This Is Anfield

The dates and kickoff times have now been confirmed for when Liverpool will meet Tottenham over two legs for a place in the Carabao Cup final.

Arne Slot‘s side were drawn against Spurs after securing their place in the last four with a 2-1 win over Southampton, having already overcome West Ham and Brighton.

The two teams will meet over two games, with it now been confirmed that the first leg at Tottenham will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 8pm.

A return to Anfield for the second leg will then take place on Thursday, February 6 at 8pm.

Ange Postecoglou’s side nearly surrendered a 3-0 lead in their quarter-final against Man United before hanging on for 4-3 victory to secure their place in the semi-final.

And they now know first-hand what the Reds are capable of having been on the end of a 6-3 defeat from Slot’s men.

Who do the Reds play either side of the semi-finals?

The Reds have a busy schedule around the time of their semi-finals, but could find themselves with a free weekend after the second leg if they do not progress beyond Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup.

First leg (A) – Jan 8

Before: Man United (H) – Jan 5

After: Accrington Stanley – FA Cup – Jan 11

Second leg (H) – Feb 6

Before: Bournemouth (A) – Feb 1

After: Possible FA Cup fourth round – Feb 8

When is the final?

The final will take place at Wembley on Sunday, March 16, the final game before the March international break.

If Liverpool progress to the final, their Premier League trip to Aston Villa that weekend will be forced to be rearranged to later in the campaign.

Ryan Gravenberch has given Liverpool fans an idea of the “game plan” against Tottenham, admitting the Reds targeted one specific player.

Arne Slot‘s side produced a masterclass on Sunday afternoon, thumping Spurs 6-3 at their own stadium to move four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

While the three goals conceded were slightly frustrating, it was a game that Liverpool completely dominated, on a day that saw their title odds shorten after Chelsea dropped points at Everton.

Arne Slot nailed his team selection and tactics at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and speaking to LFCTV, Gravenberch admitted they targeted Radu Dragusin at right centre-back.

“Yeah, we had a really good game plan, we wanted to keep them on the right side and press the right centre-back,” Gravenberch said.

“Sometimes it went well and sometimes they did it good, but by the end, I think we did really well.”

Gravenberch, who was once again outstanding, also explained other key factors behind Liverpool’s victory, including a fast start being important.

“Energy in the attacking part, I think. At the end we scored six goals and that was the key part,” he added.

“We know Tottenham give everything here from the start, so we wanted to give more than them.

“I think we did that in the beginning and we scored really nice goals.”

It’s fascinating to hear Gravenberch be so honest about Liverpool’s approach, considering how many players and managers are coy about tactics in the modern game.

The fact that Liverpool targeted Dragusin is interesting, considering 18-year-old Archie Gray was at left centre-back, in a role he rarely plays.

As Gravenberch alludes to, though, it was an approach that paid off handsomely and Spurs’ defence simply couldn’t live with the Reds’ attack all afternoon.

While the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai made the headlines in north London, the Dutchman was once again integral to Liverpool getting all three points.

There was very little not to love about Liverpool’s 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham, but was the performance one of champions?

The Reds thumped Spurs in the Premier League on Sunday, on what felt like a significant afternoon in the title race.

There were standouts in every position, not least the record-breaking Mohamed Salah, as Liverpool took advantage of Chelsea‘s 0-0 draw at Everton to stretch their lead at the top to four points with a game in hand.

Here, Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) and The Redmen TV’s Dan Clubbe (@dan_clubbe) discuss a stunning win and whether Arne Slot side’s look like champions in waiting.

The good…

DAN: How long have we got?

There were moments where it seemed as though we had reached peak Liverpool this season – the movement, the pressing, the fluidity.

It was the Reds in full flow, poetry in motion.

Szoboszlai, only really praised for his work ethic and engine this season, produced a magnificent performance in every sense of the word.

His took his goal wonderfully and was a constant threat dovetailing with the front line and arriving in the box. Top class.

There was an inevitability about Salah, too, but that doesn’t mean I take for granted yet another match-defining performance. He is the best in the world right now.

For Gomez to step up in the absence of perhaps the most in-form defender in Europe in the manner that he has is remarkable, too.

