Liverpool welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield for the second leg of this years EFL Cup Semi-final second leg. Liverpool come into this game at a one goal deficit thanks to a late winner in the reverse fixture but most recently a demolition of relegation battlers Ipswich Town on the weekend beating them 4-1 with goals provided from Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohammad Salah and Cody Gakpo.
On the other hand their opponents Tottenham enter this fixture after a tough period of results which saw them fall deep into 14th place in the Premier League table but now looking to find a patch of form with their most recent match resulting in a 2-0 win against fellow mid table side Brentford.
This contest is crucial for both teams in this semi final as Liverpool look to add the first trophy of the season as early as possible with them still being available for all silverware this season with them progressing in both the FA Cup and Champions League. This having an alternative motive for Tottenham as they look to progress to the final in order to rescue a season that hasn't gone to plan.
Entering this fixture Liverpool start as favourite with this game taking place at Anfield, a notorious stadium across the world for the atmosphere when needed. Liverpool currently being unbeaten this season at home in all competition will look to keep their opponents away from the net at all cost and grab the 2 goals needed to progress to the final.
Team News
Liverpool
The hosts enter the match with only one player ruled out of selection, that being highly regarded right back Trent Alexander Arnold who is suffering with a thigh injury which will see him ruled out as per Arne Slot's pre match comments.
Tottenham
The away side have been disheartened week in week out by team selection due to injuries or suspensions. This fixture sees them without 10 match day players who have been selected through many weeks in the Premier League. The players who will miss this game are the likes of Brennan Johnson, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke,, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert. The injury list nearly enough to field an entire team.
Likely lineups
Liverpool
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Alister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.
Tottenham
Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Son, Richarlison.
Key Player
Virgil Van Dijk
As the captain of the team this game will require an outstanding performance from the Dutch man so that he can ensure he is setting a good example for the players around him. Not only this but as the team enter the tie in at a deficit he must ensure that his team is the first team to score and keep all opposition players away from his area in order to keep them in the game and give them the best chance possible for progression.
Lucas Bergvall
The Swedish midfielder has been an important player under Ange Postecoglu most recent system since entering the squad, He had a very controversial game in the first leg, before escaping a booking for a late challenge before later being booking for an equal challenge which left many fans believing he should've been sent off due to a second yellow. Shortly after this he went on to slot home the winner from the centre of the box to give his team the winner. This second leg will be heavily reliant on the performance of him and his midfield partnership as they will be on the back foot for this second leg.
Match Details
Where will this match be played?
This game will be held at Anfield in which holds 61,276 ranking 4th in the capacity for stadiums in the Premier League, this being said the ground does sell out regularly.
What time is the Match?
The match will played in the later segment of EFL Cup Semi Final at the time of 8:00GMT on Thursday 6th of February.
How can I watch this match?
The match will be available for viewing on paid services of Sky Sports Main Event.
