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Tamworth vs Tottenham predictions, odds and betting tips

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Tottenham Hotspur travel north to face non-league Tamworth in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. This is a typical banana-skin style match. Will Spurs slip up on Sunday?

Tamworth vs Tottenham best bets

Spurs -2 to win on the European handicap - 6/5 with Betfred

Brennan Johnson to score anytime - 6/4 with SBK

Lucas Bergvall to score or assist - 9/5 with Casumo

Tamworth vs Tottenham odds

Find the latest match odds for Tamworth vs Tottenham. All odds are provided by our best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.

Tamworth vs Tottenham predictions

Tamworth sit 16th in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. On Sunday, they take on Spurs at the Lamb Ground in the biggest match in the non-league club’s history.

Managed by Andy Peaks, Tamworth has already defeated Macclesfield, Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion to reach this stage. The cup run is rumoured to have netted the club up to a quarter of a million pounds.

A win over Premier League giants Spurs would see that number dwarfed. It would also see the Tamworth players immortalised, with their exploits repeated year after year in the build-up to the FA Cup 3rd Round weekend.

And they have the perfect setting for a giant killing. Their home ground has a capacity of less than 5,000, with just over 500 seated. It is an old-school football ground, the sort few Premier League players will have experienced before in their careers.

The Lambs also face a Spurs team that can be very Jekyll and Hyde. So they do have to go into this fixture truly believing they have a chance. Because if the wrong version of Spurs turns up, Tamworth may cause the upset of the century.

After all the glitz and glamour of the FA Cup is over, Tamworth will return to reality with a Birmingham Senior Cup fixture against Boldmere St. Michaels on Tuesday night.

As for Spurs, could something good happen for the inconsistent Lilywhites and Ange Postecoglou?

Surely, it's only the team’s run in the Carabao Cup that has kept Big Ange in a job in recent weeks, as things have gone from bad to worse in the Premier League.

But after defeating Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday night in the 1st leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, Spurs can sniff Wembley. And in the FA Cup, they have drawn the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, giving them a great chance to get through to the 4th Round.

The cups could give Spurs a confidence boost. They seem to be having a lot of luck in the Carabao Cup. The sort of which could make fans believe their name is on the trophy.

Spurs used a get-out-of-jail card in the 2-1 win over Coventry City in the 3rd Round. They then rode their luck in the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Round of 16 and also had a go at throwing away a three-goal lead over Man Utd in the quarter-final.

And then just when it looked like the Lilywhites had run out of good fortune, they got lucky against Liverpool with their match winner, Lucas Bergvall lucky to still be on the pitch when he fired home the 86th-minute winner against the runaway Premier League leaders.

Spurs are struggling in the league. They sit 12th on 24 points from 20 matches. But the cups are offering their long-suffering fans some hope and a genuine chance of silverware.

It would be typical for Spurs to beat Liverpool and then lose to Tamworth. But surely even they can’t manage that.

Tamworth vs Tottenham betting tips

Tottenham are 2/13 to win the match and just 1/20 to go through to the 4th Round.

The Lambs are 7/1 to make it to the 4th Round. But the fifth-tier team is in a run of poor league form, with just one win in their last five.

They shouldn’t be a problem for Spurs, who look set to pick a team with a mix of experience and some of their young squad players. More Tamworth v Tottenham betting tips can be found below:

Spurs -2 to win on the European handicap

If things go according to plan, this should be a comfortable afternoon for Spurs.

There is no value in backing Spurs to win in the match result market. And there is little value backing them at 1/2 to win from -1 on the European handicap.

⚽ Back Spurs -2 to win on the European handicap at 6/5 with Betfred ⚽

Brennan Johnson to score

Brennan Johnson seems to enjoy playing away from home. He is the club’s highest scorer in away matches in all competitions this season.

