The second leg of the English League Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Tottenham will take place on February 6 at Anfield. The first match ended 1-0 in favor of Tottenham. Liverpool vs. Tottenham: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Liverpool
Arne Slot's side could have avoided defeat in the first match but conceded a late goal (0-1). Now, to reach the final, the team needs to beat their opponent by two goals. Notably, before this, Liverpool had not lost in regular time in this tournament for nine consecutive matches (7 wins and 2 draws). If the club overcomes the London team over two legs, they will play in their 15th final.
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the match due to injury.
- Both teams have scored in regular time in 9 of Liverpool's last 11 English League Cup games.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Liverpool's last 11 matches in this Cup over 90 minutes.
- The number "1" has appeared in the scoreline at the end of regular time in 8 of the club's last 10 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker – Virgil van Dijk, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas – Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister – Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah – Diogo Jota.
Tottenham
The team last played in the English League Cup final four years ago. They have a good chance to compete for the trophy again but need to maintain their one-goal advantage. If the Londoners lose by one goal, a penalty shootout will follow. Notably, Ange Postecoglou's side have won all four of their previous matches in this tournament, but with a minimal margin. Additionally, the club has defeated two Manchester teams in the previous stages.
Due to injuries, defenders Radu Dragusin, Destiny Udogie, and Cristian Romero, forwards Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, and Wilson Odobert, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario are unavailable. New signings include defender Kevin Danso on loan from Lens and forward Mathys Tel from Bayern.
- The number "1" has appeared in the scoreline at the end of regular time in 7 of Tottenham's last 10 matches in this tournament.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 9 of Tottenham's last 10 English League Cup games over 90 minutes.
- The Londoners have won only two of their last seven away matches in this Cup in regular time (2 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
Antonin Kinsky – Jed Spence, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Pedro Porro – Yves Bissouma, Yves Bissouma – Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall, Son Heung-min – Dominic Solanke.
Referee
Craig Pawson (England)
Matches – 14 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 60;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 21%.
Match Prediction: Liverpool vs. Tottenham
Despite being involved in four tournaments, Liverpool will make every effort to reach the final. The visitors' advantage is not significant enough to concede defeat. The current Liverpool side should have no trouble overcoming such a handicap, as they are almost unbeatable this season.
In their last 15 home matches at the official level, Arne Slot's side has not lost, achieving 13 victories. During this period, Liverpool has never scored less than two goals and has secured 10 wins with a margin of two or more goals. It is also worth noting that Tottenham rarely defeats this opponent, and if it happens, it is usually in London. Away, the team has lost to Liverpool in 10 of their last 13 encounters in the Premier League and the English League Cup (with three draws). During this period, the Merseysiders have scored at least two goals 11 times.
My prediction: Liverpool with a handicap (-1.5)
* For each team, the starting lineup from their previous match in this tournament is indicated.
