Liverpool vs Tottenham – News and Probable Lineups

Andrew Robertson is set to make a return to Anfield on Tuesday, representing Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the EFL Cup.

The former left-back will be facing a Liverpool side feeling the heat after a goalless draw with Fulham on Saturday. However, Tottenham also finds itself under the microscope after a scoreless stalemate against Everton at the weekend.

Match overview

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool won’t look back fondly on their encounter with Fulham in the Premier League. Despite remaining unbeaten this season, their performance in attack left much to be desired.

They created few significant chances, and players such as Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch failed to impress yet again.

Midfield has been a concern for the host team for some time, raising worries among supporters that their lack of a strong playmaker and defensive anchor might hinder their ambitions of competing at the top of the table.

The Merseysiders have managed to gather six points from 12 in the Premier League and currently sit in seventh place, although they performed well during their 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on September 9.

That win in Europe remains their only home win this term, having scored four goals while conceding three at Anfield so far this season.

Iraola is expected to prioritize the league and Champions League, but Liverpool’s historic success in the EFL Cup implies the manager must treat this competition seriously as they aim for an 11th title and a chance to enhance their record tally.

Tottenham Hotspur come into this matchup struggling, having lost two and drawn two of their four fixtures in the 2026-27 season so far.

To add to their troubles, the visitors have yet to score in the league, marking the poorest start to a season in terms of goals scored for the club.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi was heavily involved in the transfer market, but after spending close to £350m in one window, few expected the club to be sitting at 17th with just two points after facing Brentford, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton.

Tottenham’s history against Liverpool is not encouraging, with only two victories in their last 20 encounters, compared to 14 defeats.

Nonetheless, their 2-1 win in 2023 was controversial, as Liverpool had two players sent off and had a goal ruled out incorrectly for offside, even with VAR in play. Their EFL Cup victory in January 2025 was ultimately inconsequential since Liverpool progressed from that semi-final match.

The visitors have drawn one and lost one in their last two away matches, although they did end the 2025-26 season with two wins from their last three road trips.

Team News

Liverpool appeared sluggish against Fulham, with several players struggling to adapt to Iraola’s demanding style after three games within a week, so expect considerable changes ahead of Tuesday.

Trey Nyoni is almost certain to step into midfield, possibly partnering with Alexis Mac Allister, while Lewis Koumas could be deployed as an advanced midfielder.

Cody Gakpo is a potential choice to lead the forward line, and Wataru Endo is expected to make his season debut, likely taking on a centre-back role.

For Tottenham, De Zerbi may opt for a stronger squad selection as pressure mounts, so expect to see players such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in the starting lineup.

This fixture will hold special significance for defender Robertson, who spent nine years at Anfield from 2017 to 2026 before leaving on a free transfer, and it would be surprising if he was omitted from the lineup.

Pedro Porro wasn’t available for his team’s fixture against Everton due to a muscle problem, and while the injury isn’t thought to be severe, fans are likely to see Archie Gray remain at right-back.

Liverpool probable starting XI:

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Bird; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo

Tottenham Hotspur probable starting XI:

Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Holy, Gallagher, Savio; Solanke

While Liverpool may not have been in free-flowing form against Fulham, the pressure is piling on Tottenham, and that could affect the players on Tuesday.

The Reds should relish the prospect of facing a more open defence, and even if they implement numerous changes, they are likely to possess more attacking threat than Tottenham.