Given how often he’s been written off, this was another display that further proves his worth to the squad.

As for Trent, it’s baffled me for a while how some people would willingly allow him to leave.

Whatever you think about his situation, how he’s handled it or your love for Conor Bradley, this is a generational footballer who does things not many others on this planet can do time and time again.

TOP AT CHRISTMAS AND WITH BREATHING ROOM!

HENRY: Well, that was some statement!

I’ll admit I was nervous before the game after two league draws in a row, but the performance was sublime.

Before the sloppy Maddison goal, it was Liverpool’s most imperious display of the season, with almost every player catching the eye.

The level of firepower in attack, control and energy in midfield and class at the back were all a joy to watch, barring the odd lapse.

Salah has to be focused on after overtaking Billy Liddell. It’s hard to downplay what a significant achievement that is!

What Mo is doing this season is beyond ridiculous and he should be thought of now as one of the best-ever Premier League players, alongside the likes of Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.

I thought Diaz was great, too, both on and off the ball, while the travelling fans were in fantastic festive voice throughout.

The bad…

HENRY: I suppose we have to focus on conceding three goals!

It really didn’t feel like that, though, and my main hope is that Virg and the other perfectionists in the group don’t let his happen again for the rest of the season.

Other than that, it was near-perfect.

DAN: Not much. Maybe it should’ve been more comfortable?

We could easily have been out of sight before Spurs mustered a noteworthy effort.

Then, once we were, we inexplicably allowed them to think they had a sniff of a comeback.

As Henry says, perhaps the concession of those goals will serve as a positive in the long run acting as a bit of a reality check.

Stopping short of the complete performance gives us room for improvement.

It is proof that we are still that work in progress and it is certainly something for Slot to analyse and work on to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Are Liverpool the champions-elect?

DAN: Certain elements of this felt a bit like Leicester away in 2019 on Boxing Day – an imperious against a side with loads of threats and the potential to cause a bloody nose.

So, based on that logic, this was a huge statement, especially with further Man City woes and Everton doing us another unlikely favour.

I wouldn’t go as far as singing anything aloud just yet, but in terms of confidence levels, they’re rising, as they should be.

We are some football team.

HENRY: I’m a natural pessimist as a football fan, so I’m wary of being too bullish about Liverpool and then looking stupid in May.

That said, I did feel like I was watching the champions in that first half, in particular.

With injuries easing and the likes of Ali, Trent, Virg, Robbo and Mo having so much experience of title races, it’s hard not to feel very excited.

I do think some are being far too quick to write off Arsenal, though, and they worry me more far more than Chelsea.

They are steely and capable of a long winning run, but Saka’s injury could be a huge blow.

But Liverpool are the comfortable favourites and the best team in the country, possessing more attacking firepower than anyone else by a mile.

There were stunning performances galore in Liverpool’s barmy 6-3 win away to Tottenham on Sunday, in a huge Premier League title statement by the Reds.

Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool

Premier League (16), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

December 22, 2024

Goals: Maddison 41′, Kulusevski 72′, Solanke 83′; Diaz 23′ 85′, Mac Allister 36′, Szoboszlai 46′, Salah 54′ 61′

Alisson (out of 10) – 8

Making his first away start in 11 weeks, Alisson was his usual reliable self between the sticks, even if he conceded three times.

Unlike Fraser Forster, Liverpool’s No. 1 used the ball well and he could arguably do nothing for any of Spurs’ goals.

Will have enjoyed watching the masterclass going on in front of him, but did make one great save to deny Brennan Johnson late on.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9

Has there been a better passer and crosser of the ball in Premier League history?

Alexander-Arnold was a joy to watch against Spurs, starting imperiously with a sublime lofted pass into Mohamed Salah.

He then assisted superbly, finding Luis Diaz with a perfect cross, and generally exuded world-class quality all afternoon, forcing Forster into one good save from distance.

Joe Gomez – 8

Gomez has had an up-and-down few weeks, excelling in some games but struggling against Newcastle, and he was excellent here.

The centre-back was a calm presence alongside Virgil van Dijk, putting out fires and showing quality in possession, when needed.

Read the game immaculately, on a day that almost made you forget Ibrahima Konate!

