Overview
Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United at Anfield, ending their winning streak. However, the Kop's position in the Premier League table has not been affected too much. They are 6 points ahead of Arsenal, who have played one game less.
Liverpool still have a basis for confidence before entering the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham. The two teams only met last month in the Premier League and the "Red Brigade" defeated Spurs 6-3.
With only having to face Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup 2 days later, Liverpool can field their strongest squad to face Tottenham before thinking about saving their key players.
As for Tottenham, they continued to sink deeper into crisis with a defeat to Newcastle in round 20, extending their winless streak in the Premier League to 4. Injuries to Vicario, Romero and Van De Ven made Tottenham's defense fragile, as they conceded 14 goals in just the last 5 matches.
Tottenham with a patchwork defense is very difficult to resist Liverpool's attack at the moment. Their goal may be a draw before thinking about a better result in the second leg.
Liverpool have won 82, lost 44 and drawn 42 of their previous 168 games against Tottenham. The Kop have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides.
Human resources situation
Son Heung-min and James Maddison both came on in the second half of the defeat to Newcastle. The pair are expected to return to the starting line-up. Radu Dragusin is injured and this could see Archie Gray and Djed Spence partner up at centre-back.
On the other side of the front line, Liverpool can consider the possibility of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Alisson Becker starting. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is likely to be prioritized in the cup arena, while Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott and Connor Bradley are also trying to start.
Expected lineup:
Tottenham: Austin, Reguillon, Spencer, Gray, Porro, Sarr, Bissouma, Son Heung-min, Maddison, Kulusevski, Solanke.
Liverpool: Kelleher, Tsimikas, Konate, Van Dijk, Bradley, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Gakpo, Jota, Nunez.
The match between Tottenham and Liverpool takes place at 3:00 a.m. on January 9 (Vietnam time).
