EPL Index
·8 Januari 2025
EPL Index
·8 Januari 2025
Liverpool head into tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham with a nearly full-strength squad, providing manager Arne Slot with a welcome range of options as his side aim to secure a first-leg advantage.
Defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley returned to action during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Anfield, having recovered from injuries sustained in November’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
Photo IMAGO
Their availability bolsters Liverpool’s defensive depth, particularly at right-back, where Trent Alexander-Arnold remains first choice despite recent criticism of his form.
Photo: IMAGO
Speaking on Alexander-Arnold’s position, Slot remarked: “Every player not on the pitch would love to play tomorrow as well. Almost all of them are fit. That is quite special. I will highlight they show up every three days.”
Dominik Szoboszlai, who missed the United match due to illness, is a slight doubt but could still feature. Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, sustained in December, while Darwin Núñez is available despite picking up a booking against United that will see him suspended for the next Premier League game.
Photo by IMAGO
Arne Slot’s likely lineup reflects both the team’s recent performances and tactical stability:
Formation (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Jota.
Doubts: Szoboszlai. Injured: Gomez.
Kick-off: 8pm GMT, Wednesday 8 January 2025 Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Broadcast: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, with streaming available on Sky Go.
Liverpool’s strength in depth and recent form suggest they will enter the semi-final confident, though Tottenham’s home advantage and the stakes of the Carabao Cup promise a fiercely contested encounter.