Liverpool vs Tottenham: Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg Preview
All the key stats, facts, and insights you need before the big clash at Anfield.
Updated : 2 weeks ago
Liverpool is gearing up to host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the decisive second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, the Reds aim to overturn the deficit and secure a spot in the final. Here's a comprehensive look at the key stats and narratives surrounding this high-stakes encounter.
Historical Edge in Semi-Finals
Liverpool's track record in League Cup semi-finals is impressive. They've reached this stage 20 times, with only one instance of losing both legs—in the 2016-17 season against Southampton. Notably, the Reds have successfully overturned first-leg deficits in two of their last three attempts, achieving comebacks against Crystal Palace in 2000-01 and Sheffield United in 2002-03. This resilience underscores their ability to perform under pressure.
Anfield: The Fortress
Anfield's formidable atmosphere and Liverpool's dominant home form could play a pivotal role. The Reds are unbeaten in their last nine home League Cup matches, securing four wins and five draws. They've won the last four home fixtures in the competition by an aggregate score of 15-4.
| Competition | Home Matches | Wins | Draws | Aggregate Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League Cup | Last 9 | 4 | 5 | 15-4 |
Moreover, Liverpool has lost just one of their last 27 home games against Tottenham, winning 19 and drawing seven. They are unbeaten in 14 home encounters with Spurs since a 2-0 loss in May 2011. This impressive record highlights Anfield's status as a fortress.
| Opponent | Home Matches | Wins | Draws | Last Defeat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham | Last 27 | 19 | 7 | May 2011 (0-2) |
Key Players to Watch
- Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian forward has been a consistent threat against Tottenham, contributing to 14 goals in 22 appearances against them. A brace in this match would see Spurs tied with Manchester United as his favorite opponents, while a hat-trick would move them clear by one goal.
Source: TalkSport - Cody Gakpo: The Dutch forward has netted four goals in this season’s Carabao Cup, with only Robbie Fowler (six in 2000-01) scoring more in a single campaign for the club. Gakpo has also scored in each of his last six appearances at Anfield, a streak only bettered recently by Salah’s nine-game run in 2023.
- Diogo Jota: The Portuguese forward has scored five goals in his last five Carabao Cup starts, proving to be a reliable figure in knockout fixtures.
Tottenham's Challenge
Tottenham will be eager to make history by winning consecutive games against Liverpool for the first time since the 2010-2011 season. Their narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg has set the stage, but overcoming Liverpool at Anfield remains a daunting task.
Historically, Liverpool has progressed from two of their last three League Cup ties against Spurs, most recently in the 2016-17 season at the fourth-round stage. With their rich cup pedigree and formidable home form, the Reds will be confident of turning the tie in their favor.
Injury Updates
Liverpool will be missing Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury but will benefit from the recent return of Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota.
As the stage is set for this thrilling encounter, both teams will be keenly aware of the stakes. Liverpool's historical resilience and formidable home form provide a solid foundation, but Tottenham's recent victory adds an element of unpredictability.
Football fans are in for an exciting match as these two Premier League giants battle for a place in the Carabao Cup final.