Virgil van Dijk – 8

Another day, another Van Dijk masterclass.

There were times on Sunday when it felt like he was playing against a bunch of children, overpowering Spurs’ attackers and nailing every aspect of his game.

One imperious first touch when an awkward long ball was played over the top summed up his brilliance, but he loses a mark for allowing Dominic Solanke to score a little too easily.

Andy Robertson – 8

Robertson is Liverpool’s most under-fire player at the moment, not least after his red card against Fulham, but he shone in north London.

The Scot did well against the in-form Dejan Kulusevski, if troubled a few times early on, and he should be happy with the shift he put in.

Key interception in the lead up to Liverpool’s fifth goal.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8

Gravenberch remains an ever-present in the Premier League this season, and this was another exceptional performance.

Biting into tackles, covering ground and breaking the lines with his athleticism, the Dutchman was simply too good for Spurs’ midfielders.

The strides he has made this season are quite remarkable.

Alexis Mac Allister – 8

Back in the team in the league after suspension last weekend, Mac Allister was another shining light.

A metronomic presence in the Reds’ midfield, the Argentine and Gravenberch have forged a great understanding, and he headed home his side’s second goal.

Granted, it was Mac Allister’s sloppy touch that allowed Maddison to score, but we’ll let him off!

Dominik Szoboszlai – 9

Szoboszlai has received criticism at times this season, gaining less than praise than the other midfielders, but displays such as these make you wonder why.

He was everywhere, providing a relentless work ethic and also elite quality on the ball.

Szoboszlai was involved in the Mac Allister’s goal and Salah’s second, as well as firing home himself just before half-time.

Mohamed Salah – 9 (Man of the Match)

It feels like Salah makes a piece of history every time he plays.

His assist for Szoboszlai’s goal saw him become the first-ever player in Premier League history to register at least 10 goals and assists apiece in a season before Christmas.

Salah then equalled and overtook Billy Liddell‘s tally for Liverpool, outlining what a true all-time great he is, also teeing-up Diaz for his second of the game.

The best player in the world on current form.

Cody Gakpo – 7

Used in his strongest left wing role, as has been the norm under Arne Slot, this was another effective showing from Gakpo.

Others were better on the day, and certain pieces of decision-making were frustrating, but the positives still easily outweighed the negatives.

Heavily involved the melee before Salah made it 5-1.

Luis Diaz – 9

Diaz led the line instead of Darwin Nunez and he emphatically repaid Slot’s faith in him.

Liverpool’s No. 7 started and completing the scoring and was always a huge threat, giving Spurs’ defenders nightmares.

Meanwhile, Diaz’s work rate off the ball was relentless throughout, showing what a great team player he is.

Substitutes

Diogo Jota (on for Gakpo, 68′) – 7 – Looked lively, getting more invaluable minutes at the same time.

Curtis Jones (on for Mac Allister, 68′) – 6 – Did fine, but Liverpool conceded twice shortly after he came on.

Harvey Elliott (on for Salah, 86′) – 6 – Neat and tidy, but unnoticed.

Darwin Nunez (on for Diaz, 86′) – 6 – Not on the pitch for long enough to create his usual mayhem!

Subs not used: Kelleher, Endo, Tsimikas, Quansah, Nyoni

Arne Slot – 10

After two draws in a row in the league, Slot will have known the importance of bouncing back.

The Dutchman got a sensational display out of his side, nailing his team selection and overcoming a big obstacle over the festive period.

The job that Slot is doing is quite remarkable and this was Liverpool’s biggest statement yet in the Premier League title race.

The Reds performed like champions and their head coach deserves endless praise for the job he is doing.

Liverpool ensured they are four points clear at Christmas – with a game in hand – with an incredible 6-3 win over Tottenham marking a record night for Mo Salah.

Tottenham 3-6 Liverpool

Premier League (16) | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

December 22, 2024

Goals

Diaz 23′ (assist – Alexander-Arnold)

Mac Allister 36′ (assist – none)

Maddison 41′

Szoboszlai 45+1′ (assist – Salah)

Salah 54′ (assist – none)

Salah 61′ (assist – Szoboszlai)

Kulusevski 72′

Solanke 83′

Diaz 85′ (assist – Salah)

With seven key players back after a rest and a ragged Tottenham side unchanged from three days previous, Liverpool were expected to take the fight to their hosts in their push for a comfortable lead at Christmas.

