Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool: De Zerbi Makes Three Changes, Gray Starts, Marmoush Leads

Tottenham Hotspur face Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup third round tonight, with manager Roberto De Zerbi expected to make three changes from the side that has struggled in the Premier League. Archie Gray, Marcos Senesi and Omar Marmoush are all in line to start.

  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
  • Competition: Carabao Cup third round
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Date: Tuesday 15th September 2026
  • Tottenham league position: 17th, two points from four games
  • Key selection: Archie Gray expected to start at right-back; Omar Marmoush expected to lead the line

Predicted Line-ups

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Antonin Kinsky; Archie Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson; Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher; Savio, Omar Marmoush, Mathys Tel

Substitutes: Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven

Selection notes

Kinsky keeps his place in goal. Jan Paul van Hecke continues at centre-back, with Marcos Senesi coming in alongside him, allowing Micky van de Ven to rest. Archie Gray fills in at right-back due to Pedro Porro's absence, while Andrew Robertson starts at left-back against his old club. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes anchor midfield, with Conor Gallagher in the number 10 role. Savio and Mathys Tel provide width, and Omar Marmoush leads the attack ahead of Dominic Solanke.

Injury and Availability

  • Dejan Kulusevski: Out (injury problem)
  • Pedro Porro: Out (injury problem)
  • Wilson Odobert: Out (serious knee issue)
  • Xavi Simons: Out (serious knee issue)
  • Mykhailo Mudryk: Out (injury)
  • Destiny Udogie: Available after missing last weekend
  • Richarlison: Not selected by De Zerbi, even if fit

Why De Zerbi trusts Gray over Porro and rests Van de Ven

Archie Gray gets a rare start at right-back with Pedro Porro sidelined. Gray, valued at around £30m by Transfermarkt, offers defensive solidity, but this is a tough test against Liverpool's wide players. Marcos Senesi partners Jan Paul van Hecke at the back, with Micky van de Ven dropping to the bench – a clear sign De Zerbi is managing minutes ahead of a crucial league fixture. Andrew Robertson facing his old club adds narrative, but his experience will be vital at Anfield.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes provide a disciplined double pivot, allowing Conor Gallagher to push forward. Gallagher's energy could exploit spaces if Liverpool rotate. Up front, Omar Marmoush leads the line, with Savio and Mathys Tel supporting from the flanks. Mohammed Kudus and Dominic Solanke offer attacking options from the bench, but De Zerbi clearly wants fresh legs later.

Tottenham's poor start – two points from four league games and no goals scored – makes this cup tie a potential turning point. A positive performance, even in defeat, could build momentum. But De Zerbi's decision to rest key players suggests the league remains the priority. However, with Anfield as the venue, Spurs need a cohesive display to avoid another damaging loss.

Talking points

  • Should Micky van de Ven start to deal with Liverpool's pace? Resting him risks a heavy defeat, but De Zerbi may have one eye on the weekend.
  • Is Conor Gallagher the right choice at number 10? He offers energy but lacks the creativity of James Maddison, who is only on the bench.
  • Andrew Robertson against his old club: will emotion help or hinder him? He will be tested defensively by Liverpool's attackers.
  • Richarlison's absence: De Zerbi has made it clear the Brazilian won't feature even if fit. Is that a permanent decision?

What happens next

Tottenham travel to Anfield tonight, with the match kicking off at 19:45 BST. The result could define their Carabao Cup campaign but also influence morale ahead of a critical Premier League fixture. De Zerbi's lineup suggests a mix of caution and opportunity, but the pressure is mounting after a winless start. A spirited performance is the minimum requirement to keep supporters onside.

Frequently asked questions

Is Archie Gray starting for Tottenham vs Liverpool?

Yes, Archie Gray is expected to start at right-back for Tottenham against Liverpool, replacing the injured Pedro Porro.

Who is in Tottenham's predicted lineup vs Liverpool?

The predicted Tottenham lineup is: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes, Gallagher; Savio, Marmoush, Tel.

What competition are Tottenham playing against Liverpool tonight?

Tottenham face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield on Tuesday 15th September 2026.

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