Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info for EFL Cup

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will want to see his side preserve the burgeoning positivity at Anfield in 2016-17 as they welcome Tottenham Hotspur in Round 4 of the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

The Reds were in rampant mood in the Premier League on Saturday, putting a usually stubborn West Bromwich Albion side to the sword with ease. The 2-1 win for Liverpool was one of many daring and exhilarating attacking displays from this group of players this season.

Spurs have also enjoyed a prosperous beginning to the year, although they have seen some momentum slip away recently. Mauricio Pochettino’s men were far from their best in a 0-0 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday.

In a one-off encounter, these two dynamic outfits could produce a cup classic. Here’s a look at the key viewing details for this one, the latest team news and how this contest could pan out.

Date: Tuesday, October 25

Time: 7:45 p.m. (BST) 2:45 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK), beIN Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), beIN Sports Connect (U.S.)

Team News

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made changes to his XI in the League Cup so far this term, and Simon Mignolet could return in goal. Georginio Wijnaldum may also make his return to the XI for the first time since his injury layoff; he was on the bench for the visit of West Brom on Saturday.

Pochettino will likely make similar adjustments to his side, although he will have some key players missing. According to the Evening Standard, Toby Alderweireld could return to the XI, although the game will likely come too soon for Harry Kane.

Preview

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Given they have no European commitments this season, Liverpool can afford to take this competition seriously, as Klopp seeks to secure his first piece of silverware as Reds boss.

After a brilliant start to the Premier League season, this contest could also be a chance for the manager to take a closer look at some players who have been on the fringes of the side as of late. Striker Daniel Sturridge can also offer a reminder of his capabilities.

Indeed, the Reds have played their best football without the England international so far this season. Per 101 Great Goals, he cut a frustrated figure on the bench on Saturday at Anfield:

Given their UEFA Champions League commitments, we may see a more makeshift XI from Spurs in this one.

Pochettino’s side may have let momentum slip away in recent weeks, as Tottenham have struggled to find attacking fluidity. However, they remain one of the most awkward opponents in the Premier League due to their physicality, energy and defensive diligence.

Even without Alderweireld, Spurs were excellent at the back against Bournemouth in their last outing. These numbers from Squawka Football sum up just how compact they’ve been in 2016-17:

For the visitors, all eyes will be on Vincent Janssen. While he netted his first goal for the Londoners in this competition against Gillingham, he’s struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League so far; the Dutchman will be desperate to make an impression against one of the country’s top outfits.

VI-Images/Getty Images

These two sides have already met this term, playing out a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane. That day, the Reds’ front four of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino unsettled the Tottenham defence more than any side have been able to this season.

It’s unlikely the same cast will line up for Liverpool on Tuesday, although they can afford to take this game a lot more seriously than their opponents. Expect another absorbing, pulsating tussle between these two but for the home side to eventually edge into the next round.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur