Liverpool v Tottenham: EFL Cup match

After a dreadful performance this weekend at home against Fulham, Liverpool aim to get back on track against Spurs in this Carabao Cup match taking place tonight at Anfield. This will be the third match in seven days for the Red Men, and changes are expected to the starting XI, as Andoni Iraola has already announced in his prematch press conference that the squad will be rotated due to the schedule and the physical demands his style of play places on the players. I am optimistic about Liverpool’s chances tonight, as they will hopefully be inspired by performances from the youngsters, resulting in shared joy among supporters.

Spurs can’t buy a goal

Tottenham have not scored in four Premier League games this season. Not one goal, from 4.10 expected goals. They lost 3-0 away and 2-0 at home, then drew 0-0 twice, including on Saturday. They will be hungry for chances and we need to make sure that we do not give them anything easy for the taking tonight.

At the other end they have conceded five from 7.48 expected goals against, which is actually fewer than their chances conceded would suggest.

Tottenham are most certainly due a goal at this point, but they are not doing themselves any favors with their defending. It may be the tactics of new coach De Zerbi that are leaving Spurs vulnerable at the back.

Two sides stuck in neutral

Both clubs drew 0-0 on Saturday. Liverpool have slipped to 8th on six points, with one win and three draws. Across the league season they have scored six from 6.95 xG and conceded four from 5.99 xGA.

This offers a reset of the mentality that when teams come to Anfield, we make it a difficult time. They won’t have any fun, and the lads get stuck in and show what home advantage means for Liverpool. We need the supporters to get behind the lads tonight so they feed off the energy of the stadium and impose themselves on the opposition. I believe we will be able to take it to them and give ourselves the confidence to go on a run of results after the international break.

Robertson comes back to Anfield

Andrew Robertson is now a Tottenham player, and has featured in all four league games for them. He hasn’t registered an assist yet, but the chances he creates rank among the best of any Premier League defender.

Robo should be showered with claps and cheers on his return to Anfield as he is a club legend in the eyes of everyone around Liverpool. It hurts to see him in another shirt, but I’m happy to see him still playing, and all the best to him in the future. Robertson can still be lethal with his crosses in from the left side into the box.

Where Liverpool can hurt them

Gakpo still leads all 90 Premier League midfielders for assists per 90, and Isak is second among forwards for non-penalty xG per 90.

One warning at the other end: Micky van de Ven is in the 97th percentile among defenders for the quality of his shots, so Tottenham’s set pieces deserve respect.

The midfield has been a topic of discussion for many, and I feel that if they give a strong performance tonight, they may be able to put that narrative to bed for a while, moving the ball from box to box and defending when necessary. We need a masterclass from Trey Nyoni tonight, and I feel we may just get one.

The rotation question

Cup ties usually bring changes, and there is no data for the Carabao Cup to go on — so this one comes down to what you expect from the team sheet.

I would start Rio and rest Bradley, given he had cramps last game. I would have Koumas start as well, and possibly even Frimpong on the right. Gomez and Virgil at the back, with Araújo on the right.

Prediction

3-1 Liverpool, with goals from Rio, Szobo and Nyoni.