Liverpool vs Spurs: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups

Liverpool vs Spurs: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Predicted Lineups Liverpool Face Tottenham Hotspur Test as Iraola Weighs Carabao Cup Changes Liverpool return to action on Tuesday night with Tottenham Hotspur visiting Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup, and both clubs arrive with questions to answer. Andoni Iraola’s side remain unbeaten this season, although Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Fulham provided another reminder that Liverpool are still adjusting to their new head coach. Tottenham have endured an even more difficult opening, leaving Roberto De Zerbi searching for momentum. Adding another layer to the occasion will be Andrew Robertson’s return to Anfield. The former Liverpool left-back spent nine years on Merseyside before joining Tottenham Hotspur following the expiration of his contract. Iraola faces selection dilemma after Fulham frustration Liverpool produced one of their least convincing performances of the campaign against Fulham. Creativity was limited, the midfield lacked control and Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch struggled to dictate proceedings. That result leaves Liverpool with six points from their opening four Premier League matches. There have still been encouraging signs. Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League on September 9, producing arguably their most complete display under Iraola so far. Managing workload could now become the priority. Iraola’s intense approach asks significant physical questions of his players, particularly during weeks containing three fixtures, and rotation should be expected in the Carabao Cup. Liverpool have considerable history in this competition. Their record haul currently stands at 10 League Cup victories, meaning Tuesday’s match presents another opportunity to begin a serious run towards Wembley. Photo IMAGO Tottenham arrive at Anfield under growing pressure Tottenham Hotspur have endured a miserable opening to the Premier League season. De Zerbi’s team have collected only two points from four matches and sit 17th. More concerning is their failure to score a single league goal so far. Those numbers are particularly alarming after an extraordinary summer of spending. Tottenham reportedly invested close to £350m, giving De Zerbi significant influence over the construction of his squad. Their record against Liverpool provides little comfort either. Tottenham have won only two of the past 20 meetings between the clubs, losing 14. One of those victories came during the controversial 2-1 Premier League meeting in 2023, when Liverpool finished with nine men and Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly disallowed. Tottenham also defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their 2025 Carabao Cup semi-final, although Liverpool eventually progressed. Nyoni opportunity among expected Liverpool changes Tuesday could provide valuable minutes for several players on the fringes of Iraola’s Premier League selections. Trey Nyoni is expected to feature in midfield, potentially alongside Alexis Mac Allister, while Lewis Koumas could receive an opportunity in an advanced role. Rio Ngumoha and Victor Muñoz are candidates for the wide positions, with Cody Gakpo potentially leading the attack. Wataru Endo could also make his first appearance of the campaign, possibly at centre-back alongside Ronald Araújo, while Giorgi Mamardashvili is likely to start in goal. Tottenham may be less inclined to rotate heavily given their poor start. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes could feature in midfield, while Robertson looks certain to be involved against his former club. Pedro Porro remains a fitness concern following a muscle problem, potentially leaving Archie Gray at right-back. Liverpool Predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo Spurs Predicted XI: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Kudus, Gallagher, Savio; Solanke. Liverpool will view the Carabao Cup as secondary to their Premier League and Champions League ambitions, although recent performances mean this fixture carries additional importance. Iraola needs rhythm, several squad players need minutes and Anfield could do with another convincing Liverpool performance.