Liverpool will enter this week as one of the three remaining clubs in both the EFL and FA Cups, after securing the top spot in the inaugural UEFA Champions League league phase and establishing a comfortable lead in the Premier League standings. In order to make their 15th League Cup final appearance, they will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Tottenham in the second leg. However, their impressive home record suggests that they are more than capable of doing so. The Reds have been unbeaten in their last 15 games at Anfield across all competitions, with 13 wins and 2 draws, since their unexpected loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League back in September. They have consistently scored multiple goals against their opponents, with 9 games seeing them score two goals and 6 games with 3 or more goals. Therefore, their attacking unit is expected to perform well and overturn the deficit.
But Tottenham’s defenders will not make it easy, as they come into this game with a clean sheet in 4 of their last 8 games across all competitions, including the first leg victory against Liverpool. This was a crucial win for head coach Ange Postecoglou, who has been relying on their cup and Europa League success to justify his position. In addition, Tottenham has strengthened their defence with the addition of Kevin Danso, who is reportedly trying to obtain a work permit in time for this game. This gives them hope of defending their one-goal lead and reaching their first EFL Cup final since 2020/21.
Two players to keep an eye on are Cody Gakpo, who has scored 11 of his 15 goals this season at Anfield, including a double against West Ham in the third round of the EFL Cup, and Pape Matar Sarr, who missed the first leg due to suspension but came off the bench to score in their recent away win against Brentford. In fact, 3 of his last 4 goals have been in away games. Interestingly, the first leg was the only game out of the 7 EFL Cup matches involving either team this season to have less than 2.5 total goals.
