Silverware symbolism
Ange Postecoglou’s assertion that he always wins silverware in his second season at a club will be tested as Tottenham come up against the best team in the country in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Spurs are struggling badly for league form having won just one of their last eight games. However, glory in the Carabao Cup would prove the North London outfit are still heading in the right direction.
There won’t be so much pressure on Liverpool such is their strong standing at the top of the Premier League table right now, but winning the first domestic trophy of the season would be symbolic for Arne Slot as the Reds’ new manager.
With both teams known for their attacking football, Tottenham and Liverpool could put on a spectacle. Indeed, there has been over 2.5 goals in eight of the last nine meetings between the two rivals.
Key players
While Tottenham have struggled for form in recent matches, Dominic Solanke has still impressed in the centre forward position, finding the back of the net in his most recent outing against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Dejan Kulusevski has also been a shining light for Spurs as a creative force in the final third. The Swede, along with Solanke, will be the biggest threat to the Liverpool defence on Wednesday night.
Son Heung-min could come into the lineup after starting on the bench against Newcastle with Brennan Johnson on the right side Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma in the central midfield unit.
Slot could rest some key players after a gruelling winter period, but Liverpool’s squad depth will see them still field a strong side that might include Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez in attack.
Conor Bradley is in line to start at right back and could steady Liverpool’s defence after a shaky performance by Trent Alexander-Arnold against Manchester United. Caoimhin Kelleher could start in goal.
Team news
Tottenham are still suffering something of an injury crisis with seven first team figures expected to be sidelined for the visit of Liverpool with a further two doubtful.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s absence in central defence has been keenly felt in recent weeks with Destiny Udogie also sidelined through injury. Radu Drăgușin could similarly miss out after coming off at half time of Saturday’s match against Newcastle due to illness.
Fraser Forster could return to the lineup after missing Tottenham’s last match through that same sickness bug, although Brandon Austin’s impressive display against Newcastle may see him keep his place in goal.
James Maddison and Pape Sarr are both suspended and while Richarlison is back in training, Tuesday’s match will surely come too early for the Brazilian forward.
Joe Gomez is still out injured for Liverpool with Dominik Szoboszlai a doubt after missing the 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.
Prediction
With the importance of balancing this first leg tie with ongoing Premier League commitments, we’re expecting a score draw that’ll leave everything to play for in next month’s second leg at Anfield: Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool
(Cover image from IMAGO)