Despite Tottenham’s struggles this season, Ange Postecoglou has been quite defiant about their prospects for this term.
He’s repeatedly reminded reporters about his own track record, having delivered silverware during his second season in charge throughout his managerial career.
Spurs’ most likely avenue to a trophy is the EFL Cup, but they’ve been pitted against Premier League leaders Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Can Postecoglou push Spurs closer to a trophy with a first-leg victory, or will the Reds punish them again?
- LIVERPOOL TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
- CODY GAKPO TO SCORE AT ANY TIME
- OVER 5.5 TOTAL GOALS
Bet On The EFL Cup
Worrying Run For Spurs
While Spurs hope for an end to their trophy drought, they’ve hit a real skid at an awful time. Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle was their third loss in four matches, while they dropped points at home to struggling Wolves in that run too.
Postecoglou is managing a raft of injury issues with seven players in the treatment room, while Pape Sarr and James Maddison are both suspended. Back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster is a doubt, while new signing Antonin Kinsky is awaiting a work permit. That leaves Brandon Austin in line to start after making his Premier League debut at the weekend.
Spurs are looking far too open defensively and they continue to refuse to compromise their attacking approach. That bravery could look foolish at the hands of the Reds, who have won all but two of their away trips this term.
Liverpool have managed only one clean sheet in their previous six, while both teams have scored in the last 10 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Back Liverpool to win and BTTS in this one.
LIVERPOOL TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Reds Can Flex Attacking Depth
While Spurs deal with key absentees, Liverpool will view this competition as a chance to shuffle the pack. The visitors will likely start with Mohamed Salah on the bench, as they refresh their forward line.
Cody Gakpo has benefitted from plenty of minutes in the EFL Cup this term, scoring four goals across three appearances. The Dutchman’s strike against Manchester United on Sunday in the league was the third consecutive game in which he’s scored, following goals against West Ham and Leicester.
Gakpo has been involved in six goals across his last six appearances, so back his good form to continue against a vulnerable Spurs side.
CODY GAKPO TO SCORE AT ANY TIME
Another Thriller In North London
When these two met just before Christmas, Liverpool ran out 6-3 winners and the Reds have netted 10 times in the three games since. That should concern a Spurs side who have seen their games fly out of control of late.
The hosts’ previous five at home have featured 30 goals, including a 4-3 loss to Chelsea. They nearly blew a comfortable lead over Manchester United in the last round of this competition, coming through that one 4-3 against the Red Devils.
Liverpool have won 6-3, 4-3 and 4-2 across the last four meetings between these two. Given how open Spurs have looked, more goals should be on the cards. That’s reflected in the prices with over 3.5 being odds-on, but the Reds scored six times on their own in North London a matter of weeks ago.
Once the goals start flowing, Spurs seem unable to get a grip on the game. As a result, at least goals being scored in this clash is an interesting betting angle.
OVER 5.5 TOTAL GOALS
