Match Preview
February 6, 2025 | Anfield | Carabao Cup
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure a spot in the Carabao Cup final. The Reds are also contending for the Premier League title (1st, 56 points) and Champions League, but this competition offers Slot a chance for early silverware. Tottenham, 14th in the league (27 points), view the cup as a lifeline to salvage their turbulent season.
Seasonal Changes
- Liverpool: Transitioned from Klopp to Slot, emphasizing possession (average 62% this season) and vertical passing. However, it is disappointing that the winter transfer window passed quietly without any new signings.
- Tottenham: Lost key players to injuries (Romero, Maddison, Solanke) and signed Kevin Danso (CB) and Mathys Tel (FW) in January to bolster depth.
Team Analysis
Recent Form
Head-to-Head Record
- Last 5 Meetings: Liverpool won 3, Tottenham 2, Draw 0.
- Key Trend: Liverpool scored 3+ goals in 3 of the last 5 clashes (e.g., 6-3 PL win in Dec 2024).
Comparative Notes
- Liverpool: Improved defensively (12 PL goals conceded, 1st) but reliant on Salah (21 goals).
- Tottenham: Struggling defensively (37 goals conceded, 14th) but effective in cup competitions.
Tactical Analysis
Likely Formations
- Liverpool (4-3-3): High press, wide overloads, and quick transitions. Alisson; Bradley-Konaté-Van Dijk-Robertson; Mac Allister-Gravenberch-Szoboszlai; Salah-Gakpo-Diaz.
- Tottenham (4-3-3): Deep block, counter-attacks via Son and Kulusevski. Kinsky; Porro-Danso-Davies-Spence; Bissouma-Bentancur-Sarr; Kulusevski-Son-Tel.
Build-Up & Pressing
| Metric | Liverpool | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 62% (1st in PL) | 48% (16th in PL) |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% | 82% |
| PPDA | 9.2 (Aggressive press) | 12.5 (Conservative) |
Defensive Shape
- Liverpool: High line (9.8 km distance covered), zonal marking. Vulnerable to counters.
- Tottenham: Low block (6.2 km), man-marking in box. Weak at set-pieces (conceded 12 goals).
Key Player Analysis
Injury/Suspension Updates
| Team | Absences | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) | Bradley replaces at RB. |
| Tottenham | Van de Ven, Romero, Dragusin | Danso makes debut at CB. |
Key Players
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): 21 goals, 7 assists. xG: 18.4. Decisive in big games.
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): 89% aerial duel success. Anchors high line.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham): 7 goals, 4 assists. Threat on counters.
- Kevin Danso (Tottenham): 4.3 clearances/game at Lens. Critical for shaky defense.
Data Comparison
Attack Metrics
| Stat | Liverpool | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Goals/game | 2.4 | 1.7 |
| xG/game | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| Shots on target/g | 6.8 | 4.2 |
Defense Metrics
| Stat | Liverpool | Tottenham |
|---|---|---|
| Goals conceded/g | 0.8 | 1.8 |
| xGA/game | 0.9 | 2.0 |
| Clean sheets | 12 | 3 |
Liverpool dominate in both attacking and defensive metrics, but Spurs’ counter-attacking threat (3 goals vs Liverpool this season) remains a wildcard.
Manager/Media Comments
- Arne Slot: “We respect Spurs, but Anfield’s energy will drive us. One goal changes everything.”
- Ange Postecoglou: “We’ll defend bravely. Lucas [Bergvall] can be decisive again.”
- Pundit Prediction (Sky Sports): “3-1 Liverpool. Spurs’ defense won’t hold.”
In-Game Scenarios
- Early Liverpool goal: Spurs may abandon low block, leaving space for Salah/Diaz.
- Tottenham counter: Son’s pace vs Van Dijk/Konaté aerial dominance.
Expected Lineups & Score Prediction
Score Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham (3-2 agg.)
- Rationale: Liverpool’s xG superiority (2.1 vs 1.4), home advantage, and Spurs’ defensive frailty (xGA 2.0/game).
Outlook
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool’s attacking depth and Anfield’s atmosphere tilt the tie.
- Tottenham’s injury crisis undermines defensive stability.
Competition Impact
- Liverpool: Reach final vs Arsenal/Newcastle (March 16). Momentum boost for PL/UCL.
- Tottenham: Exit likely ends silverware hopes; focus shifts to avoiding relegation.
Next Fixtures
- Liverpool: Plymouth (FA Cup, Feb 9), Wolves (PL, Feb 16).
- Tottenham: Aston Villa (FA Cup, Feb 10), Man Utd (PL, Feb 16).