The former Nottingham Forest forward scored in the 2-1 win at Coventry City in the Carabao Cup 3rd Round, one on the road in the Europa League, and three of his seven Premier League goals have also come away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Not a certain first team starter in the league, Johnson could be one of the more senior players asked to do a job at Tamworth. At odds of 6/4, Johnson looks worth a wager to get another goal on the road.

⚽ Brennan Johnson to score anytime at 6/4 with SBK ⚽

Lucas Bergvall to score or assist

Football must seem like an easy game for 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall.

Referees seem reluctant to send him off, and they even ask the opposition to go down to 10 men to allow the young Swede to score.

In all seriousness, Bergvall rode his luck against Liverpool. And after such an impressive display, including a well-taken goal, no matter what the circumstances, it is highly likely that Bergvall will get a run out against Tamworth.

It is tempting to back him to be booked or even sent off after he dodged a certain red against Liverpool.

Instead, we are backing him to continue making a name for himself in a positive manner and either score or assist against Tamworth.

⚽ Back Lucas Bergvall to score or assist at 9/5 with Casumo ⚽

📺 How to watch Tamworth vs Tottenham

Location: The Lamb Ground, Tamworth, England.

Date and time: Sunday 12th January, 12.30pm GMT.

How to watch: ITV1 and ITVX.

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Tottenham post job advert on LinkedIn after launching club investigation

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Tottenham Hotspur have posted a job opening for a new head of its medical department as the club grapples with an ongoing injury crisis.

Ange Postecoglou's squad is currently missing eight first-team players, with several key figures facing extended periods on the sidelines.

Defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Christian Romero both returned to action for the club’s match against Chelsea last month but were forced off during the 4-3 defeat.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been out since November with an ankle injury, with Fraser Forster stepping in between the sticks until new signing Antonin Kinsky kept a clean sheet in his debut against Liverpool.

Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Richarlison are also unavailable.

These ongoing setbacks reportedly prompted the club to review its medical team last month, with the manager expressing frustration over players suffering recurring injuries.

Following the review, Tottenham advertised the position of head of the men's medical department on LinkedIn, although the salary range for the role was not disclosed.

‘Injury prevention’ and ‘rehabilitation’ were listed as key responsibilities within the job.

To land the role you must have a physiotherapy degree with the Health and Care Professionals Council, a Masters degree in a relevant area and an 'extensive knowledge in injury prevention methods and recovery'.

Tottenham want the ideal candidate to have a 'pro-active and engaging style' that encourages ‘a culture of high performance’.

This is the second medical operation review, following Postecoglou’s first season, which resulted in the departure of the club’s head of medicine and sports science, Geoff Scott.

Former Brighton employee Adam Brett was then appointed as director of performance services alongside ex-Wales and West Ham staff member Nick Davies as head of sports science.

To have hope of possibly fighting for European football this problem must be solved quickly because Spurs sit 12th in the Premier League, only winning just one of their last eight league games.

Ahead of a Europa League match against Rangers last month, Postecoglou confirmed the club was investigating the recurring injury issue.

He said: “I never think it's just bad luck. Some of it. I've never lost a goalkeeper for this period of time.

“Some of the other issues that we've had, but some of it is recurring, particularly this year in terms of guys coming back and re-injuring. It's something we're looking at.

“We're always trying to explore whether we can do things better. Last year was different to this year. Last year it hit us across the board. This year it's more guys that are coming back who are affected.

“Knock on wood, we've got a core group who are playing a lot and are getting through it ok. But it is something we are trying to address.”

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'I'm sorry' - Tottenham mascot who went viral for cheeky Virgil van Dijk comment calls talkSPORT

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A Tottenham mascot who went viral on social media has revealed Virgil van Dijk's reaction to his cheeky plea.

Ahead of Spurs' 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win against Liverpool, the match mascots met the players in the tunnel.

They were buzzing with excitement when Van Dijk walked back to the Liverpool dressing room, with one in particular making a request now that the transfer window is open.

"Van Dijk, come to Tottenham! We haven't got any good defenders at the moment!" he said amid Spurs' various injury issues at the back.

