Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Carabao Cup third-round at Anfield on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Both sides are in bad shape and so the competition is more than a cakewalk. Liverpool are still unbeaten but have shown inconsistency and Spurs are looking for their first Premier League win and goal of the season.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Why This Match Matters
The winner will go into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and the losing one will go out. Liverpool will hope to make a strong start to their domestic cup campaign and try for another major trophy.
For Tottenham, the importance is perhaps even greater. After four games in the Premier League without a single goal, a cup victory would also boost Roberto De Zerbi’s team's confidence. This match is an opportunity for Spurs to change the mood of the club at home.
Liverpool's Last Five Matches
Liverpool has shown some signs that the team is tough to beat but not yet all that compelling:
- Liverpool 0-0 Fulham — September 12
- Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid — September 9
- Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool — September 4
- Liverpool 2-2 Nottingham Forest — August 29
- Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool — August 23
Liverpool's 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid showed their attacking ability in the game, but the 0-0 draw with Fulham showed the lack of consistency in their attacking play.
Tottenham's Last Five Matches
Tottenham's recent form is more concerning:
- Tottenham 0-0 Everton — September 12
- Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham — September 5
- Tottenham 0-2 Newcastle United — August 29
- Tottenham 5-1 Charlton Athletic — August 26, Carabao Cup
- Brentford 3-0 Tottenham — August 22
Spurs have failed to score in their last four Premier League matches, although their 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton shows they can produce an attacking performance in this competition.
Richarlison Issue Adds More Drama
Richarlison's absence is among the chief talking points before the match. The Brazilian forward was not in the Premier League squad of Tottenham but was eligible to play in the Carabao Cup.
But De Zerbi has said Richarlison will not be included against Liverpool. The forward's situation has been linked to a long-standing dispute over his future after he attempted to leave Tottenham during the summer.
His absence is significant because Tottenham desperately need goals. Richarlison was the club’s top scorer last season, so his absence at a time when Spurs are not finding the goals is an added blow.
What to Expect at Anfield?
Liverpool will rotate the squad, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili among the players who will get an opportunity. As Iraola juggles the demands of his squad during a busy season’s schedule, young players could also come in. Joe Gomez returns to training, while Conor Bradley is out.
Tottenham are also expected to make changes, but De Zerbi will want enough experience on the pitch to avoid another disappointing result.
