League Cup,
Round of 32
Liverpool
LIV
15/09/2026
20:00
Tottenham
TOT
- Venue
- Anfield
Anfield is set to ignite once more, but under a unique kind of pressure. As Liverpool prepare to host Tottenham in a blockbuster League Cup Round of 32 clash, the narrative is less about silverware and more about survival – for both managers. For Reds boss Andoni Iraola, it’s the “worst scenario” imaginable: a relentless fixture pile-up threatening to derail his meticulously planned season. For Roberto De Zerbi, counterpart at Tottenham, it’s a desperate scramble to inject life into a campaign that has sputtered from the very first whistle. This isn’t just a cup tie; it’s a litmus test of squad depth, managerial acumen, and sheer mental fortitude.
Fresh off a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in Europe and a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Fulham at home, Liverpool’s squad is being stretched to its absolute limits. Three days separate the Cottagers draw from this crucial Carabao Cup encounter, with a testing Premier League trip to Iraola’s former club, Bournemouth, looming just five days later. The manager’s concern is palpable: “You notice if it’s four or five days in comparison to two or three days. It’s a massive difference, but it is what it is.” This relentless schedule forces Iraola into a delicate balancing act, a high-stakes gamble on who can withstand the physical and mental demands, and who desperately needs a breather. Expect significant rotation, but with the underlying demand for a winning performance on home soil where he still seeks his first domestic home win at the third attempt.
Meanwhile, Tottenham arrives at Anfield in a state of disarray that borders on crisis. Their only solace this season came in the previous round of this very competition, a resounding 5-1 thrashing of Championship side Charlton Athletic. That result, however, feels like an anomaly in a season defined by attacking impotence and frustrating draws. Four league games without a goal – a historical low for the club – culminated in a drab 0-0 draw against Everton, earning them only their second point of the campaign. De Zerbi, despite his public assurances, must be feeling the heat. “It’s not difficult because I’m lucky to have these players and I’m convinced, 100%, of the quality of the players,” he claimed, a statement that rings hollow in the face of their toothless displays. This cup tie offers a chance at redemption, a flicker of hope that could reignite a season teetering on the brink.
Liverpool v Tottenham: Carabao Cup Team News
Iraola’s hand is forced, and a new face will guard the Liverpool net as Giorgi Mamardashvili steps in for Alisson. The return of Joe Gomez from a muscle injury is a welcome boost, though a starting berth might be too soon, likely seeing him on the bench. However, the Reds are not without their woes, with defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (knee), and forwards Federico Chiesa (muscle) and Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) all sidelined, thinning out crucial areas of the squad and challenging Iraola’s depth.
Tottenham’s injury list is equally concerning, impacting key creative and defensive personnel. Winger Dejan Kulusevski (knee), full-back Pedro Porro (muscle), and playmaker Sandro Tonali (knock) are all out. Midfielder Xavi Simons and widemen Mykhailo Mudryk and Wilson Odobert further complicate De Zerbi’s attacking options. However, there are glimmers of hope: deadline-day defensive signing Tosin Adarabioyo could make a crucial full debut, while full-back Destiny Udogie (knee) might also return. James Maddison’s appearance on the bench against Everton following a shoulder problem suggests he’s nearing full fitness, but the saga surrounding Richarlison – reportedly seeking an exit – continues to cast a long shadow, with the forward remaining out of the squad.
Liverpool v Tottenham: EFL Cup Predicted Line-ups
Given the fixture congestion and injury concerns, both managers are expected to field significantly altered lineups, providing opportunities for squad players and rising talents to stake their claim. This rotation could lead to an unpredictable yet exciting encounter.
Liverpool:Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Ronald Araujo, Milos Kerkez, Trey Nyoni, Ryan Gravenberch, Rio Ngumoha, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Lewis Koumas
Tottenham:Martin Dubravka, Archie Gray, Marcos Senesi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush, Mathys Tel
Game Highlights: A Predicted Narrative
The whistle blows, and Anfield roars, but the opening exchanges are tense, reflecting the stakes. Liverpool, despite their rotations, press high, with Trey Nyoni showcasing his youthful exuberance in midfield, linking well with Ryan Gravenberch. Cody Gakpo, tasked with leading the line, looks sharp, testing Dubravka with an early snap shot that forces a low save. Tottenham, however, are not without bite; Mohammed Kudus on the right flank causes issues for Milos Kerkez, his pace and trickery a constant threat.
