Spurs limp to Anfield with fresh knocks and a big left-back call
It’s already feeling a bit sticky for Tottenham, isn’t it? Roberto De Zerbi takes his goal-shy Spurs to Anfield for a proper test in the Carabao Cup, and he’s doing it with a thinner squad than he’d like. No wins in the league, not a single top-flight goal to their name, and now another setback on the injury front. Strap in.
De Zerbi’s selection headache grows
The manager confirmed that £100m marquee man Sandro Tonali won’t travel after taking a knock against Everton. It’s a blow that strips Spurs of control in the middle of the park just when they need calm heads in a hostile away tie.
Dejan Kulusevski remains unavailable as his long road back continues, and Pedro Porro is also still sidelined. In short: the right flank loses its thrust, and De Zerbi must get creative with balance and width.
Richarlison saga rumbles on
The other headline act that won’t be on the bill is Richarlison. Despite links away in the last window and, per GMS sources, the player exploring options with FIFA over his contract after being left out of the 25-man Premier League squad, De Zerbi says nothing has changed for the forward. Availability for the cup? Not happening.
Long-term absentees stack up
Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are long-term ACL cases, and Mykhailo Mudryk remains out with an ankle problem, though there’s cautious optimism he could return around the turn of October into November. Add in Porro’s muscle issue and Tonali’s knock, both tracked for September returns, and you see why Spurs’ medical update reads like a novella.
Udogie back — and a big call at left-back
Amid the gloom, a bright note: Destiny Udogie is available. That gives De Zerbi a genuine decision on the left — does Udogie slot straight in, or does he keep faith with Andy Robertson and let the former Liverpool man face his old club? Either way, the choice shapes how Spurs build down that side and how aggressive they can be in transition.
Form, goals and the Anfield reality
Let’s not sugar-coat it: Spurs’ Premier League start has been anaemic in front of goal. After an outlay nudging the £400m mark, patience in the stands only stretches so far. The one shaft of light? The EFL Cup has already offered relief — five past Charlton in the last round — and another positive result puts them into the last 16 at the expense of Andoni Iraola’s Reds.
If you’re eyeing a flutter ahead of this one, have a look at the best betting sites, but remember this isn’t a straightforward punt — Spurs are threadbare in key areas and still searching for any sort of finishing touch. Anfield rarely hands out freebies.
Tactical take
Without Tonali, Spurs may need to compress the pitch and play quicker into the front line, trusting the counter more than the metronome. The right side lacks Porro’s overlap, so expect a safer build and more responsibility on the left to stretch the game. If Udogie starts, his first 15 minutes are pivotal — pin Liverpool back early, or risk getting hemmed into their own third.
Pundit’s verdict
Spurs can turn this into a statement night if they show steel, defend set-plays like their lives depend on it, and — crucially — take the first big chance that falls their way. But with Tonali, Kulusevski, Porro and Richarlison all out, De Zerbi’s margin for error is painfully slim. Cup football loves a shock; Tottenham need one that goes in their favour.
For more sporting insight and odds chat, head to our homepage and explore top betting sites uk — and don’t forget, cup ties can flip on a moment, so manage your stakes.
