| Liverpool vs Tottenham | |
| MATCH | EFL Cup |
| DATE | 16 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Anfield |
Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur: EFL Cup Match Preview
Liverpool will look to put their recent Premier League frustrations behind them when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
The Reds remain unbeaten in the league, but their latest performance against Fulham was far from convincing. Liverpool struggled to create clear opportunities and lacked their usual sharpness in the final third, with several attacking players failing to make a significant impact.
Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have all endured inconsistent spells, while Liverpool's midfield continues to attract attention. Questions remain over whether the squad has enough creativity and defensive stability in the centre of the pitch to sustain a challenge near the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool have collected six points from their opening four league matches and currently sit seventh. Their strongest performance of the season came in Europe, when they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 at Anfield on September 9.
That Champions League victory is Liverpool's only win in three home matches this campaign. They have scored four goals and conceded three at Anfield so far.
Despite the demands of the Premier League and Champions League, Liverpool have a remarkable history in the EFL Cup and will be keen to take the competition seriously. The Reds have won the trophy a record 10 times and will be targeting an 11th success.
Tottenham Looking for a Response
Tottenham arrive on Merseyside in desperate need of a turnaround.
Spurs have endured a difficult opening to their Premier League campaign, collecting just two points from their first four matches after suffering two defeats and recording two draws.
Their biggest concern has been their lack of attacking output. Tottenham have failed to score in any of their opening four league games, making this their worst-ever start to a season in terms of goals scored.
Roberto De Zerbi was heavily involved in Tottenham's recruitment during the summer, with the club reportedly spending close to £350 million. Despite that significant investment, Spurs currently find themselves 17th in the table.
The difficult run has been particularly disappointing considering their opening fixtures included matches against Brentford, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Everton.
Tottenham's recent record against Liverpool is also a major concern. Spurs have won only two of their last 20 meetings with the Reds, while Liverpool have dominated the fixture with 14 victories during that period.
One of Tottenham's victories came in 2023 in controversial circumstances, when Liverpool finished the match with nine players and Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside. Spurs also defeated Liverpool in an EFL Cup semi-final first leg in January 2025, although Liverpool ultimately advanced from the tie.
Tottenham have drawn one and lost one of their last two away matches. However, they did finish last season strongly on the road, winning two of their final three away fixtures.
Recent Form
Liverpool – All Competitions:
D, D, W, W, D
Tottenham Hotspur – EFL Cup:
W
Tottenham Hotspur – All Competitions:
L, W, L, D, D
Team News
Liverpool are expected to make several changes after a demanding schedule and a disappointing display against Fulham.
Trey Nyoni is a strong candidate to feature in midfield, potentially alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Lewis Koumas could also be given an opportunity in an advanced midfield role.
Cody Gakpo is among the options to lead the attack, while Wataru Endo could make his first appearance of the season. The Japanese midfielder may be deployed in central defence rather than his usual midfield position.
Liverpool's rotation is likely to provide opportunities for several squad players as the club balances its domestic and European commitments.
Tottenham could take a different approach. With De Zerbi already facing pressure following a poor league start, the Italian manager may select a stronger side in an attempt to secure a morale-boosting victory.
Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali could be among those involved from the beginning.
The match could also be an emotional occasion for Andy Robertson, who spent nine years at Liverpool between 2017 and 2026 before leaving the club on a free transfer. His experience at Anfield could make him an important figure for Tottenham.
Pedro Porro missed the defeat against Everton because of a muscle problem. Although the injury is not considered serious, Archie Gray could continue at right-back if Porro is not ready to return.
Match Outlook
Liverpool's greater squad depth and outstanding record in the EFL Cup make them the favourites, but Tottenham have plenty of motivation to produce a response.
The visitors desperately need a positive result after their goalless start to the Premier League season, while Liverpool will want to avoid another underwhelming performance at Anfield.
With both managers expected to make changes, the contest could be closer than the league positions suggest. Liverpool's attacking quality and home advantage may ultimately prove decisive, but Tottenham have an opportunity to turn their season around with a memorable cup victory.null