Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur hosts Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semifinals

Liverpool takes on Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals to rectify their momentum in 2025. The Reds drew 2-2 with their bitter rival Manchester United in the Premier League game at Anfield on snowy Sunday.

They only blame themselves for dropping two crucial points as the Merseyside giant conceded two poor goals due to complacency. However, Spurs’ game allows the Reds to bounce back and ease their path to the back-to-back Carabao Cup finals.

Liverpool beat Chelsea last season in the Carabao Cup finals to secure their only trophy of the season under Jurgen Klopp. As the legendary manager said goodbye to the club that adored him, Arne Slot immediately established himself as the successor.

The Dutch head coach has already helped Liverpool secure an impressive 6-3 victory over the Lilywhites in the Premier League. Liverpool plans to maintain their strong season start with a victory over Spurs, immediately bouncing back from their poor performance.

The Reds have lost only one game so far this season against Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League. However, the draw against Man United is arguably their worst performance under Slot so far with many lethargic individual displays.

Liverpool will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semifinals after beating them 3-6 in the Premier League bout in December.

With 23 victories from 28 games in all competitions so far, Liverpool needs an immediate course correction against the Lilywhites. A crucial away win also gives them breathing space while their Premier League title rivals Arsenal play in-form Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites have limited options when it comes to the potential competition they can target to end the infamous trophy drought. Tottenham are struggling with a very inconsistent season, currently 12th in the Premier League table with 10 losses this season.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Recent form

Spurs have only registered one win in the last five games in all competitions, facing tremendous pressure to produce results. The London club registered their only victory against Man United in the 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-finals victory on 20th December.

Spurs drew 2-2 to Wolves in the Premier League while losing their games to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and even the Reds. Liverpool’s emphatic 3-6 victory came recently at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which remains a matter of concern among their fans.

Meanwhile, the Reds have registered four victories from the last five games in all competitions, with one draw against United. Liverpool beat Southampton 1-2 in an away Carabao Cup game on 19 December to secure their place in the semi-finals.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed that James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr will miss the game due to suspension. Long-term injuries include Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Richardlison, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Micky van De Ven and Guglielmo Vicario.

Postecoglou also confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur is available for selection while Radu Dragusin and Archie Grey have returned as well. Dejan Kulusevski struggled with illness but he is available to play for the hosts.

Predicted Spurs’ starting XI: Forster, Porro, Reguilon, Dragusin, Spence, Bissouma, Bergvall, Johnson, Kulusevski, Son, Solange.

Liverpool are missing Joe Gomez as the only unavailable long-term absentee while Slot confirmed Dominik Szoboszlai has just recovered from illness. The Carabao Cup provides them the opportunity to shuffle the starting lineup and provide rest to their regular players.

However, Liverpool will face Accrington Stanley in the third-round FA Cup clash which allows Slot to start his strongest team. At the same time, bringing players like Ibrahima Konate immediately after their long injury layoff carries an undesirable risk factor.

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is suspended for the next Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest due to a yellow card culmination. The Carabao Cup and the FA Cup fixture could allow Slot to use him extensively before the Nottingham game.

Liverpool Predicted XI: Allison, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Elliott, Salah, Jota, Diaz

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Predicted result

1-3: Liverpool should edge the game if they play a strong lineup against Spurs while keeping their second-half complacency in mind. The Reds conceded two goals against the Reds Devils due to a similar complacent attitude with sloppy passes and lethargy. Nevertheless, Liverpool are too strong for Tottenham despite their impressive offensive power.