EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Published:
Fixture: Liverpool vs Tottenham
Date: Thursday, 6th February 2025
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Match Overview
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur clash at Anfield in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with Spurs holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in North London. Ange Postecoglou’s side defended resolutely and capitalised on their moment, leaving Arne Slot’s Liverpool with work to do.
With a place in the final at stake, Liverpool must summon their famous Anfield spirit, while Spurs will look to hold their lead and secure a shot at their first major silverware since 2008.
Recent Form & Cup Journey
Liverpool’s Last Five Matches (All Competitions)
- W 2-0 vs Bournemouth
- L 2-3 vs PSV (UEFA Champions League)
- W 4-1 vs Ipswich
- W 2-1 vs Lille (UEFA Champions League)
- W 2-0 vs Brentford
Liverpool’s form remains strong, with only one loss in their last five. However, the first-leg defeat to Spurs showed they are vulnerable to well-drilled defences.
Tottenham’s Last Five Matches (All Competitions)
- W 2-0 vs Brentford
- W 3-0 vs Elfsborg (UEFA Europa League)
- L 1-2 vs Leicester
- W 3-2 vs Hoffenheim (UEFA Europa League)
- L 2-3 vs Everton
Tottenham have been inconsistent in the league but have looked sharper in cup competitions. The first-leg win over Liverpool demonstrated their defensive resolve, but Anfield presents a different kind of challenge.
Head-to-Head & Historical Context
- Liverpool have won four of the last five meetings between the two sides.
- Tottenham’s last victory at Anfield came in 2011.
- Eight of the last nine fixtures between these two have produced over 2.5 goals.
Despite Spurs’ first-leg win, Liverpool’s home dominance over the North London side remains a significant factor
Team News & Possible Lineups
Liverpool Team News
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh, major doubt)
Possible XI (4-3-3)
GK: Caoimhín Kelleher
DEF: Conor Bradley, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Andy Robertson
MID: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones
ATT: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz
Slot may rotate slightly, with Kelleher expected to start in goal, and Conor Bradley likely to replace the injured Alexander-Arnold. Salah and Núñez should start up front to provide firepower.
Tottenham Team News
- Cristian Romero (Muscle)
- Destiny Udogie (Hamstring)
- James Maddison (Calf)
- Radu Drăgușin (Knee)
- Guglielmo Vicario (Ankle)
- Brennan Johnson (Calf)
- Timo Werner (Hamstring)
- Wilson Odobert (Hamstring)
- Dominic Solanke (Knee)
Possible XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: Antonin Kinsky
DEF: Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, Archie Gray, Djed Spence
MID: Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur
ATT: Dejan Kulusevski, Son Heung-min, Lucas Bergvall
ST: Richarlison
With key suspensions in midfield and defensive injuries, Spurs will rely on Son and Richarlison to lead the counter-attack while keeping a compact shape at the back.
Tactical Analysis & What to Expect
Liverpool’s Approach
- Expect Liverpool to go on the front foot from the first whistle, pressing high and dominating possession.
- Salah and Núñez will be the key threats in attack, with Díaz offering width and pace.
- If Bradley starts at right-back, his defensive discipline will be crucial in dealing with Son’s speed.
- A fast start is essential—Liverpool will look to score early to unsettle Spurs.
Tottenham’s Approach
- Spurs will sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to hit Liverpool on the counter.
- Without Maddison, creativity in midfield may be limited, making set-pieces crucial.
- Richarlison will need to hold up the ball well and involve Kulusevski and Son in quick transitions.
- A physical battle in midfield is expected, with Bentancur and Bissouma pivotal in disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm.
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Match Prediction
Liverpool have been formidable at Anfield, and with Spurs’ injuries and suspensions, it will be a huge task for Postecoglou’s men to hold onto their slender lead. If the Reds score early, the game could become a one-sided affair.
Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham (Liverpool advance 3-2 on aggregate)
A place in the Carabao Cup final is on the line, and with the Anfield crowd behind them, Liverpool will fancy their chances of overturning the deficit and booking a Wembley showdown.
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