The clip quickly went viral online and the witty mascot, Rocco, spoke to talkSPORT after the match after his Dad called in.

"He's in the back of the car and he's got his tail between his legs," Charlie told Jamie O'Hara and Jason Cundy on The Sports Bar.

"He was convinced that he did enough to get Van Dijk to sign for us.

"But about 60 minutes into the game he realised he made a big mistake and he knew that we only need [Radu] Dragusin and Archie Gray to see us through, what a performance."

O'Hara asked if Rocco realised he went viral, and Charlie replied: "He didn't until his phone started popping off after it went on talkSPORT.

"He didn't watch the last ten minutes of the game, he was too busy looking at social media, but he's in the back of the car now."

Rocco then recalled his interaction with Van Dijk but after watching Spurs beat Liverpool, he paid tribute to his side's defenders.

"Right, what's up? So, I just wanted to apologise for what I said earlier," he said.

"I'm sorry for my actions because we've got Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin!"

Rocco was then asked about what Van Dijk said back, but hilariously replied: "I don't really know, but he didn't seem very happy."

Spurs won a hard-fought battle against Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but there were worrying scenes early on.

Rodrigo Bentancur received treatment on the pitch for around eight minutes after he fell awkwardly inside the penalty area after a corner.

He was stretchered off and taken to hospital, then took to social media after to say: "All good, guys! Thank you for the messages!!! Congratulations for the victory boys!!!"

Lucas Bergvall scored the winner for Spurs on 86 minutes with a low finish but Liverpool were left fuming with the goal.

The midfielder escaped a second yellow card for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas and then netted his goal just moments later.

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'Best night of my life' - Tottenham new boy Antonin Kinsky embraces sister in emotional scenes after dream debut

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Antonin Kinsky was visibly emotional following his dream Tottenham debut.

The Czech goalkeeper made his first appearance for his new club against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Kinsky marked the occasion by keeping a clean sheet as his side won their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

The 21-year-old impressed in goal for Ange Postecoglou's side just three days after arriving in North London.

Spurs completed the signing of Kinsky from Slavia Prague on Sunday.

Kinsky made six saves on his debut as he kept out a Reds attack which featured Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota.

Meanwhile, he also showed his ability on the ball, completing 45 passes during the match.

Following the full-time whistle, the young keeper could be seen rushing over to the crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Cameras spotted Kinsky embracing his sister in the stands during an emotional moment for the stopper.

Speaking after the match, he told Sky Sports: "Yeah definitely [the best night of my life].

"I'm a big dreamer. I make my own vision of the future. This dream, I had never dreamt this one.

"I'm so happy, I came three days ago and everyone is so nice."

Kinsky added: "[I was hugging]my sister. Yesterday, I got to know that there was a possibility I was going to be playing.

"I called and they came, my sister, her boyfriend and my parents.

"It was so nice to have them here for this. I hope my dad is proud."

His performance between the sticks helped seal a first leg advantage for Spurs.

They will take a 1-0 lead to Anfield next month thanks to Lucas Bergvall's late winner.

The Swedish midfielder broke the deadlock with his first Spurs goal just four minutes from the 90.

Meanwhile, Kinsky's debut clean sheet was a significant one for his new club this season.

He has now kept as many home clean sheets in domestic competitions as Fraser Forster and Guglielmo Vicario combined.

Kinsky is also only the second goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool under Arne Slot after Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels.

Dominic Solanke was full of praise for his new team-mate at full-time, explaining: "He looked like a natural out there, like he's been playing and training with us for years.

"Especially at his age, to come in and have the impact he did so soon, it's a big credit to him.

"To have him at the club now is great for us. We're going to need him, we have a lot of big games coming up."

Spurs' January signing has penned a six-and-a-half year deal with the club through to 2031.

The Czech international could now establish himself as the side's first-choice in the position due to Vicario's injury absence.

Vicario is not expected to return from an ankle injury until the end of February at the earliest.

The second leg at Anfield takes place on February 6.

