Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur prepare to face off in a Carabao Cup clash at Anfield, with both managers ringing the changes after goalless Premier League draws at the weekend. The tie kicks off at 8 pm BST under the lights on Merseyside, where a raucous atmosphere is building ahead of a competition that has historically delivered drama whenever these two sides meet.
Team news: wholesale rotations for both sides
Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side drew a blank against Fulham on Saturday and have yet to beat an English team at Anfield this season. Spurs, meanwhile, have failed to score in four matches against top‑flight opposition. Yet the League Cup often throws up unpredictable line‑ups, and tonight is no exception.
The only survivor from Liverpool’s starting XI against Fulham is Ronald Araújo, who shifts from right‑back to form a central defensive partnership with Joe Gómez. Gómez returns from his latest injury lay‑off to anchor the back line alongside the Uruguayan.
Tottenham retain three players from the side that held Everton: Rodrigo Bentancur, Omar Marmoush and captain Archie Gray. Two familiar faces to the Anfield faithful sit on the visitors’ bench – Dominic Solanke and Andrew Robertson. Robertson, who made 378 appearances for the Reds, could receive an emotional reception if introduced.
Confirmed line‑ups
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araújo, Gómez, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister, Ngumoha; McConnell, Gakpo, Koumas.
Substitutes: Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Muñoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.
Tottenham Hotspur: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Kudus; Gallagher, Tel, Marmoush.
Substitutes: Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Davies, Van de Ven.
Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire).
Pre‑match thoughts from the dugouts
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Andoni Iraola explained his selection rationale: “We decided to change a lot of the team … we needed fresh legs … we have a lot of players willing to have a good performance … get us to the next round … also looking forward to seeing those players … I am sure they will take that chance … it’s a great chance to see [the younger players] … if we put them in, it’s because we think they are ready to help us and ready to perform … we will get a lot of information from this game … it is a matter of execution and keeping calm … I trust them … I hope they do well … we know we will face a strong team … but I trust my players.”
Roberto De Zerbi, also addressing Sky Sports, struck a similarly confident tone: “I am lucky I have a great squad … many very good players … changing the first XI, I hope we don’t change the quality of the players, I am sure they are the same level … I would like to see the goals … the same attitude of the first 30 minutes against Everton … we have the qualities enough to score … it’s a tough moment … no pressure, but we play to win the games … playing at Anfield against Liverpool is always tough … but my focus is on my team … after one month of working together … keep our eyes on our goal … our organisation of the play and nothing else.”
League Cup pedigree on show
A striking number of players on tonight’s team‑sheets have already tasted success in this competition. For Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gómez, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas and James McConnell featured in either the 2022 or 2024 final victories over Chelsea. Alisson, Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas collected medals as unused substitutes in 2024, as did Dominik Szoboszlai despite being injured. Alexander Isak scored for Newcastle in their 2025 triumph over Liverpool.
On the Spurs side, Andy Robertson is the only member of tonight’s squad to have played in and won a final – doing so for Liverpool. Omar Marmoush and Savio were on the bench for Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal earlier this year, while Martin Dúbravka watched from the dugout as Newcastle lifted the trophy in 2025. Sandro Tonali, not involved tonight, also played in that Newcastle win.
Recent history promises entertainment
Despite the underwhelming recent form of both sides, the fixture has a habit of producing fireworks. Across the last four seasons, meetings between Liverpool and Tottenham have yielded scorelines of 5‑1, 4‑0, 3‑6, 4‑2 and 4‑3, alongside a cluster of last‑minute equalisers, late winners, four red cards and one notorious VAR controversy. As the pre‑match build‑up noted: “Good process, everyone! So anything could feasibly happen. The fun – and it should be fun, shouldn’t it? – begins at 8 pm BST.”
Fan predictions and banter
The pre‑match postbag revealed a mix of optimism and gallows humour. Jesse Davies wrote: “Great to see Joe Gomez back. However, I predict a muscle strain on 23 minutes sadly.” Dave Estherby mused: “It (probably) won’t happen but would anything be funnier than 0‑0 after 90 minutes, then Tottenham missing their first three pens and Liverpool going through?” Meanwhile, krishnamoorthy v delivered a withering verdict: “I have seen a lot many optimists in my life but none so optimistic as you who equates fun with Spurs. Watching Tottenham play these days is equivalent to watching an arthritic old man cross the road at a signal when you are already running late.” Ian Copestake replied: “I could have crossed the road faster but I have to get my kicks somehow.”
With the teams out, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoing around Anfield, and the Kop in full voice, the stage is set for another unpredictable chapter in this fixture’s modern folklore.
