Tottenham Hotspur look to keep their dream of winning the Carabao Cup alive when they host Premier League leaders Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final at 8pm on January 8. Arne Slot’s side showed some vulnerability in a 2-2 draw with rivals Manchester United and Ange Postecoglou will look to exploit that to help his team get their first win since the quarterfinals. Here is our Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup for a crucial game in the Lilywhites season.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool For January 8
How Tottenham Hotspur Have Lined Up Recently
Tottenham have had their difficulties in their goalkeeping department this season. An injury to Guglielmo Vicario has seen the 36-year-old Fraser Forster start seven league matches. An illness suffered by the veteran goalkeeper forced Spurs to start Brandon Austin against Newcastle United. The 25-year-old, who hadn’t played a senior match since 2021, gave a good account of himself.
However, the former Orlando City loanee is unlikely to get any more first-team opportunities with the news that new signing 21-year-0ld Antonin Kinsky can play against Liverpool.
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Pedro Porro has returned to form over the past three matches, registering assists against Wolves and Newcastle. Radu Dragusin was taken off at halftime this weekend after battling an illness. This left Archie Gray and Djed Spence as emergency centre-backs. This is an issue that the Lilywhites should look to solve in the transfer window. The injuries saw Sergio Reguilon make just his second league appearance of the season.
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The midfield pairing of Lucas Bergvall, making just his second start of the season, and Pape Matar Sarr struggled and both players were replaced in the 62nd minute by James Maddison and Yves Bissouma. Dejan Kulusevski started in an advanced midfield role and played okay. The 24-year-old was unlucky not to register an assist from his four key passes. Rodrigo Bentancur can once again return from suspension against Liverpool.
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Timo Werner got a rare start on the left as Heung-min Son was rested but failed to make an impact and was eventually replaced by the club legend in the 62nd minute. Dominic Solanke has scored four goals in the last five matches and is showing his best form in a Tottenham shirt. Brennan Johnson also looked threatening against the Magpies, hitting the woodwork.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Recent Form and Tactics
Injuries have decimated Tottenham’s season. Postecoglou has been without up to 11 first-team players for some matches and the number of defensive injuries have forced him to be creative in team selection. This has caused the Lilywhites to tumble down the Premier League table. They currently sit 12th, 12 points away from fourth-placed Chelsea. Since a 4-0 win over Manchester City on November 23, the injury-riddled side have won just twice in 11 matches.
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This has led to criticism of the manager and his attacking 4-3-3 style and formation but he has stood firm and his side have put up some impressive performances without being rewarded. They were unlucky to lose at Newcastle with their experienced manager left baffled by a few referring decisions.
Despite their injuries, Tottenham can cause any side problems and Liverpool will have to return to their best to avoid an upset in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final.
Injuries and Suspensions To Consider
Tottenham Hotspur fans finally got some news on some of their missing stars this week with Postecoglou revealing some estimated return dates. Vicario (ankle) is on course to be back near the end of February. Defensive trio Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, and Cristian Romero should return to action towards the end of January. Finally, talented youngster Mikey Moore could potentially return to the bench after a long spell battling illness.
However, the injury news is not all positive. Destiny Udogie is set to be out for six weeks with a hamstring injury and there is still no update on Wilson Odobert, who has been missing since November with a hamstring problem. Richarlison (thigh) has returned to training this week but is going through two weeks of training before he steps on the pitch again.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup Vs Liverpool
GK: Antonin Kinsky
RB: Pedro Porro
CB: Radu Dragusin
CB: Archie Gray
LB: Djed Spence
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur
CM: Yves Bissouma
RW: Dejan Kulusevski
AM: James Maddison
LW: Heung-min Son
ST: Dominic Solanke
