Liverpool vs Tottenham: Predicted Lineups and Team News for Carabao Cup
Liverpool hosts Tottenham in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with Andoni Iraola preparing to heavily rotate his squad amidst a demanding fixture schedule. According to the London Evening Standard and BBC coverage, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in place of Alisson Becker, while defender Joe Gomez returns to the matchday squad following a muscle strain.
Tactical Rotation and Squad Management
Navigating an intense early-season calendar requires strict periodization and load management from coaching staffs. Per BBC reports, Iraola expressed frustration following a 0-0 weekend draw with Fulham but emphasized that the congested schedule demands tactical adjustments across competitions. While Liverpool remains unbeaten in the 2026/27 campaign, Tottenham enters the fixture seeking a spark after a winless start to their Premier League top-flight run.
Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to sit out the Carabao Cup tie, opening defensive minutes for available personnel. According to the sources, Joe Gomez has recovered from the muscle strain that sidelined him since July and is available for selection. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley has begun working with the ball following recent knee surgery but will not feature against Spurs.
Predicted Lineups and Injury Updates
Squad depth will face a rigorous test under the Anfield floodlights. The sources project Liverpool to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal behind a backline of Jeremie Frimpong, Ronald Araujo, Jacquet, and Kostas Tsimikas. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo are slated to anchor the center, supporting young prospects like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
With Hugo Ekitike sidelined due to injury, Alexander Isak remains the primary senior striking option for the Reds, though Cody Gakpo provides tactical flexibility through the middle.
Fixture History and Economic Impact
The last time these two sides met in this competition was during the 2024/25 semi-finals, where Liverpool secured a 4-1 aggregate victory before ultimately falling to Newcastle United in the final. As both clubs battle for advancement on Tuesday night, managing physical output will dictate success as the autumn fixture list intensifies.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.