By Graham Ruthven
Silverware symbolism
Ange Postecoglou’s assertion that he at all times wins silverware in his second season at a membership will probably be examined as Tottenham come up in opposition to the very best crew within the nation within the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Spurs are struggling badly for league kind having received simply one among their final eight video games. Nevertheless, glory within the Carabao Cup would show the North London outfit are nonetheless on track.
There received’t be a lot strain on Liverpool such is their sturdy standing on the high of the Premier League desk proper now, however profitable the primary home trophy of the season could be symbolic for Arne Slot because the Reds’ new supervisor.
With each groups recognized for his or her attacking soccer, Tottenham and Liverpool may placed on a spectacle. Certainly, there was over 2.5 objectives in eight of the final 9 conferences between the 2 rivals.
Key gamers
Whereas Tottenham have struggled for kind in current matches, Dominic Solanke has nonetheless impressed within the centre ahead place, discovering the again of the web in his most up-to-date outing in opposition to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Dejan Kulusevski has additionally been a shining gentle for Spurs as a inventive pressure within the closing third. The Swede, together with Solanke, would be the greatest menace to the Liverpool defence on Wednesday night time.
Son Heung-min may come into the lineup after beginning on the bench in opposition to Newcastle with Brennan Johnson on the best facet Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma within the central midfield unit.
Slot may relaxation some key gamers after a gruelling winter interval, however Liverpool’s squad depth will see them nonetheless discipline a robust facet that may embody Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez in assault.
Conor Bradley is in line to begin at proper again and will regular Liverpool’s defence after a shaky efficiency by Trent Alexander-Arnold in opposition to Manchester United. Caoimhin Kelleher may begin in objective.
Workforce information
Tottenham are nonetheless struggling one thing of an harm disaster with seven first crew figures anticipated to be sidelined for the go to of Liverpool with an additional two uncertain.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven’s absence in central defence has been keenly felt in current weeks with Future Udogie additionally sidelined via harm. Radu Drăgușin may equally miss out after coming off at half time of Saturday’s match in opposition to Newcastle as a consequence of sickness.
Fraser Forster may return to the lineup after lacking Tottenham’s final match via that very same illness bug, though Brandon Austin’s spectacular show in opposition to Newcastle may even see him preserve his place in objective.
James Maddison and Pape Sarr are each suspended and whereas Richarlison is again in coaching, Tuesday’s match will certainly come too early for the Brazilian ahead.
Joe Gomez remains to be out injured for Liverpool with Dominik Szoboszlai a doubt after lacking the 2-2 draw in opposition to Manchester United on Sunday.
Prediction
With the significance of balancing this primary leg tie with ongoing Premier League commitments, we’re anticipating a rating draw that’ll go away all the things to play for in subsequent month’s second leg at Anfield: Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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