Andrew Robertson will return to Anfield in Tottenham colours on Tuesday as Liverpool host the London club in the third round of the League Cup (EFL Cup), with both sides seeking a response after disappointing 0-0 draws.
Liverpool were held by Fulham on Saturday, while Tottenham were frustrated by Everton. The result leaves Liverpool unbeaten this season but under pressure to improve an attack that failed to make a decisive impact at the weekend.
Andoni Iraola’s midfield remains a major concern. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch again struggled to influence the game against Fulham, raising concerns among Liverpool supporters about the team’s creativity in possession and defensive presence as they pursue their ambitions at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool have taken six points from 12 and sit seventh in the league. Their most impressive performance came in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico de Madrid on 9 September, which remains their only win in three home matches this season. At Anfield, they have scored four goals and conceded three.
Although Iraola’s priorities include the Champions League and Premier League, Liverpool will also be targeting a record-extending 11th League Cup triumph.
Tottenham’s start has been considerably worse. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have lost two and drawn two of their opening four Premier League matches in 2026-2027, and have yet to score in the competition. It is the worst attacking start in the club’s history.
Despite spending close to £350m during the summer, Tottenham are 17th with two points after fixtures against Brentford, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton. Their recent record against Liverpool is also poor, with only two wins in the past 20 meetings and 14 defeats.
Liverpool’s recent form in all competitions is N-N-V-V-N, while Tottenham’s EFL Cup record this season is V and their overall sequence is D-V-D-N-N.
Iraola is expected to make significant changes after Liverpool’s physically demanding match against Fulham. Trey Nyoni could start in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with Lewis Koumas operating as the number 10. Cody Gakpo is in line to lead the attack, while Wataru Endo could make his first appearance of the season, probably at centre-back.
De Zerbi may restore established players including Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. The match will be a significant occasion for Robertson, who spent nine years at Liverpool from 2017 to 2026 before joining Tottenham as a free agent. Pedro Porro missed the Everton match with a muscle injury and is expected to be replaced at right-back by Archie Gray.
Probable teams
Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo.
Tottenham: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Kudus, Gallagher, Savio; Solanke.
Liverpool are tipped to win 3-1, with the expectation that Tottenham’s defensive vulnerability will allow the hosts to recover their attacking effectiveness.
Other suggested selections are Liverpool to win at 1.78, more than 2.5 goals at 1.45 and Cody Gakpo to score at 2.70. The 3-1 correct-score selection is priced at 10.50 with Betclic.