They were almost in front within two minutes after another howler from Fraser Forster – so nearly the villain as Man United fought back in midweek – but Salah could only fire his gift into the side-netting.

Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s outrageous passing and Salah’s sheer will to score were features of the opening stages, the Egyptian denied by Forster, then twice by Djed Spence and then once by the crossbar, with five shots in the first 20 minutes.

It was Alexander-Arnold who teed up the opener with another stunning delivery, whipping in a perfect ball for Luis Diaz who headed into the bottom corner for a goal the PGMOL could not deny this time.

Liverpool were all over Tottenham and were deservedly 2-0 up before long, with Andy Robertson‘s hopeful cross bouncing off bodies and into the path of Alexis Mac Allister, who reacted first to nod in.

Spurs, such is their nature, grabbed one back with minutes left in the first half, James Maddison producing a brilliant finish from outside the box, but then conceded again with a flowing counter seeing Salah feed Dominik Szoboszlai for 3-1.

HT: Tottenham 1-3 Liverpool

Liverpool kept up the pace after the break and were 4-1 up within 10 minutes of the restart, another blistering counter seeing Salah eventually turn home to draw level with Billy Liddell as the all-time fourth-highest goalscorer in the club’s history.

Seven minutes later and Salah moved clear of Liddell with his 229th goal for the Reds, tapping in after excellent work from the outstanding Szoboszlai as Tottenham floundered.

With his side in complete control, Arne Slot opted to withdraw Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo as Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were sent on in a display of the strength of his squad.

The pace slowed and Tottenham were able to score another through Dejan Kulusevski and then one more through Dominic Solanke, though few beyond Slot, his staff and the players themselves will have been concerned.

Liverpool were so far adrift that it mattered little on the day, with Diaz restoring a three-goal lead after another emphatic move, firing into the bottom corner from Salah’s second assist of the day.

With a trip to Leicester – beaten 3-0 by Wolves earlier on Sunday – to come on Boxing Day, the Reds can enjoy their place at the top of the three for Christmas.

TIA Man of the Match: Mo Salah

Referee: Sam Barrott

Tottenham: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Sarr (Bergvall 58′), Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison (Johnson 58′), Son (Werner 82′); Solanke

Subs not used: Austin, Reguilon, Udogie, Dorrington, Olusesi, Lankshear

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister (Jones 68′); Salah (Elliott 86′), Gakpo (Jota 68′), Diaz (Nunez 86′)

Subs not used: Kelleher, Quansah, Tsimikas, Endo, Nyoni

Arne Slot‘s Liverpool face another tricky test as they travel to play an inconsistent but dangerous Tottenham team. We’re live to bring you the latest.

Kickoff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is 4.30pm (UK), the referee is Sam Barrott.

Today’s blog is run by Harry McMullen, get involved by Tweeting @thisisanfield, @mcmulhar & in the comments below.

Watch Tottenham vs. Liverpool – Live Online Streams

Teams

Tottenham: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke

Subs: Austin, Reguilon, Udogie, Dorrington, Bergvall, Olusesi, Werner, Johnson, Lankshear

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz

Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah, Nyoni

Our coverage updates automatically below:

Liverpool meet Tottenham in the Premier League in the knowledge that a win will keep them at the top of the table on Christmas day. Here’s how to watch.

LIVE: Tottenham vs. Liverpool – Follow here!

For the fourth time this month, Arne Slot‘s side are on the road as they head to north London to meet Ange Postecoglou’s 10th-placed Tottenham.

The Liverpool boss spoke glowingly of his counterpart in the lead up to this fixture, but he will no doubt be hoping to prey on their vulnerabilities at the back amid eight injuries.

Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs. Tottenham – 7 changes

Here’s hoping this visit to Spurs is a lot less dramatic than the last and returns all three points. Into these, Reds!

Check This Is Anfield for the latest team news ahead of the match.

You can also follow the game by downloading the This is Anfield app, including lineups, live coverage and all the reaction and analysis.