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Liverpool rage at 'guaranteed yellow card' as Arne Slot insists Tottenham star should've been sent off before winner

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Liverpool wanted a yellow card, but the one they got wasn’t what they were looking for.

The Reds lost the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final 1-0 away against Tottenham Hotspur, which was just their second defeat under new head coach Arne Slot.

However, the goal that won it, a terrific strike from Lucas Bergvall in the 86th minute left Slot’s bench fuming.

The Swedish 18-year-old had a busy match and in the 68th minute was booked for a foul on Luis Diaz.

Just 18 minutes later he was back at it as he caught Kostas Tsimikas, leaving the Greek left-back rolling on the floor in pain right in front of both managers.

Referee Stuart Attwell wasn’t interested in a second yellow and a sending off, and that decision proved crucial moments later.

Dominic Solanke, who’d just had a goal ruled out for offside, was back in the box, and set up the crucial Bergvall winner.

Slot and his team were fuming, and so angry was assistant Sipke Hulshoff that he received the yellow card he thought Bergvall deserved.

The Dutch coaches continued to plead their case to no avail, and at full-time they were joined by another countryman.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was just as annoyed as he confronted the officials after full time, but he’ll have to wait until the second leg at Anfield on February 6 to redress the balance.

Explaining his anger post-match, Van Dijk said: "I think it was quite obvious that it was going to be a second yellow.

"It was pretty clear and of course a minute later he scores the winner. It is what it is, the referee made a mistake and he thinks he didn't.

"Everyone on the sideline knows that it should've been a yellow… the fact is he should've been off.

"There's a linesman there, a fourth official there, there's VAR, and he doesn't get a second yellow.

"It's not the reason we lost but that was a big moment in the game."

Explaining why Bergvall may have been lucky not to see a second yellow, talkSPORT host Jason Cundy said: "It's a second yellow there's no doubt about it.

"Attwell waves play on, and that's a good decision because it was a foul and it is a second yellow and it was right to wave play on.

"But I can't think of a single occasion when a referee has waved play on and the player who's on a second yellow card hasn't got away with it.

"If it's a first yellow the referee will go back and book them, we see that every weekend.

"It should be consistent and Bergvall is a lucky boy to stay on the pitch.

"It's a guaranteed yellow card but sometimes you get away with them and have to ride your luck."

It wasn't the only big moment of the game for Attwell, who became the first referee to be mic'd up in a stadium for a professional game in English football.

In a trial brought in for the Carabao Cup, the 42-year-old used his headset to explain why Solanke's earlier effort had been ruled out.

"After review, Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build up to the goal, therefore the decision is offside," he said in a first.

Liverpool also experienced a first, with the defeat being their only one away from home under Slot.

The Dutchman lost just a single game in 2024 with Liverpool and Feyenoord, against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on September 14.

Forest are their next opponents in the Premier League on January 11, and Ange Postecoglou and Spurs will be hoping for a big dent in confidence ahead of their rematch and shot at a first trophy since 2008.

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Tottenham star Bentancur taken to hospital after being stretchered off with oxygen mask

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Rodrigo Bentancur has been taken to hospital after being stretchered off during Tottenham's Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.

The midfielder received treatment for over eight minutes after awkwardly going down inside the penalty area.

Bentancur was looking to head the ball at the near post after a corner was swung in from the right.

However, he was left stricken on the turf as his teammates rushed over to him.

Play was paused at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the club's medical staff attended to the Uruguayan.

After eight minutes of receiving treatment, Bentancur was stretchered off the field with fans from both clubs applauding the player off.

Tottenham said in a statement released at half time: "We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks."

Brennan Johnson was brought on as Bentancur's replacement.

As Bentancur left the field, talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface said: "He has got an oxygen mask on. He is, well, they're moving him, so he must be stable. They wouldn't be moving him if he wasn't.

"But there is an oxygen mask on Rodrigo Bentancur, who's surrounded by seven medical staff now. The referee just trying to push the players away.

