Can Spurs hold off Liverpool’s Anfield onslaught?

Liverpool welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Thursday night for the decisive second leg of their Carabao Cup semi final.

Spurs arrive with a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, courtesy of Lucas Bergvall’s late strike in north London, but the tie remains finely poised as the Reds look to harness their formidable home form.

Since their defeat in the capital, Liverpool have been in resurgent form, registering impressive away victories at Brentford and Bournemouth alongside a routine Premier League triumph over Ipswich Town at Anfield.

The Reds also remain in contention on multiple fronts, sitting comfortably atop the Premier League table, competing in both domestic cup competitions and finishing top of the Champions League league phase.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have endured a mixed spell. Defeats to Arsenal, Leicester City, and Everton cast a shadow over their league campaign, but a morale-boosting 2-0 win against Brentford last weekend may have steadied the ship for Ange Postecoglou’s side. The North London club will be eager to build on that momentum as they aim to secure a first EFL Cup final appearance since 2021.

Liverpool’s Anfield record this season has been formidable, with Arne Slot’s men unbeaten in their last 15 home matches across all competitions (W13, D2). They’ve scored multiple goals in every one of those fixtures, including nine games with at least two goals and six where they’ve netted three or more.

Tottenham enter the second leg as underdogs despite holding a one-goal advantage from the first leg. However, they will be hoping that recent reinforcements can provide the edge needed to secure progression.

Reports suggest the club is working to finalise a work permit for new defensive signing Kevin Danso, while Mathys Tel, who recently joined on loan from Bayern Munich, could also feature and make his debut.

For Liverpool, this match represents an opportunity to extend their status as the most successful team in League Cup history by reaching a 15th final. Meanwhile, for Tottenham, it’s a chance to reignite their season with a significant performance and a much-needed shot at silverware.

Verdict

Liverpool will be determined to overturn their first-leg defeat and are well-equipped to do so. The Reds’ dominance at Anfield, combined with Spurs’ injury concerns and defensive vulnerabilities, makes them clear favourites. Earlier this season, Liverpool put six past Tottenham in the Premier League, and with Ange Postecoglou’s refusal to compromise his attacking philosophy, a similar outcome isn’t out of the question.

Liverpool 4–0 Tottenham