Overview
Liverpool's narrow defeat to Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final was one of the few defeats this season. However, coach Arne Slot's team still has the right to be confident when playing the second leg at home. Moreover, they have been showing good form recently.
Apart from the insignificant match against PSV in the Champions League, The Kop have won 4/5 of their recent matches in all competitions. They are considered strong candidates for the championship in both the Premier League and the Champions League. And of course, reaching the Carabao Cup final is also Liverpool's goal.
As for Tottenham, they have temporarily escaped the crisis with 3/4 recent wins. The return of center-back Van De Ven has helped the Spurs defense become more solid. However, "The Rooster" still needs to improve many issues if they want to aim for a successful second half of the season.
Tottenham will obviously want to win the Carabao Cup to end their trophy drought, but even with a lead, they will still find it very difficult to beat Liverpool and reach the final.
Spurs' 1-0 win in the first leg was the second meeting between the two sides this season, with Liverpool beating the Spurs 6-3 in the other game. Anfield is not a venue that brings joy to Tottenham, with their last victory coming in 2011.
Human resources situation
Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out for Liverpool after suffering an injury, while Joe Gomez remains sidelined. Slot could freshen up the squad with Darwin Nunez starting.
On the other side of the front line, Tottenham's terrible injury problems are gradually improving. Key centre-back Van de Ven could start after playing 45 minutes against Elfsborg. New signings Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel will also compete for a starting spot.
Expected lineup:
Liverpool: Alisson, Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Salah, Nunez.
Tottenham: Kinsky, Porro, Van de Ven, Gray, Davies, Sar, Bissouma, Bergvall, Son Heung-min, Kulusevski, Richarlison.
The match between Liverpool and Tottenham takes place at 3:00 a.m. on February 7 (Vietnam time).
