Liverpool will go back to a more traditional setup with Endo sliding back into midfield following the change.
The celebrations will come to an end as Solanke just strayed offside prior to the pass and this match is still level 0-0 in the 79th minute of play. It still feels like there’s a goal in this one before the match is up.
Against the run of play, Tottenham has the ball in the back of the net. The flag stayed down following a pass from Pedro Porro but it’s going to be a tight one as this goes to VAR.
It looked like Alexander-Arnold had the go ahead goal but Dragusin was right where he needed to be before Mac Allister sent his shot wide. Kinsky goes over to thank his defender for the save as this match is heating up coming toward the close. Son will exit after this with Timo Werner entering play.
He’s been assured with his passing and has also made four saves so far. He has only needed to make four saves in the match but limiting mistakes, it’s hard to ask for more from a 21-year-old who has only been with the club for three days.
Nunez, Alexander Arnold, and Diaz are all entering for Jota, Bradley, and Gakpo. It’s time for Liverpool to turn up the attacking pressure in a big way in this second half of play.
After a massive mistake from Allison, Pedro Porro had two chances to put Tottenham ahead in the match but he saw his first effort blocked and the second go off target. You can’t allow Liverpool to recover from mistakes like that.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was put through his paces during the half so if things don’t change soon, an early change could be coming but it’s also only a matter of time until someone breaks this game open.
Following the injury to the midfielder in the first half, Tottenham has released a statement:
“We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks.”
Part of why Tottenham were able to press well is because Liverpool was wasteful with the ball at their feet. The introduction of Alexander-Arnold or Andrew Robertson could help with that in the second period of play.
As the half draws to a close, chances are being created but they haven’t been true tests of either keeper yet. Spurs will want to get into half level with Liverpool turning up the pressure.
Given the injuries, this comes as no surprise.
There was much concern over Tottenham’s defense but so far, the team has been up to the task of defending Liverpool with plenty of cover in tight areas. This has come at the expense of attacking fluidity but after conceding so many goals in recent matches, this is progress for Spurs.
This time it’s Jarell Quansah who will be replaced by Wataru Endo after picking up an injury. There should be over 10 minutes of stoppage time to come at the end of the half at this rate.
Tottenham still has the better of this match as Liverpool has been giving the ball away in midfield early on. It’s a goal kick to Liverpool after the chance but Tottenham’s press has been effective in the early going.
After going for a diving header following a corner kick, the stretcher is out for the midfielder while Brennan Johnson will enter to change the complexion of the attack for Tottenham. It was a lengthy stoppage while Bentancur received treatment which will need to be added on following the half. Despite the header, this is being treated as a normal substitution not a concussion substitution.
So far Tottenham has been looking for balls over the top and while the timing hasn’t been there, the opportunities are. Dragusin had a great shot on target but Spurs may have picked up yet another injury as Bentancur is on the ground following a corner.
It’s a measured build up from Tottenham to start off the match but it likely won’t take long for this match to kick into gear as a ball over the top to Son was just off timing wise.
Tottenham will want to get off to a fast start in this one and they have their home fans in support to make it happen.
Despite Tottenham’s defensive issues, there aren’t many teams who can stop them from scoring, especially at home. The one benefit of the current injury crisis is that less experienced players are finding their feet which will help with securing an improbable draw. Pick: Tottenham 2, Liverpool 2
With 18 goals and 13 assists in Premier League play, it’ll be interesting to see how Tottenham looks to slow down Salah but with Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota also in the attack, that’ll be easier said than done.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold had a poor performance against Manchester United he finds himself on the bench to begin this clash facing Tottenham but being interviewed on the XI, manager Arne Slot downplayed it being down to performance. When Conor Bradley was injured, Alexander-Arnold and other members of the defense had to play more than usual so this rotation is down to rest according to the manger.
A new keeper is in, Antonin Kinsky Jr. who only joined on January 5 from Slavia Prague and now he’s thrown in to face Liverpool. It’s a slightly different setup for Tottenham to try and control the midfield but that’ll be easier said than done against Liverpool.
Tottenham XI: Antonin Kinsky, Djed Spence, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke
After a poor performance against Manchester United, Trent Alexander-Arnold will have to settle for a place on the bench while Andrew Robertson is also replaced.
Liverpool starting XI: Alisson, Kostas Tsimikas, Virgil Van Djik, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota
Tottenham predicted XI: Antonin Kinsky, Djed Spence, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke
Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson, Andrew Robertson, Virgil Van Djik, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota
Ibrahima Konate is back in contention to help Arne Slot get back to his top available defense and the timing couldn’t be better with Joe Gomez out with a thigh injury. Dominik Szoboszlai is the only other player who won’t be available, although changes could come to Liverpool’s XI after dropping points to Machester United their last time out.
Lineups will be interesting for Tottenham as there could be a debut in the works. New keeper Antonin Kinsky Jr. has only been with the club for a few days, but the former Slavia Prague man is registered to play and with Fraser Forester recovering from an illness, he could debut in a major moment for the club. It’ll be quite a challenge if the 21-year-old does debut, but after being thrown into the fire in the Czech league, he’ll be ready for whatever comes his way. Richarlison is also back in training adding more depth to a front line that has been stretched to their limits as of late. The defense is still in shambles with the top three center backs all sidelined, but there’s a slim chance to keep this close at home.
- Date: Wednesday, Jan 8 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — London
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Tottenham +320; Draw +360; Liverpool -155
The EFL Cup may have fewer teams but the matches are heating up. With Tottenham and Liverpool meeting, the goals could flow with both sides wanting to set themselves up well ahead of a clash at Anfield in the second leg. Injuries may be catching up to Tottenham but their attack has been strong enough to keep things close. Facing Liverpool, another gear will be needed though.
