Liverpool vs Tottenham: Confirmed line-ups for EFL Cup clash at Anfield

Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur in a heavyweight EFL Cup tie at Anfield tonight. Both Andoni Iraola and Roberto De Zebri have rotated heavily, with Mamardashvili and Dubravka starting in goal. McConnell and Nyoni come into midfield for Liverpool, while Gallagher starts for Spurs.

  • Competition: EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Liverpool goalkeeper: Mamardashvili recalled
  • Tottenham goalkeeper: Dubravka starts
  • Key Liverpool absences: Van Dijk rested, Alisson on bench
  • Key Tottenham absences: Van de Ven, Maddison, Solanke among substitutes

Confirmed line-ups

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Aruajo, Gomez, Kerkez; McConnell, Mac Allister, Nyoni; Gakpo, Koumas, Ngumoha

Substitutes: Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kudus, Tel, Marmoush

Substitutes: Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Van de Ven, Davies

Selection notes

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has rotated his squad, with Mamardashvili recalled in goal. Frimpong, Gomez and Kerkez come into defence alongside Aruajo. Van Dijk is rested. McConnell starts in midfield alongside Mac Allister, with highly-rated youngster Nyoni handed a start. Gakpo leads the attack alongside youngsters Ngumoha and Koumas. Barcola and Isak are among the big-name substitutes.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zebri has also used his full squad. Dubravka starts in goal. Gray, Tosin, Senesi and Udogie form the back four, with Van Hecke and Van de Ven dropping to the bench. Bentancur and Bergvall are joined by Gallagher in midfield, meaning Fernandes is a substitute. Kudus and Tel support Marmoush in attack, with Solanke, Maddison and Savio all among the substitutes.

Why Iraola and De Zebri have gone young for this cup tie

Both managers have treated this EFL Cup tie as a chance to rest key players and blood academy talent. For Liverpool, the absence of Van Dijk and Alisson from the starting XI is a clear signal that Iraola sees this competition as an opportunity for his fringe players. Mamardashvili gets a rare start in goal, while McConnell and Nyoni are given the chance to impress in midfield. The front three of Gakpo, Koumas and Ngumoha is inexperienced but full of pace and directness.

Tottenham are similarly experimental. Dubravka comes in for Kinsky, and the defence is completely reshuffled with Van de Ven and Van Hecke dropping to the bench. The midfield trio of Bentancur, Bergvall and Gallagher offers a blend of experience and energy, while the attack of Kudus, Tel and Marmoush has plenty of pace to trouble Liverpool's makeshift backline.

The bench strength on both sides is formidable. Liverpool can call on Szoboszlai, Isak and Barcola if needed, while Spurs have Solanke, Maddison and Savio in reserve. This suggests both managers are taking the tie seriously but are also mindful of the Premier League commitments to come. The young players on show will be desperate to make an impression, and the tempo could be frantic as a result.

Talking points

  • Can Liverpool's inexperienced front three of Gakpo, Koumas and Ngumoha break down a Spurs defence missing Van de Ven and Van Hecke?
  • Is De Zebri risking his job by resting so many senior players, or is this a smart move to keep his squad fresh?
  • With both managers rotating heavily, does this devalue the EFL Cup as a competitive competition?
  • Which youngster will seize their chance? Nyoni for Liverpool or Bergvall for Spurs?

What happens next

The winner of this tie will progress to the next round of the EFL Cup. Liverpool will then turn their attention back to the Premier League, while Tottenham will be desperate to build momentum after a difficult start to the season under Roberto De Zebri. The draw for the next round will take place after all ties are completed. Both clubs will be hoping to avoid injuries to key players given their already stretched squads.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mamardashvili starting for Liverpool vs Tottenham?

Yes, Mamardashvili has been recalled in goal for Liverpool's EFL Cup clash with Tottenham.

Who is on the bench for Liverpool vs Tottenham?

Liverpool's substitutes are Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers. Tottenham's substitutes are Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Van de Ven, Davies.

Is Van Dijk playing for Liverpool tonight?

No, Van Dijk is among those given a rest and does not start against Tottenham.

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