Key Factors to Watch:

1. Liverpool’s Home Advantage
   Anfield is known for its electrifying atmosphere on big European and domestic cup nights. The Reds have a strong home record and will rely on their passionate supporters to push them toward victory.
2. Tottenham’s Tactical Approach
   With a lead to protect, Tottenham may opt for a more defensive setup. However, under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have generally played attacking football, so they could still pose a threat on the counterattack.
3. Injury Concerns
   Liverpool might be without key defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, which could impact their attacking play down the right flank. Tottenham, on the other hand, will be hoping their new signings can step up in a high-pressure match.
4. Mohamed Salah’s Absence
   With Salah still away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, Liverpool will need other attackers like Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz to provide the goals needed to overturn the deficit.
5. Spurs’ Poor Record at Anfield
   Tottenham has historically struggled at Anfield, with just one win there in over two decades. Can they break that trend and hold on to their lead?

Match Details:

Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV Coverage: Live on talkSPORT and other broadcasters

Possible Lineups

With both teams dealing with injuries and squad rotations, here’s how they might line up for the crucial second leg:

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endō, Dominik Szoboszlai
Forwards: Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo

 Key Absentees: Trent Alexander-Arnold (injury), Mohamed Salah (AFCON)
 Tactical Approach: Liverpool will likely dominate possession, using their full-backs to provide width and press Tottenham high up the pitch.

Tottenham (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
Midfielders: Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur
Attackers: Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Son Heung-min
Striker: Richarlison

 Key Absentees: Pape Matar Sarr (AFCON), possibly new signings adapting
 Tactical Approach: Spurs may sit deep and hit Liverpool on the counter, using Maddison’s creativity and Son’s pace.

Prediction & Expectations

This match will be a real test of Liverpool’s ability to break down a disciplined Tottenham side. If the Reds score early, the momentum could shift heavily in their favor. Tottenham, however, has the firepower to catch Liverpool on the counter and extend their aggregate lead.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham (Agg: 2-2 – Extra time possible)

With both teams desperate for a final appearance, expect a high-intensity, end-to-end battle. Will Liverpool’s Anfield magic come through once again, or will Tottenham hold firm and secure their place in the final?

What’s at Stake?

This match is more than just a Carabao Cup semi-final—it’s a battle for momentum, confidence, and a shot at silverware.

For Liverpool:

• Jürgen Klopp’s side is chasing multiple trophies this season, and winning the Carabao Cup would be a great early success.
• They’ll want to respond strongly after losing the first leg and prove their dominance at Anfield.
• Overcoming the deficit would boost their belief in fighting for bigger titles, including the Premier League and Europa League.

For Tottenham:

• Ange Postecoglou is aiming to deliver Tottenham’s first trophy since 2008.
• A win here would show that Spurs are progressing under his leadership and can compete with top teams in big games.
• If they defend well and take their chances, they could secure a place in the final—a huge achievement in Postecoglou’s first season.

Key Battles to Watch

  Virgil van Dijk vs. Richarlison
Van Dijk will have to deal with Richarlison’s physicality and movement. If the Liverpool captain can keep him quiet, Spurs will struggle to create chances.

  Luis Díaz vs. Pedro Porro
Díaz’s dribbling and pace could cause problems for Porro, who loves to attack but will need to be defensively disciplined.

  James Maddison vs. Alexis Mac Allister
Two creative midfielders who can dictate the game. Maddison’s vision and passing could unlock Liverpool’s defense, while Mac Allister will look to control the tempo for Liverpool.

  Son Heung-min vs. Liverpool’s High Line
Son has punished Liverpool in the past with his pace on the counter. If Spurs can break quickly, he could be their biggest threat.

How Can Each Team Win?

Liverpool’s Path to Victory:
✔️ Score early to get the crowd behind them.
✔️ High pressing to disrupt Tottenham’s build-up.
✔️ Take advantage of set pieces—Van Dijk and Konaté are strong aerial threats.

⚪ Tottenham’s Path to Victory:
✔️ Stay compact defensively and frustrate Liverpool.
✔️ Use the pace of Son and Kulusevski on the break.
✔️ Waste time smartly and manage the game if they are still leading in the second half.

Historic Meetings & Recent Form

Liverpool and Tottenham have a long history of intense battles, and this match promises to add another thrilling chapter.

Last 5 Meetings (All Competitions):

  Sept 30, 2023 – Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
  April 30, 2023 – Liverpool 4-3 Tottenham (Premier League)
  Nov 6, 2022 – Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
  May 7, 2022 – Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham (Premier League)
  Dec 19, 2021 – Tottenham 2-2 Liverpool (Premier League)

Liverpool’s Form (Last 5 Games):
✅ Win – 2-0 vs Bournemouth (Premier League)
✅ Win – 2-1 vs Fulham (Carabao Cup)
✅ Win – 4-0 vs Bournemouth (FA Cup)
Draw – 0-0 vs Arsenal (Premier League)
✅ Win – 4-2 vs Newcastle (Premier League)

⚪ Tottenham’s Form (Last 5 Games):
✅ Win – 3-2 vs Brentford (Premier League)
❌ Loss – 0-1 vs Man City (FA Cup)
✅ Win – 2-2 (4-2 on pens) vs Burnley (FA Cup)
✅ Win – 3-1 vs Bournemouth (Premier League)
✅ Win – 2-1 vs Everton (Premier League)

Final Thoughts & Atmosphere at Anfield

Anfield is famous for special European and domestic cup nights. The home crowd will be loud and passionate, pushing Liverpool forward from the first whistle. If Spurs can silence the fans early, they have a chance to control the game. But if Liverpool scores first, the energy inside the stadium could be overwhelming for Tottenham.

In Conclusion:

As Liverpool vs. Tottenham match draws close With both teams hungry for silverware, expect a high-energy match full of twists and turns. Liverpool’s home advantage could push them through, but Tottenham has the attacking weapons to cause problems. If it goes to extra time, fitness and substitutions will be crucial.