"Pedro Porro is the closest Tottenham player to it. They've slid the two yellow halves of the stretcher underneath his body.

"They're going to try and pick him up and put him onto the more stable structure of the stretcher, the blue plastic stretcher, which is just in front of him. But this is a concerning situation."

Matterface later added: "Well, he went to head the ball and just sort of landed flat on his face, didn't he? He went to sort of glance the ball and landed flat on his face… it's landed horribly. It was like a belly flop nose dived into the floor, wasn't it?

"Certainly, it's almost just dived into the floor. Well, he's being taken off here on a stretcher. Just having a look now, he's got a blanket draped over him. There is an oxygen mask on his face.

"He's been taken down the tunnel immediately. And I imagine that he will be straight off to hospital to be assessed. And you can only hope that that's the case."

Bentancur had been making his return to the Spurs starting line-up following suspension.

The 27-year-old missed Saturday's Premier League defeat to Newcastle after picking up five yellow cards.

Meanwhile, he previously served a seven-match ban earlier in the campaign.

Bentancur has made 19 appearances for Ange Postecoglou's side so far this term.

Across those matches, he has scored twice and provided an assist from midfield.

Spurs and Liverpool are battling for a place in the final of the Carabao Cup, with the showpiece final to take place at Wembley on March 16.

The winner of the tie, with the second leg taking place on February 6, will face either Arsenal or Newcastle in the final.

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Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool LIVE REACTION: Spurs win Carabao Cup semi-final first leg as Bergvall scores late winner after serious Bentancur injury

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'He should've been off'

Virgil van Dijk is not happy with Lucas Bergvall not being sent off before he scored the winning goal.

Bergvall clattered into Kostas Tsimikas with a late challenge in the build-up to a Liverpool chance.

The Reds would go on to miss the opportunity but the referee did not go back to hand the Tottenham youngster a second yellow.

Van Dijk made his thoughts known at the time and after the full-time whistle, he was straight to the officials to complain.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think it was quite obvious that it was going to be a second yellow.

"It was pretty clear and of course a minute later he scored the winner.

" It is what it is, the referee made a mistake and he thinks he didn't."

Van Dijk continued: "Everyone on the sideline knows that it should've been a yellow... the fact is he should've been off.

"There's a linesman there, a fourth official there, there's VAR, and he doesn't get a second yellow."

Brilliant Bergvall

It was also an incredible night for Lucas Bergvall.

He scored his first Tottenham goal to win the game and give his side a massive chance of reaching the Carabao Cup final.

At 18 years and 341 days old, he is the youngest player to score for Spurs in the League Cup since Gareth Bale in September 2007.

If he goes on to have a career like Bale at the club, he will become a cult hero in north London.

Bergvall will remember this game for years to come.

Emotional moment

What a Tottenham debut for Antonin Kinsky.

The Czech goalkeeper only joined Spurs on Sunday and now he's kept a clean sheet against one of the best teams in Europe.

He made an incredible six saves while also punching four crosses away and looking confident on the ball.

You would have thought the 21-year-old was a seasoned shot-stopper in English football tonight.

After the full-time whistle, Kinsky was seen walking to the stands to meet his family and he looked emotional as he hugged them.

Great scenes to end what was a superb first Tottenham appearance.

HT: Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool

The half-time whistle blows.

It was a long old first half of this Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, but it's now come to an end.

Neither side has been able to break the deadlock and the game has clearly been impacted by Rodrigo Bentancur's injury.

Things started to pick up at the end of that half, so there is hope that the goals will follow after the break.

As things stand though, Liverpool will be the happier of the two teams as they'd be pleased to take a draw to Anfield.

Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool

We're seeing what this game could have been if it wasn't for the injuries we've had so far.

They took the intensity from the action, but that has started to rise in these final moments of the first half.

Cody Gakpo's strike was hit straight at Antonin Kinsky who has been pretty impressive on his Tottenham debut.

Scott Minto live on talkSPORT: "I can really tell why Postecoglou has decided to sign him."

