Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur: All of the Pre-Match Stats and Facts You Need to Know | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg Preview

Liverpool are set for a pivotal Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Thursday night. After a narrow 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Arne Slot’s men will be looking to leverage their formidable home form to overturn the deficit and secure a spot in the final. Let’s delves into key stats and narratives surrounding this high-stakes encounter, with credit to Liverpoolfc.com for the original insights.

History Favours the Reds in Semi-Finals

Liverpool’s history in the League Cup semi-finals provides plenty of optimism for fans. The Reds have reached this stage 20 times, only once losing both legs of a semi-final—against Southampton in the 2016-17 season. More encouragingly, Liverpool have progressed to the final on two of the last three occasions they’ve lost the first leg, achieving comebacks against Crystal Palace in 2000-01 and Sheffield United in 2002-03.

Recent form in knockout competitions also bodes well. Since their defeat to Southampton, Liverpool have advanced from each of their last six major cup competition semi-finals. This resilience under pressure will be crucial as they seek to overturn the deficit against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.

Photo: IMAGO

Anfield: Fortress for the Reds

Anfield’s atmosphere and Liverpool’s dominant home record could be decisive. The Reds are unbeaten in their last nine home games in the League Cup, with four wins and five draws. Remarkably, they’ve won the last four home fixtures in the competition by an aggregate score of 15-4.

Overall, Liverpool have 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, a fact not lost on Arne Slot, who has guided his team to a 15-match unbeaten streak at home in all competitions since September.

Photo: IMAGO

Key Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah continues to be a talisman for Liverpool, particularly against Spurs. The Egyptian has been involved in 16 goals in 17 appearances versus Tottenham in all competitions, with 12 goals and four assists. Only Manchester United (16) and West Ham United (13) have conceded more goals to Salah since his arrival at Anfield.

Salah’s form at Anfield this season has been stellar, with 19 goal involvements in 16 appearances (11 goals and eight assists), failing to score or assist in just two of those games. His ability to deliver in big matches will be crucial if Liverpool are to overturn Tottenham’s lead.

Photo: IMAGO

Cody Gakpo is another player to watch. 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’s contributions can’t be overlooked either. 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 and Liverpool’s Response

Tottenham will be eager to make history by winning consecutive games against Liverpool for the first time since 2010-2011. Their narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg has set the stage, but overcoming Liverpool at Anfield remains a daunting task.

Historically, Liverpool have 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 favour.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, this semi-final feels like a throwback to Liverpool’s never-say-die attitude that has defined the club’s modern era. The first-leg defeat might have stung, but there’s an undeniable belief that Anfield under the lights can inspire yet another famous comeback.

Arne Slot has instilled a fresh sense of resilience in the squad. The unbeaten run at home and the attacking flair showcased this season have fans dreaming of another cup final. Salah’s consistency, Gakpo’s emerging form, and Jota’s knack for scoring in crucial games mean Liverpool are well-equipped to take on Spurs.

The Kop will be electric, and as history shows, that’s often enough to tip the scales. This isn’t just a match; it’s a statement opportunity for Slot’s Liverpool to prove they can still thrive on the big stage, even in the post-Klopp era. The expectation? Nothing less than a comeback victory that propels the Reds into yet another cup final.