Liverpool press conference focus as Wirtz adapts and Leeds Utd loom large Liverpool’s preparations for their New Year’s Day meeting with Leeds Utd have offered a revealing snapshot of where Arne Slot’s side currently stand, both tactically and physically, as well as how Florian Wirtz is settling into life in English football. Speaking ahead of […]

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Liverpool told not to sell star player in January The transfer window finally opens tomorrow and there’s plenty of speculation expected around Liverpool. None of which will be anywhere near the magnitude of the possibilty of Mohamed Salah departing. After a record-breaking 24/25 season, the Egyptian King has struggled for consistency so far this term […]

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Liverpool FC Brace for Leeds Game with Suspension Risk Looming Liverpool FC face a crucial Premier League fixture against Leeds United on New Year’s Day, but disciplinary concerns could cloud Arne Slot’s preparations. The Reds head into the clash buoyed by recent form, yet one key player remains on the brink of suspension. Momentum Maintained […]

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Liverpool Midfield Planning Intensifies as Baleba Signals Readiness Liverpool’s recruitment focus is quietly sharpening and the midfield conversation is once again front and centre. Credit to Anfield Watch, whose original report outlines why this area of the squad remains a live concern despite the apparent depth available to Arne Slot. Slot inherited options, but the […]

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Liverpool future under scrutiny as Chiesa rumours resurface Federico Chiesa rarely drifts far from speculation, and as January approaches, Liverpool once again find themselves weighing potential change. The Italian winger arrived with pedigree and promise, yet minutes have been scarce. For a player entering a crucial phase of his international ambitions, time on the pitch […]

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Liverpool v Leeds United: Cody Gakpo chasing an Ian Rush New Year milestone Liverpool head into Thursday’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United with a familiar New Year storyline, and a name that always lands with extra weight at Anfield, Ian Rush. Cody Gakpo could record a rare goal feat for Liverpool in Thursday’s Premier […]

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Liverpool v Leeds United Team News: Liverpool welcome Leeds United to Anfield for the 5.30pm GMT kick off with both sides carrying momentum, and with enough selection intrigue to keep the spreadsheets busy.  Liverpool Team News: Szoboszlai returns, Salah away Liverpool come into this one off a hard fought 2-1 win over Wolves on December […]

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Liverpool transfer priorities sharpened as John Aldridge makes January call Liverpool enter the January window with momentum on the pitch but visible strain beneath the surface. Injuries have narrowed Arne Slot’s options, particularly in defence, and the conversation around recruitment has gathered pace. Few voices carry more weight in these moments than John Aldridge, a […]

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Liverpool Urged to Hand More Minutes to Potential Mo Salah Replacement When Liverpool won the Premier League title back in May, not many would’ve expected to see the Reds sitting down in 4th place in the table at the end of 2025. It also would’ve been unheard of to imagine that Mohamed Salah’s future at […]

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Liverpool January transfer window: Centre-back dilemma under Arne Slot January is almost here, and Liverpool’s squad looks strong yet exposed. Arne Slot won the Premier League title in his debut season, yet the title defence has disappointed, with Liverpool sitting 4th in the Premier League. The pressure point is centre-back. Giovanni Leoni joined for £26m […]

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Liverpool gain momentum in Joel Ordonez transfer picture Liverpool’s defensive planning appears to be entering a decisive phase, with fresh reporting from Bolavip suggesting the club could now have a clear advantage in the race for Joel Ordonez. The 21-year-old Club Brugge centre-back has been on Liverpool’s radar for over a year and circumstances are […]

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Liverpool Must Make Defensive Signings in January Four wins on the spin have changed the temperature around Merseyside as the champions of England start to remember who they are. The table suddenly looks friendlier, the mood less toxic, and the conversation has shifted from survival to sustainability. But let’s not kid ourselves. This run, welcome […]

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Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

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Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.

The Sky Sports campaign to try and destabilise Alexander Isak and get him out of Newcastle United is relentless, with the likes of Paul Merson and others, always willing to...

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