The match gets underway at 4.30pm (GMT) – or 11.30am in New York, 8.30am in Los Angeles, 3.30am (Monday) in Sydney, 8.30pm in Dubai and 7.30pm in Nairobi.

UK Viewers

Tottenham vs. Liverpool is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK, which is available to live stream with Sky Sports here.

Live audio commentary of Tottenham vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here.

This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.

Download free here.

US Viewers

Tottenham vs. Liverpool is being shown live on Telemundo and USA Network in the US, which are available to live stream with fuboTV here.

Live audio commentary of Tottenham vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here.

This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.

Download free here.

Canada Viewers

Tottenham vs. Liverpool is being shown live on Fubo TV in Canada, which is available to live stream with Fubo TV here.

Live audio commentary of Tottenham vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here.

This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.

Download free here.

Worldwide

Live audio commentary of Tottenham vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will be available on LFCTV GO here.

You can find live listings for Tottenham vs. Liverpool around the world on Live Soccer TV’s website here.

This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.

Download free here.

Liverpool face a vital trip to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, in a game that feels significant in the Premier League title race.

Tottenham vs. Liverpool

Premier League (16) | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

December 22, 2024 | 4.30pm (GMT)

The Reds head to Tottenham this weekend, looking to avenge last season’s 2-1 defeat there, when their nine men couldn’t hold on for a draw.

After two draws in a row in the league, Arne Slot will be well aware of how important getting back to winning ways is on Sunday.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of a huge match.

It doesn’t feel long ago that Liverpool felt in control of the Premier League title race, but things have changed.

Back-to-back league draws, coupled with the trip to Everton being postponed, have seen Chelsea close the gap to just two points having played one game more.

That means if the Londoners win at Everton on Saturday evening, Liverpool will have the added pressure of being second in the table when kickoff arrives.

As was the case when they played Arsenal last weekend – and got a draw! – it’s a case of ‘come on, Everton‘ for some!

Slot is still without Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate, although the pair are edging towards their return to the fold.

Other than that, Liverpool have a clean bill of health.

Kostas Tsimikas made his comeback against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in midweek, having recovered from an ankle problem, and Federico Chiesa also got important minutes.

It almost doesn’t feel right having so few injuries!

Watching Spurs is never dull, but supporting them must be infuriating.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are capable of losing at home to Ipswich and then winning 4-0 at Man City, and they were 5-0 up at half-time away to Southampton last weekend.

Postecoglou is under pressure, but his team beat Man United 4-3 in the cup on Thursday, again showing what an entertaining and unpredictable outfit they are.

If Liverpool start well on Sunday, they can put Spurs to the sword, but equally, the hosts have it in them to cause the Reds huge problems with their high-octane style.

Slot rang the changes away to Saints on Wednesday, meaning key men will be raring to go on Sunday.

The likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah are all expected to return to the starting lineup.

Andy Robertson is back from suspension after serving a one-game ban, so he is likely to return at left-back despite some iffy form.

Slot has to choose two from four out of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota in attack, with the latter pair arguably the most likely to be on the substitutes’ bench.

That said, Nunez will be buoyed by his goal in midweek, and the fresher Jota becomes, the harder it will be for Slot to leave him out.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.

Tottenham have eight players out amid a host of injury problems.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is missing, as are key centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore and Richarlison are also absent, while Rodrigo Bentancur is still serving a seven-game ban for a racist remark about teammate Son Heung-min.

Destiny Udogie (thigh) and Timo Werner (illness) are available, though.

Possible Spurs XI: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot admitted it’s hard to know exactly when Bradley and Konate will be back:

“These are the two who are still in red so they don’t train with us at the moment.

“They are on their way back, but they don’t train with the team yet.

“That is quite difficult. I thought Jota would have been back a bit earlier already, but sometimes the end stage of rehab takes a bit longer.”

Liverpool have experienced mixed fortunes at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since it opened in 2019.

The first meeting there was in the title-winning 2019/20 season, with a Roberto Firmino strike earning the Reds a 1-0 win.

A 3-1 victory behind closed doors was then secured the following campaign, before an Alisson mistake gifted Son an equaliser in a 2-2 draw in 2021/22.

