Tottenham have a one-goal result in defend once they journey to Anfield for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool.
A powerful victory within the first leg courtesy of Lucas Bergvall’s late strike has seen Spurs put one foot on this 12 months’s closing, however they nonetheless have an almighty problem on their arms as they intention to succeed in Wembley Stadium and carry a primary trophy since 2008.
Liverpool are Europe’s most kind aspect and have a superb document of turning round troublesome positions at Anfield in knockout ties. The injury-stricken Lilywhites should combat for his or her lives to safe their spot within the showpiece occasion.
Defensive absentees proceed to derail Ange Postecoglou’s plans however he is additionally with out an array of gamers within the ahead line, together with star striker and ex-Liverpool man Dominic Solanke. The Australian will have the ability to name upon new signings Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, nonetheless.
Right here is how Spurs might line up at Anfield.
GK: Antonin Kinsky – The January recruit made a direct affect on his debut throughout the first leg, serving up a powerful efficiency that noticed him win the Participant of the Match award. He may very well be even busier at Anfield.
RB: Pedro Porro – Everyone seems to be conscious of the Spaniard’s artistic aptitude and distinctive distribution from right-back, however his defensive insecurities may very well be uncovered by the in-form Cody Gakpo on Thursday night time.
CB: Kevin Danso – With Micky van de Ven unlikely to characteristic and Radu Dragusin out for the remainder of the season, current signing Danso might make his Spurs debut. The cumbersome Austrian shone at Lens and can be aiming to make a optimistic first impression.
CB: Ben Davies – The skilled defender should forge a brand new partnership with Danso till Spurs’ first-choice centre-halves return to the fold. Holding Luis Diaz and Co. quiet can be no straightforward feat – as evidenced by Tottenham’s 6-3 defeat to the Reds in December.
LB: Djed Spence – One of many standout performers of Premier League Gameweek 24, Spence has to comply with up a difficult task in opposition to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo with the close to unimaginable activity of silencing Mohamed Salah.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr – The midfielder scored the clinching second for Spurs from the bench on Sunday afternoon and may very well be thrown into the beginning XI forward of Lucas Bergvall to supply further defensive cowl.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Spurs’ current malaise has been no fault of Bentancur, with the Uruguayan at all times proving a cultured operator within the engine room for the Lilywhites.
CM: Yves Bissouma – Bissouma helped Tottenham earn a uncommon clear sheet within the first leg, shielding the again 4 successfully in north London. He might want to do the identical on Merseyside in entrance of a raucous Anfield crowd.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham’s star performer this season, Kulusevski even impressed with a aim within the hefty defeat to Liverpool six weeks in the past. Arne Slot might want to devise a particular plan to stifle the Swede.
ST: Richarlison – The previous Everton striker typically takes up the function of pantomime villain on visits to Anfield however he did rating and help on his most up-to-date journey to the venue. January mortgage signing Tel might relieve him of his duties throughout Thursday’s affair.
LW: Son Heung-min – Spurs’ talisman shouldn’t be having fun with probably the most prolific season of his profession however he stays a devastating footballer on his day. He can be aiming to trigger Liverpool deputy Conor Bradley nightmares following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s damage.
