Liverpool will need to turn around their Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham when the two clash on Thursday night, live on talkSPORT.
Spurs head to Anfield with a narrow 1-0 lead after Lucas Bergvall’s goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It was a controversial winner as the Swede was fortunate to avoid a second booking moments before he scored.
But he wasn’t sent off, so Ange Postecoglou‘s men have something to hold onto.
Of course, both sides are enjoying contrasting seasons, with Tottenham in the bottom half of the Premier League table and Arne Slot‘s men flying high at the top.
But this is the cup, so anything could happen.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Late business
While Liverpool elected to keep their powder dry in the January transfer window, Spurs were forced into action.
The north London club have sustained a huge amount of injuries this year, meaning they made some January signings.
Antonin Kinsky joined at the start of the window and made his debut during the first leg, and he has been joined by two more players.
Austrian international Kevin Danso will add competition at centre-back, while an exciting forward arrived.
Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich can play on the left or as a striker, and he will provide another attacking option for Postecoglou.
- Liverpool have progressed to the final on two of the last three occasions they’ve lost the first leg of a League Cup semi-final, doing so against Crystal Palace in 2000-01 and Sheffield United in 2002-03.
- Tottenham have been eliminated three of the last five times they’ve won the first leg of a League Cup semi-final, most recently against Chelsea in 2018-19. No side has been eliminated at this stage of the competition having won the first leg more (Ipswich Town also three).
- Liverpool have lost just one of their last 27 home games against Tottenham in all competitions (W19 D7), and are unbeaten in 14 (W10 D4) since a 2-0 loss in May 2011.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Team news
The Reds do have major question marks over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back asked to come off during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
And Slot revealed after the game he thinks it’s highly doubtful the England international plays any part in this one.
Joe Gomez is also definitely out.
For Tottenham, Danso and Tel could make their debuts, while Micky van de Ven was rested at the weekend and will be fine to play here.
However, Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Radu Dragusin are all set to be absent.
- Tottenham are looking to beat Liverpool twice in the same season for the first time since 2010-11, when they did the double over them in the Premier League.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine home games in the League Cup (W4 D5), winning the last four in a row by an aggregate score of 15-4.
- Tottenham haven’t eliminated the holders of the League Cup since 2007-08, when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final in what remains their last major trophy win.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: What has been said?
Former Spurs captain Harry Kane has fully endorsed Tottenham signing Tel.
The duo have played together in Germany, and Kane is a big fan.
The England star said: “It’s a great move for both parties. Mathys is a great guy and really hardworking.
“Obviously, for his potential it’s important for him to get some minutes under his belt and some regular game time and hopefully develop, keep improving and hopefully fulfil all the potential that he has.
“It’s great for Tottenham to have a young hungry player with loads of talent to hopefully score some goals and help push Tottenham as far as possible.
“I’m wishing him all the best. I hope he has a fantastic time there. I know he will and I’m sure all the fans will make him feel really welcome as well.”
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been involved in nine goals in his last six appearances against Tottenham in all competitions, scoring six and assisting three.
- Lucas Bergvall scored Tottenham’s winner in the first leg – the last Spurs player to score in both legs of a League Cup semi-final was Roman Pavlyuchenko (2008-09).
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Date and how to follow
The Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg is set to take place on Thursday, February 6.
talkSPORT will have live coverage from Merseyside, with Hugh Woozencroft serving as your presenter.
Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former Watford striker Troy Deeney.
talkSPORT.com will also have all the reaction.
To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.