Two of the most exciting teams in the Premier League so far this season face off in the Round of 16 of the EFL Cup.
The Reds head into the game on the back of a solid victory over West Brom which took them to third on the Premier League table. They are behind Arsenal and Manchester City only on goal difference, and Liverpool are looking like formidable opposition this season.
However, Spurs are the only unbeaten side in the Premier League. They will be agitated by the goalless draw against Bournemouth and look to bounce back with a vengeance against the Reds at Anfield.
Probable line-ups & Tactics:
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp will most likely field a very attacking formation against Spurs. With captain Jordan Henderson suspended, Emre Can will be taking care of the defensive duties in midfield. The rest of the midfielders are all of an attacking mindset and will push forward.
Gegenpressing is most effective when you have most of your players in the opposition half, and this is exactly what Klopp will line-up his team to do. In defence, he could give the likes of Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno a much needed start.
Danny Ings may well be in the running for the central striker position, but Klopp could well turn to one of his favourite youngsters in Divock Origi to lead the line.
Probable line-up: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Moreno; Can; Lallana, Firmino, Mane, Coutinho; Origi
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have been hit by two huge injury blows. Striker Harry Kane and defender Toby Alderweireld have both been ruled out with injuries, and this leaves them without their main men on both ends of the pitch.
However, the depth in the current Spurs squad means that this is just an opportunity for another talented player to step up. Dutchman Vincent Janssen and Austrian Kevin Wimmer will probably replace the pair. But Mauricio Pochettino could opt to play Eric Dier in central defence as well.
Tottenham have a Champions League run in one of the most competitive groups in the competition, as well as a Premier League challenge to keep up. This means that Pochettino could choose the EFL Cup to experiment a bit.
Watch out for one of their blissfully talented academy youngsters to make a showing here.
Probable line-up: Vorm; Trippier, Wimmer, Vertonghen, Rose; Wanyama, Dier; Lamela, Alli, Son; Janssen
Stats:
- The last two games between these two teams have ended in 1-1 draws.
- Mauricio Pochettino is yet to defeat Liverpool as Spurs manager.
- The Reds were League Cup finalists last season, while Spurs were knocked out in the round of 32 by bitter rivals Arsenal.
- Tottenham have not defeated Liverpool at Anfield since May 2011.
Player to watch out for:
Simon Mignolet
The Belgian keeper is starting his first game since the victory against Chelsea last month in the Premier League. The hitherto number one keeper has been ousted by summer arrival Loris Karius, and this is an opportunity for him to make a case for a regular starting berth.
Prediction:
Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham
The Reds may end up being the hungrier side in an evenly matched competition. The home advantage is also something that will work in Liverpool’s favour, with Anfield becoming a tough stadium to visit under Jurgen Klopp.
Spurs are also reeling from some injury issues and may not want to prioritize the EFL Cup over the Champions League and Premier League. Tottenham may not be as hungry as they usually are and the work rate is likely to dip, a perfect opportunity for Liverpool to progress to the quarter-finals.