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Man City open talks with Lens over highly-rated defender wanted by Tottenham

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Manchester City have made contact with Lens over a move for defender Abdukodir Khusanov, talkSPORT understands.

Uzbekistan international Khusanov, also shortlisted by Tottenham, is valued in excess of £30million by the French club.

The 20-year-old centre back has only one full season of experience in Europe’s major leagues, having moved to Ligue 1 in 2023 from Belarusian side Energetik-BGU.

Lens are currently sixth in the French top flight with the second-fewest goals conceded in the league.

City are in need of reinforcements after an injury-hit and underwhelming start to the season.

Regular starters John Stones and Nathan Ake have started 12 games each in all competitions with the former one of Pep Guardiola’s key players during a period of dominance at the Etihad.

Their run of four-straight Premier League titles looks set to end this season with City a whole 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.

Things began to derail in September when Ballon d’Or winner Rodri sustained a season-ending knee injury.

And during a dire pre-Christmas run, Guardiola insisted that things wouldn’t get better until he had his best players back.

When asked about potential January transfer business, he said: “What I want is my players back - the players that we have.

"I want the squad that we had at the beginning of the season that were desperately competing.

"This is the only regret I have, that I don't have these players - not new ones.

"In the right moment, we will see. The transfer market has shown how expensive players are in the past four or five years. I'm sorry, we're not the best in those terms.

"If we need players then we go to the transfer market but I don't know who is around.”

Along with Khusanov, City have also been linked to Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush who has had a stunning start to the season.

However, talkSPORT understands that a deal would cost £50m.

Should a move materialise for Khusanov, the defender would become the first Uzbek player to appear in the Premier League.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool predictions, odds and betting tips

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Liverpool head back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first leg of this EFL Cup semi-final.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool best bets

Liverpool to win - 4/6 with Betfred

Both teams to score in first half - 17/10 with Copybet

Diogo Jota to score any time - 5/4 with bet365

Tottenham vs Liverpool odds

Find the latest match odds for Tottenham vs Liverpool. All odds are provided by our best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool predictions

Liverpool suffered a rare setback at the weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw by arch-rivals Manchester United.

It was an outcome that surprised many. United headed into the game being labelled as potential relegation contenders. They had just lost three top-flight matches in a row. Yet they delivered a disciplined, diligent performance to leave Anfield with a point.

“We created much more chances than them but being 1-0 down, 2-1 up, and conceding such a big chance [to Harry Maguire late on], it’s something to take.” Arne Slot said. “If I look back at it tomorrow, I would’ve wanted more.”

Liverpool were certainly not at their best, but there is no need to go overboard. They still created plenty of chances on the day. And for the most part Slot’s side have been magnificent this term, losing just one game across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup.

Of those three competitions, the EFL Cup doubtless ranks bottom of Slot’s list of priorities. No one at Anfield would mourn an exit from this tournament in the semi-finals if it meant Liverpool triumphed in at least one of the Premier League or Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur need this much more. They are struggling in the top flight. A 2-1 home defeat by Newcastle United at the weekend left Spurs in the bottom half, 12 points adrift of the top four.

Tottenham have not won a trophy since 2008. They have gone close at times since then, finishing as runners-up in the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup, but the drought goes on.

The north Londoners are desperate to pick up another piece of silverware - and so is their manager Ange Postecoglou. The Australian came out swinging earlier in the campaign, asserting that “I always win things in my second year”. With that statement he has put himself under pressure to deliver.

Liverpool might have their sights set elsewhere, but that does not mean they will not want to emerge victorious here. Slot’s charges recently won 6-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and they will be targeting another comfortable victory in the first leg of this EFL Cup semi-final.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool betting tips

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are ready to do battle in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

Liverpool to win

The games continue to come thick and fast for these two teams.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will each play eight games across four competitions in the space of 24-25 days, up until the first weekend of February.

