Date: Thursday, February 8, 2024
Venue: Anfield
Kick-off: 9:00 PM WAT
Liverpool welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield for the decisive second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit and book their place at Wembley. Spurs, meanwhile, are aiming to protect their narrow advantage and reach their first domestic final since 2021.
Match Preview
A late goal from Lucas Bergvall settled the first leg in Tottenham’s favor, but the North London side will be well aware that the job is far from done.
Ange Postecoglou’s men now face the daunting task of defending their lead at Anfield, a stadium where Liverpool have been formidable this season.
The Reds have been relentless on home turf, going unbeaten in 15 matches at Anfield since September, scoring at least twice in every game during that run.
Jurgen Klopp’s side kept their momentum going over the weekend with a 2-0 victory at Bournemouth, as Mohamed Salah marked his return from injury with a crucial brace.
With a Premier League title challenge, an FA Cup run, and Champions League ambitions still alive, Liverpool remain in the hunt for multiple trophies.
The EFL Cup was Klopp’s first silverware with the club back in 2019, and he will be eager to add another final appearance before his departure at the end of the season.
Tottenham, meanwhile, know they are on the brink of a massive opportunity. With Manchester City already out of the competition, Spurs see this as a golden chance to lift their first major trophy since their 2008 League Cup triumph.
Their form has been inconsistent, but back-to-back wins over Elfsborg in Europe and Brentford in the league have boosted confidence ahead of this crucial fixture.
However, history is not on their side. Spurs have failed to win at Anfield in their last 14 visits, and they must produce a disciplined defensive display to withstand Liverpool’s attacking firepower.
Team News
Liverpool:
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to miss out after picking up a thigh injury against Bournemouth, though his absence is not long-term.
Joe Gomez remains sidelined, but Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota are back in contention. Klopp must decide between Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones will battle for a spot in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Spurs have been hit with another injury setback as Radu Dragusin has been ruled out for the season with a knee issue. Micky van de Ven, however, is fit again and expected to start in central defense.
Postecoglou is hopeful that Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, Brennan Johnson, and Timo Werner will return soon, but this game may come too early for them. Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke remain longer-term absentees.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
Tottenham Hotspur: Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Van de Ven, Davies, Gray; Bergvall, Bissouma, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son