The breakthrough for Liverpool comes just before the half-hour mark. A surging run from Jeremie Frimpong down the right wing sees him deliver a perfectly weighted cross that findsCody Gakpoghosting between defenders. Gakpo’s header, powerful and precise, leaves Dubravka with no chance, sending the Kop into raptures. The Reds push for a second, sensing Tottenham’s fragility, but Tosin Adarabioyo, on debut, puts in a colossal block to deny Lewis Koumas from close range, proving his worth almost immediately.
Tottenham respond in the second half with renewed vigour. Lucas Bergvall, showcasing his vision, threads a delightful ball through for Mathys Tel. Tel’s first touch takes him past Ronald Araujo, and he coolly slots past Mamardashvili. It’s a goal that breathes life into Spurs and silences the home crowd. The game becomes an end-to-end affair, stretched and open. Both sides commit men forward, searching for the decisive blow. Dominic Solanke, an ex-Red returning to Anfield, has a golden opportunity but drags his shot wide, much to the relief of the home faithful.
But the drama isn’t over. With just ten minutes left, a moment of brilliance. Omar Marmoush, having been relatively quiet, picks up the ball on the edge of the box, twists away from Joe Gomez, and unleashes a thunderous strike that flies into the top corner. Tottenham have turned the game on its head! Anfield is stunned. However, Liverpool refuse to lie down. In the dying embers of regular time, a corner is swung in. It’s cleared, but falls to a determinedAlexis Mac Allister, whose speculative effort from outside the box takes a deflection off Marcos Senesi, wrong-footing Dubravka and nestling into the net. The stadium erupts again. A frantic finish culminates in a thrilling 2-2 draw, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout.
Liverpool v Spurs: Carabao Cup Stats & Recent Form
- This will be the seventh time these storied clubs have crossed paths in the League Cup since 1984. Intriguingly, the home team has emerged victorious in each of the last four EFL Cup meetings, a trend that bodes well for Liverpool’s Anfield advantage.
- Liverpool’s fortress status at Anfield against Tottenham is undeniable, with an astonishing 17-game unbeaten streak stretching back to May 2011. While Richarlison’s 90th-minute equaliser last March offered Spurs a rare point, it merely punctuated Liverpool’s recent dominance, which includes five wins in their last six encounters, excluding the 2024/25 EFL Cup semi-final where Spurs secured a narrow 1-0 first-leg win before a 4-0 aggregate defeat.
- Even if he’s not on the pitch, Mohamed Salah’s legacy looms large as the top scorer in this fixture across all competitions, with 14 goals – three ahead of Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves. This highlights Liverpool’s historical potency against the North London club.
- Overall, Liverpool boast a commanding record in this fixture: 92 wins to Tottenham’s 50, alongside 45 draws, with the Reds leading 312-219 on aggregate. This historical weight often plays a psychological role.
- As the most successful team in EFL Cup history with 10 triumphs, Liverpool’s pedigree in this competition is unmatched. Tottenham, with four wins (their last in 2007/08), are no strangers to success, but their recent domestic trophy drought makes this tie all the more significant.
- Tottenham’s struggles away from home are stark: they’ve scored more than one goal in just one of their last nine away games, managing a mere six goals in total during that period. This offensive anaemia will be a major concern for De Zerbi against a Liverpool side that, even with rotations, will be defensively organised.
- Richarlison’s absence and public desire to leave are a double blow, particularly as he is Tottenham’s top scorer against Liverpool since May 2022 with three goals. His potential departure creates a void in a team already struggling for goals.
Where to Watch Liverpool v Tottenham: TV Channel & Live Online Streams
Don’t miss a minute of this crucial Carabao Cup clash! Kick-off on Tuesday is scheduled for 20:00 BST (17:00 ET / 12:00 PT). In the UK, fans can catch all the action live on ITV4, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and Sky Sports Ultra. Streaming options include ITV’s website and the ITVX app, accessible across a wide array of devices for convenient viewing on the go. For Sky Sports access via Now TV, a day membership is £14.99, a 12-month contract is £27.99 a month, or a flexible monthly pass is available for £34.99.
Liverpool v Tottenham: EFL Cup Prediction
Liverpool
2 – 2
Tottenham
This fixture, despite the expected raft of changes and the managers’ rotation headaches, promises entertainment. Both sides will be desperate for a morale-boosting victory, and with a blend of proven talent and hungry youngsters, goals feel inevitable. Liverpool’s home advantage is a significant factor, but Tottenham’s attacking options, even with injuries, have the potential to exploit a rotated Reds defence. Expect a seesaw battle with moments of individual brilliance, leading to an exhilarating draw in regular time. This tie is destined to go the distance, with penalties ultimately deciding who progresses to the next round.