A Mohamed Salah double inspired Liverpool to a 2-1 triumph in November 2022, but last season, Jurgen Klopp‘s side suffered late heartbreak.

Joel Matip‘s last-gasp own goal robbed the Reds of a hard-fought 1-1 draw, just when it looked like they would pick up a memorable point.

Slot has won 20 of his 24 games as Liverpool head coach, in all competitions.

It is the joint-fastest any manager has reached 20 victories in charge of English top-flight clubs, alongside William Sudell with Preston way back in 1888/89!

Should Liverpool avoid defeat on Sunday, it will only be the third time in their history that they have reached Christmas Day without being beaten away from home.

What an incredible job Slot is doing.

Sam Barrott will referee Sunday’s game, in his second Liverpool outing of the season.

His first was the 3-2 victory away to Southampton in the Premier League last month, when he awarded the Reds a match-winning late penalty.

Lee Betts and Wade Smith are Barrott’s assistants, Michael Oliver is the fourth official and Paul Tierney – yikes! – is on VAR.

Tottenham vs. Liverpool is live on Sky Sports Main Event, with kickoff at 4.30pm (GMT).

As always, This Is Anfield will be guiding you through the action with minute-by-minute updates, with Harry McMullen keeping you entertained from 3.45pm.

Come on you Reds!

Tottenham will be without two players due to suspension when they meet Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final next month, with the Reds escaping the same fate.

The Reds meet Ange Postecoglou’s side on Sunday in the Premier League and will not have to wait long for another encounter after they were drawn to face each other in the two-legged semi-final.

Tottenham will host the first leg on January 7/8 before a return to Anfield for the decider on February 4/5.

Postecoglou will not be able to call upon either James Maddison or Pape Matar Sarr for the first leg, however, after the pair reached the suspension threshold in the quarter-final.

Sarr has been a regular for Tottenham in midfield this season, featuring in every match, while Maddison has been a vital contributor with seven goals and five assists.

READ: Tottenham without 8 players vs. Liverpool – but 2 expected to return

The rules state that if a player is shown two yellow cards throughout an individual Carabao Cup campaign, they will serve a suspension in the next match in the competition.

The slate is wiped clean after the quarter-final, meaning Jarell Quansah and Wataru Endo are no longer under threat having been a yellow card away at Southampton from missing the first leg.

Considering Spurs are facing an injury crisis, two suspensions will certainly not help their chances of ending their 16-year wait for a trophy.

They are without eight first-team players for the visit of Arne Slot‘s side on Sunday, and may only welcome back three in the lead-up to the first leg, including Richarlison, Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s injury list is looking a lot kinder, with only Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley still sidelined.

Slot could not offer an exact timeline for their returns but told reporters on Friday, “They are on their way back, but they don’t train with the team yet.

“The main thing is if they come back, they are ready to come back. We must not focus on one, two or three days, it’s more important for the long term that they stay fit afterwards.”

Tottenham‘s appeal to reduce Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-match ban over comments he made about team-mate Son Heung-min has been dismissed.

The Uruguay midfielder was given the suspension by an independent commission on November 18 and two days later, Spurs indicated they would appeal.

On Tuesday, the Football Association confirmed an appeal board had dismissed Tottenham‘s challenge against that sanction.

“This appeal was dismissed following a hearing, and the seven-match suspension remains as ordered by the regulatory commission,” the governing body said in a statement.

Remaining games Bentancur will miss

Man United (H) – Carabao Cup

Liverpool (H) – Premier League

Bentancur was charged with misconduct in September over a television interview he gave in his home country in June, with the reference to Son’s race making it an aggravated breach.

The standard minimum ban where such a breach is established is six matches, but Spurs said they felt the sanction was “severe” when confirming their intention to appeal.

Bentancur was asked during an interview to show the shirt of a Spurs player, and replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”

Bentancur apologised on Instagram to Son for his remarks and Son accepted that apology in a statement on the same platform.

“I’ve spoken with Lolo [Bentancur]. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised,” the South Korea captain said.

“Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.

“We’re past this, we’re united and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one.”

Bentancur was also fined £100,000.