The first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Liverpool will take place on January 8 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Tottenham vs. Liverpool: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Tottenham vs. Liverpool
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Fraser Forster – Jed Spence, Radu Drăgușin, Archie Gray, Pedro Porro – Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr – Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Son Heung-min – Dominic Solanke.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Caoimhin Kelleher – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo – Tyler Morton, Trey Nyoni – Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo – Darwin Núñez.
The starting lineup for each team is based on their previous match in this tournament.
Tottenham
The Londoners have edged past all their opponents by a one-goal margin in the current EFL Cup campaign. The club began with an away victory over Coventry City (2-1), followed by two home encounters with Manchester teams. Ange Postecoglou's side first defeated Manchester City (2-1) and then overcame Manchester United (4-3). The last time Tottenham reached the final of this tournament was in 2021, but they lost 1-0 to Manchester City.
- No more than three goals were scored in regular time in 8 of Tottenham's last 9 EFL Cup matches.
- In their last 8 home games in this tournament, Tottenham have lost only once in 90 minutes (5 wins and 2 draws).
- The first half ended in a draw in 6 of Tottenham's last 8 home matches in this cup, with two wins in the others.
Liverpool
Arne Slot's team faced only Premier League representatives on their way to the semi-finals, winning all in regular time. The club first thrashed West Ham at home (5-1), then won away against Brighton (3-2) and Southampton (2-1). In the last three editions of the tournament, Liverpool have won twice, both times defeating Chelsea in the final.
- Both teams scored in 9 of Liverpool's last 10 EFL Cup matches in regular time.
- The club has not lost in 90 minutes in nine consecutive matches in this tournament (7 wins and 2 draws).
- Liverpool have scored at least two goals in regular time in 8 of their last 10 games in this cup.
Tottenham vs. Liverpool: Match Prediction
The London club's management is dissatisfied with the team's Premier League results, so the head coach has been tasked with reaching the EFL Cup final. For Ange Postecoglou, the first match is crucial, as if his side loses even at home, they are unlikely to overcome Liverpool in the return leg at Anfield. Winning the EFL Cup is also important for the entire team, as it is unlikely that Tottenham will qualify for the Champions League spots in the Premier League, making the cup victory a compensation for a disappointing season.
I believe that Tottenham can at least avoid defeat at home, or if they lose, it will be by a minimal margin. In this cup, they have not lost at home by more than one goal in regular time for 20 years. Liverpool have not won convincingly in their last five away EFL Cup matches. Additionally, Tottenham have only lost twice to Liverpool by more than one goal in their last 10 Premier League meetings at home.
My prediction – Tottenham with a handicap (+1)