Liverpool is set to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at Anfield on Thursday night, with Spurs holding a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg. Both sides come into the game full of confidence after securing crucial 2-0 wins in the Premier League over the weekend. For Liverpool, a two-goal victory will be required to advance to the final and continue their bid for an unprecedented quadruple, while Tottenham is hoping to end their long trophy drought and secure a place in their first final since 2008.
A Controversial First Leg
The first leg was full of drama, with Lucas Bergvall's late winner securing a 1-0 lead for Tottenham. However, the match was marred by controversy as Bergvall was lucky not to be sent off for a late challenge on Kostas Tsimikas. Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, were far from their best in North London and will be looking to turn the tie around at home, where they have been in superb form.
Liverpool’s Impressive Home Record
Since a shock loss to Nottingham Forest in September, Liverpool has been unbeaten in their last 15 home matches, winning 13 of those and scoring at least twice in every game. The Reds are full of attacking power, with Mohamed Salah continuing to deliver crucial performances, most recently netting a brace in a 2-0 win over Bournemouth. Despite trailing in the tie, Liverpool is still considered the favorite to win the EFL Cup for the second consecutive year, with Jurgen Klopp’s side looking to secure their 10th title in the competition.
Tottenham's Challenge
For Tottenham, this is an opportunity they cannot afford to miss. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have shown promise, including a solid 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League. Despite their lead, Tottenham will be wary of the challenge Anfield presents. Spurs have not won at Liverpool’s stadium since 2011, and their recent record in two-legged EFL Cup semi-finals doesn’t inspire confidence.
However, Spurs have kept four clean sheets in their last eight matches, including impressive performances against Liverpool and Brentford, and will need another strong defensive display to hold off the Reds.
Team News and Key Players
Liverpool will likely be without Trent Alexander-Arnold due to a thigh injury, but their squad is almost at full strength with Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones returning to action. Klopp has a few selection dilemmas, including who will start at left-back between Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas and whether Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai will partner Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield.
For Tottenham, they have been dealt a blow with Radu Dragusin ruled out for the season due to a knee injury. However, Micky van de Ven is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Ben Davies, with Postecoglou confident of having key players like Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario back in action soon.
Possible Lineups
- Liverpool’s Potential Lineup: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
- Tottenham’s Potential Lineup: Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Van de Ven, Davies, Gray; Bergvall, Bissouma, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son
Prediction: Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Liverpool is expected to come out all guns blazing, needing at least two goals to progress. Tottenham has struggled defensively against stronger opposition, and if Liverpool is at their best, we could see another high-scoring affair similar to their 6-3 league victory over Spurs in December. Expect a thrilling second leg, with Liverpool likely to overturn their first-leg deficit and advance to the final.
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