Liverpool will shuffle their pack for this match. The likes of Connor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez will all be pushing for a start. Slot was not shy to rotate against Southampton in the last round.

Tottenham’s injury problems mean they will have to name a similar side to the one which lost to Newcastle last time out.

Confidence in the camp is low after a dismal run of one win in Tottenham’s last eight Premier League games. Even with a second-string side, Liverpool can come out on top.

⚽ Back Liverpool to win at 4/6 with Betfred ⚽

Both teams to score in first half

As mentioned above, it is only a few weeks since these two teams played out a nine-goal thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Four of those strikes came in the first half, as Liverpool established a 3-1 lead at half-time. We could be in store for a similarly entertaining opening 45 minutes on Wednesday.

Tottenham only know one way to play. No matter how many players they are missing, Postecoglou will encourage his team to adopt a proactive, attacking approach.

That could play into Liverpool’s hands. Although Slot has made the Reds a more controlled team this term, they remain electric in transition.

Do not be surprised if both goalkeepers have to pick the ball out of their own net in the first half.

⚽ Choose both teams to score in the first half at 17/10 with Copybet ⚽

Diogo Jota to score any time

Liverpool’s attacking depth is the envy of most teams in the Premier League. Diogo Jota would be a guaranteed starter for virtually every other club in the division. At Liverpool he is currently their first reserve.

The Portugal international should get an opportunity to show what he can do from the first whistle in this one.

Jota is arguably Liverpool’s most natural finisher. When he gets a chance inside the 18-yard box, he usually takes it.

Jota is averaging a goal every 114 minutes in domestic competitions this season. Tottenham will line up with a makeshift backline and Liverpool’s No.20 can take advantage.

⚽ Tip Diogo Jota to score any time at 5/4 with bet365 ⚽

📺 How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Wednesday 8th January, 8pm.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

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‘A mile off’ – Simon Jordan gives theory why Heung-min Son looks ‘like a bit-part player’ at Tottenham

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Heung-min Son has been 'a mile off' his usual form on the pitch for Tottenham amid a decline in form.

That's the view of talkSPORT's Simon Jordan, who revealed rumours the South Korean star underwent surgery and it may have affected his fitness.

Son has become one of Spurs' most iconic players since completing a reported £22million move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

The winger has scored 169 goals in 431 appearances for the north London outfit to become one of the first names in their starting XI.

He even won the Premier League Golden Boot alongside Liverpool's Mohamed Salah at the end of the 2021/22 campaign with 23 goals.

Spurs announced on Tuesday that his contract has been extended to 2026, despite his form this season arguably being underwhelming.

Jordan has recently asked questions of the forward and now offered an explanation as to why his past quality has seemingly dipped.

"Well I wonder if he's fit," he said on White and Jordan for talkSPORT.

"I mean, I've understood through various channels, not Daniel [Levy, chairman] by the way, that he's had surgery last year.

"So some of things that I was looking at in a couple games that I've been to watch Spurs this season and I'm thinking, 'He's a mile off.

"'He doesn't look like the same player that's captured all the attention, at one point last season was the leader replacing Harry Kane. He looks like a bit part.'

"It might be because he's not 100 per cent fit, so I was questioning the idea of whether Son had run his course, and whether it was time for Tottenham to change up. Evidently not."

Son has scored five goals and assisted six others in 17 Premier League outings this season but hasn't contributed in his past four.

Previous campaigns, including the last one, have seen him double these numbers by this stage of Spurs' schedule.

However, he remains integral to the team, especially when Spurs have been dealt various injury issues across all areas of the pitch.

Ange Postecoglou named him on the bench for their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday, although substituted him on 62 minutes.

The 32-year-old suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign but has remained relatively fit ever since.

Spurs will hope Son can further add to his goal tally this season when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Postecoglou's side host the Premier League leaders in the first leg, live on talkSPORT, off the back of a four-game winless streak.

They have beaten Manchester City and Manchester United en route to the final four, but Liverpool may be an even tougher challenge.

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