In anticipation of their Carabao Cup third-round encounter, Tottenham Hotspur is gearing up for a crucial match against Liverpool. The team, currently under the management of Roberto De Zerbi, finds itself in a challenging period, having yet to score a Premier League goal this season. Despite their league form, De Zerbi has emphasized his commitment to a deep run in domestic cup competitions, signaling that he will field a competitive squad for the trip to Anfield. The fixture is particularly noteworthy for Andrew Robertson, who will make his first return to his former home ground since his departure this summer. This match presents an opportunity for Tottenham to build momentum and demonstrate their cup ambitions.
Tottenham Hotspur Prepares for Carabao Cup Battle Against Liverpool with Key Returns and Formation Adjustments
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 20:00 BST, Tottenham Hotspur will travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round. The highly anticipated match, broadcast live on ITV4 and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, holds significant weight for both clubs, especially for a Tottenham side looking to revitalize their season.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi faces a few selection challenges. Midfielder Sandro Tonali is sidelined due to an injury sustained during Saturday's draw against Everton, joining Pedro Porro (muscle) and Dejan Kulusevski on the absentee list. Notably, Richarlison remains out of De Zerbi's plans, despite being eligible for the Carabao Cup, with the coach confirming no change in his status.
However, the team will see the welcome return of Destiny Udogie, who was unavailable for the weekend's draw. Andrew Robertson is expected to command the left-back position, making an emotional return to his former home stadium. De Zerbi is also set to make tactical adjustments in the midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, and Conor Gallagher poised for recalls. Additionally, Mohammed Kudus could make his first starting appearance of the season, adding fresh impetus to the squad.
The predicted starting XI for Tottenham Hotspur in a 4-3-3 formation is as follows: Dubravka in goal; a defensive line comprising Gray, Tosin, Senesi, and Robertson; a midfield trio of Bentancur, Bergvall, and Gallagher; and an attacking front led by Kudus, Solanke, and Marmoush. This lineup suggests a blend of experience and fresh talent, as Tottenham aims to overcome their recent struggles and advance in the cup competition.
The upcoming Carabao Cup clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool offers a fascinating narrative beyond just a football match. For Tottenham, it's a chance to ignite their season and alleviate the pressure that has mounted due to their uncharacteristic goal drought in the Premier League. Manager Roberto De Zerbi's firm stance on prioritizing cup competitions indicates a strategic shift, potentially leveraging these tournaments to build confidence and refine tactical approaches. The emotional return of Andrew Robertson to Anfield adds a compelling human element to the game, highlighting the personal journeys intertwined with professional sports. From a broader perspective, this fixture underscores the unique demands and opportunities that cup competitions present, allowing teams to experiment with lineups, blood new talent, and chase silverware when league aspirations might be faltering. It will be interesting to observe if Tottenham can harness the cup magic to turn their fortunes around and demonstrate the depth of their squad against a formidable opponent like Liverpool.
