Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Tuesday as the Reds begin their EFL Cup campaign.
Andoni Iraola’s side will be looking to return to winning ways after being held to a goalless draw by Fulham in the Premier League.
The EFL Cup also gives Iraola the chance to rotate his squad, with several players pushing for starts against Tottenham.
Liverpool handed injury boost
Liverpool have received a major boost ahead of the clash with Joe Gomez available for selection.
The defender has returned to team training after recovering from the muscle injury he suffered during pre-season.
Iraola will now decide how many minutes Gomez can play.
“I think he’s going to be available and now it’s a matter of deciding how much he can play and what is the best thing to do,” Iraola said.
Conor Bradley remains unavailable, although the right-back has progressed to working with the ball during his rehabilitation.
Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are also unavailable for the contest.
Giorgi Mamardashvili could make his first appearance of the season, with the goalkeeper expected to feature as Liverpool rotate their squad.
Koumas pushing for start
Lewis Koumas could also be handed an opportunity against Tottenham.
The youngster has already made four competitive appearances this season, including three substitute appearances.
Koumas was also part of Liverpool’s squad when they won the EFL Cup in 2024.
The 20-year-old has impressed Iraola with his work rate and versatility since the start of the campaign.
However, Koumas believes he can offer more in the final third.
“I can impact games, definitely,” he said.
“But I can also add a lot of quality to the game, I can finish, I can run in behind, I’ve got pace.”
A strong performance against Tottenham could give Koumas another chance to stake his claim for regular first-team football.
Tottenham face injury problems
Tottenham will also be without several important players.
Sandro Tonali has picked up a knock, while Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro remain sidelined.
Richarlison is another absentee, although Destiny Udogie is available again after missing Tottenham’s goalless draw with Everton.
Roberto De Zerbi is expected to make changes to his starting XI for the cup tie.
However, Tottenham still have enough quality to cause Liverpool problems at Anfield.
The game could also see Andy Robertson return to his former club after joining Tottenham during the summer.
Liverpool vs Tottenham prediction
Liverpool should have enough quality to progress to the next round.
Iraola is likely to make several changes, but the Reds still have significant depth across the squad.
Tottenham could make things difficult, particularly if Liverpool struggle to find their rhythm with a changed XI.
However, home advantage should give Liverpool the edge.
Koumas could be one of the players to watch, while Gomez’s return would provide another positive for Iraola.
Liverpool should eventually have too much for Tottenham and secure their place in the fourth round.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham
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