Alisson's Race Against Time: Slot Hopeful for Spurs Clash as Mamardashvili Shines

Fancy a Liverpool side facing a Tottenham team that's lost more games than they've won pints at the local? That's the scene for Sunday's Premier League showdown at Anfield. Arne Slot isn't taking any chances though – he's crossing his fingers that Alisson Becker shakes off his niggle in time to boss the box.

Spurs are a mess right now, lads. They're on their worst losing streak in club history, with interim gaffer ** Ange Postecoglou** – wait, no, actually it's the vibes around the place that scream 'sack incoming'. Reports of dressing room scraps and a side that's leaky at both ends. Yet, they've notched in 13 of their last 14 matches. Only a red card against Man United shut them out. Liverpool's back four? Ninth-best defence in the league. No room for complacency.

Slot Plays It Cool on Alisson's Muscle Tweak

The Brazilian No.1 has been sidelined since feeling a twinge mid-pass. Slot called it 'minor' after checks, but with a packed schedule, they parked him for Tuesday's Champions League trek to Galatasaray. 'Hopefully ready for Sunday,' the Dutchman told the press pack on Friday. 'If not, fingers crossed for the Anfield return leg.'

Alisson's been a rock since arriving in 2018, one of the world's elite keepers. But after a seven-week hamstring layoff earlier this season, the Reds aren't risking him. That midweek draw in Istanbul – trailing 1-0 on aggregate – showed Liverpool's attack can click, but shutting the door will need top glovework.

Mamardashvili: From Shaky Start to Steady Eddie?

Enter Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgian giant hyped as Alisson's heir apparent. His early-season stint during the hamstring drama? Bit wobbly, truth be told. Looked like he was auditioning for a blooper reel.

But against Gala in that cauldron of noise at Rams Park? Class. Conceded just once – a Mario Lemina header from a corner – but pulled off three smart saves. That diving tip-round on Davinson Sánchez? Pure filth, keeping the tie alive. If he channels that form versus Spurs, who knows? Alisson might not even be missed.

Liverpool's last-16 second leg is Wednesday at home. Plenty of chances created away mean they're favourites to progress. But Slot knows a settled defence is key – enter Alisson if fit, or trust the deputy.

Why It Matters: Spurs Ain't Pushovers Up Front

Don't write off Tottenham just 'cause they're wobbling. They've got goals in 'em, even if the rest is ropey. Liverpool's defence isn't watertight, so a reliable keeper is gold. Slot's 'hopeful' vibe? It's manager-speak for 'please don't let us down, Ali'.

Mamardashvili's emergence adds squad depth spice. Signed to push the pecking order, he could yet force rotation. Sunday's a chance to build momentum before the midweek Euro jaunt. Win that, and the title race stays spicy.

As reported by SI Soccer, this goalkeeping saga has intrigue. Keep eyes peeled – Anfield awaits. Will it be Alisson's encore or Mamardashvili's breakout? Either way, expect goals and groans.