Tottenham Hotspur travel to Anfield on Thursday night, holding a slender 1-0 advantage over Liverpool from the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Ange Postecoglou’s side are aiming to secure their first major final since 2019 and potentially lift their first trophy since 2008.
While the job is half done, facing Liverpool at Anfield in a knockout fixture is one of football’s most daunting tasks. The Reds boast an extraordinary home record, especially in cup competitions, having overturned deficits on countless occasions. Spurs, plagued by injuries, will need to produce a resilient, tactically astute display to maintain their aggregate lead.
🗓️ Match Details
- Fixture: Liverpool vs Tottenham (Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg)
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Date: Thursday, February 8, 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Aggregate Score: Liverpool 0-1 Tottenham
🩺 Team News: Injury Concerns for Spurs
Tottenham’s squad has been severely hit by injuries:
- Dominic Solanke (hamstring) is ruled out, missing a reunion with his former club.
- Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin are long-term absentees in defense.
- Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon are also unavailable.
However, Spurs will be boosted by new signings Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, both of whom could play crucial roles.
🔢 Tottenham’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- GK: Antonin Kinsky
- ⭐ Stat: Kinsky made 5 key saves in the first leg, earning the Player of the Match award. He’ll face an even tougher test at Anfield, where Liverpool average 17.4 shots per game this season.
- RB: Pedro Porro
- Key Focus: Excellent going forward, with 6 assists this season, but will need to improve defensively against Cody Gakpo.
- CB: Kevin Danso
- Debut Alert: The Austrian international is set to make his Spurs debut. Last season at Lens, Danso won 72% of his aerial duels—a stat Spurs desperately need against Liverpool’s set-piece threat.
- CB: Ben Davies
- Experience Factor: Davies brings leadership, having played over 300 games for Spurs. His calm presence will be vital alongside debutant Danso.
- LB: Djed Spence
- Breakout Performer: Registered the most tackles (7) in Spurs’ last Premier League game against Brentford. A crucial duel awaits against Mohamed Salah.
- CM: Pape Matar Sarr
- Impact Player: Scored against Everton recently. His ability to break up play will be crucial, averaging 2.5 interceptions per game.
- CM: Rodrigo Bentancur
- Midfield Maestro: Completed 88% pass accuracy in the first leg. His composure will be key in controlling the tempo against Liverpool’s aggressive press.
- CM: Yves Bissouma
- Shield: Excelled in the first leg with 4 interceptions and 3 key tackles, limiting Liverpool’s attacking flow. His battle with Alexis Mac Allister will be pivotal.
- RW: Dejan Kulusevski
- Star Man: Spurs’ most consistent attacker this season with 9 goal contributions (5 goals, 4 assists). Scored against Liverpool in the 6-3 thriller back in December.
- ST: Richarlison
- Big Game Mentality: Has scored 4 goals in his last 5 appearances against Liverpool, including one at Anfield for Everton. Loves the heated atmosphere.
- LW: Son Heung-min
- Anfield Threat: While inconsistent this season, Son has a strong record against Liverpool, with 3 goals in his last 5 appearances against them.
⚽ Key Match Stats:
- Tottenham’s Last Trophy: 2008 Carabao Cup
- Liverpool at Anfield in 2024/25: Undefeated in 17 consecutive home matches
- Spurs’ Defensive Struggles: Conceded 14 goals in their last 5 away games
- Liverpool’s Scoring Prowess: Averaging 2.4 goals per game at home this season
- First-Leg Hero: Lucas Bergvall (scored the winning goal in the 87th minute)
🔑 Key Tactical Battle:
- Spurs’ Low Block vs. Liverpool’s High Press
Tottenham will likely sit deeper, relying on quick transitions through Son and Kulusevski. Their midfield trio must resist Liverpool’s aggressive pressing, while Richarlison will be tasked with holding up the ball.
🏆 Prediction:
Expect a high-intensity clash. Liverpool’s relentless attack could overwhelm Spurs’ depleted defense, but Tottenham’s counter-attacking threat remains lethal.
- Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham (2-2 on aggregate; Spurs win on penalties)
