Liverpool’s emotional leader. Virgil van Dijk’s form has dipped, but alongside Milos Kerkez, Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool should have enough to contain Newcastle’s attack. Gomez is a fitness doubt after a thigh problem, while Ibrahima Konate remains uncertain after taking time off. The slot may turn to Watara Enda in defence, while Andy Robertson could drop deeper.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 31, 2026
