BBC

Liverpool and Tottenham go head to head on Thursday in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg - with both managers aiming for a first final in English football.

Spurs - who last won a trophy 17 years ago with a League Cup triumph - edged the first leg 1-0 at home four weeks ago through Lucas Bergvall's late strike.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is under pressure, with his injury-hit club in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Holders Liverpool, on the other hand, are flying under manager Arne Slot, sitting six points clear at the top of the table and cruising through to the Champions League last 16.

There will be full commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 Live, with build-up starting from 19:00 GMT.

The winner of this tie face Newcastle or Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, 16 March.

Liverpool manager Slot says right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the game.

The England international was substituted after 70 minutes in the Premier League win at Bournemouth on Saturday with what appeared to be a thigh injury.

The Reds' next game is against Championship side Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

"We have to see whether he is able to play on Sunday, but what we do know is that he is not available for tomorrow," said Slot.

"He left the pitch with a bit of pain in his leg but he's already on the [training] pitch, not with the team but with the rehab coach, so let's see how long it is going to take."

Conor Bradley, who replaced Alexander-Arnold against Bournemouth, started the first leg at Tottenham on 8 January and looks set to do the same for the return tie.

Joe Gomez is also an option following his return from a hamstring injury.

Tottenham have two new loan signings available to make their potential debuts - Lens centre-back Kevin Danso and Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.

"In terms of availability from last week, everyone is fine and got through OK - so no issues there," said boss Postecoglou.

"Kevin and Mathys are both available. They have trained and are cleared to play so they are all good."

Postecoglou added Danso will definitely play in the game - whether from the start or from the bench - due to the club's defensive problems.

Radu Dragusin's season is over with a knee injury, with Micky van de Ven still finding fitness after an injury and Cristian Romero having not played since December.

"With Micky and Romero to a certain extent, I feel we have to be a bit more conservative with them," added Postecoglou.

"Micky got through the [Europa League] game alright but I don't think he feels ready for that step up to the Premier League, the intensity of it. Same with Romero.

"I made the decision that I don't want to risk losing these guys."

Tottenham come into the game on the back of wins over Elfsborg and Brentford, having only won three of the previous 10 games.

And they are bidding to win their first trophy since the 2008 League Cup when they beat Chelsea 2-1. That is their only silverware since Daniel Levy took over the club in 2001.

"It is a big occasion for us, the club and the fans," said Postecoglou. "I don't think Liverpool will be any less anxious than us for the fixture of a semi-final, a second leg. It is tight and a big game for both clubs.

"You recognise that, embrace that, but ultimately if you want to be successful then these are the games you want to be involved in.

"There is no point in having trepidation about it because the alternative is you will be watching two other teams on the TV and you would be sitting on the couch wishing you were there. We are going to be there and we've got a chance and we will go for it."

Australian Postecoglou pointed out in September "I always win things in my second year" at a club.

He did so with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F Marinos, the Australia national team and Celtic.

The only times he failed to win a trophy were with teams he did not stay for two years at - Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras and Melbourne Victory.

BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella said: "Back-to-back wins and clean sheets over Elfsborg and Brentford have eased the pressure generally on Ange Postecoglou.

"But Spurs remain 14th in the Premier League table and success in the cup competitions has helped keep a frustrated atmosphere among supporters from getting any worse.

"That fan anger is more directed at the ownership and chairman Daniel Levy than the manager - as they have won just one trophy in his 24 years.

"Chants of 'Levy out' have continued despite back-to-back wins and the only way to satisfy supporters is to finally win a trophy.

"That's why, although navigating a trip to Anfield is not easy for any club, there remains pressure on this match for all involved and in this project built around Postecoglou's attacking style of football."

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Recap: EFL Cup build-up & most complete player

That's all from us today.

You can recap on anything you've missed from clicking on the summary points.

We'll be back tonight to bring you live text coverage of Arsenal v Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Alternatively, BBC Radio 5 Live will also be across that fixture this evening with Ian Dennis and Chris Waddle bringing you commentary from St James' Park.

Otherwise, we will see you bright and early tomorrow morning to do it all again.

Have a good one!

What's to come?

Newcastle v Arsenal (agg: 2-0, 20:00 GMT)

Newcastle and Arsenal meet at St James' Park in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday with the Gunners looking to overturn a two-goal deficit, while the hosts are aiming to move one step closer to a first major trophy in 56 years.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both scored at Emirates Stadium on 8 January to ensure Eddie Howe's side have one foot in the final.

Arsenal, however, will be determined to keep their own trophy hopes alive and go into the game on the back of their most impressive result of the season - a 5-1 defeat of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

'I do not think Liverpool will be any less anxious than us'

Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on the trophy drought and the pressure to deliver tomorrow evening: "It's a big occasion for everyone. It's a semi-final. I don't think Liverpool will be any less anxious than us. It's a big game for both clubs. You recognise that, you embrace that, but ultimately if you want to be successful these are the games that you want to be involved with because the alternative is, you'll be at home on the couch watching two other teams on the TV wishing you were there."

'I am more than 100% sure that Tel wants to be here'

Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was asked how he convinced Mathys Tel to join the club after it was reported he initially rejected the move: "I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career and it's not that he rejected us or rejected anyone else - I think he just wanted to be comfortable with his decision. I don't think he wanted to be pushed in a certain direction and it's credit to him.

"I had a conversation with him and it was purely around the football and I think he'll find a really good place for him here. Irrespective of age he will get an opportunity here. The way we play I think will suit him and what we are building beyond - I thought this would be the perfect fit for his next step. I think it's right that he took time in his decision."

On whether he is convinced Tel wants to be at the club: "I am more than 100% sure that he wants to be here. He was so diligent when he made the decision that it gave me even more confidence that we were getting the right kind of mentality and player. He is very ambitious. He has a great deal of self belief and confidence and it feels like he can reach the very top of the game."

Van de Ven and Romero remain out for EFL Cup semi-final

Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on team news: "In terms of availability, everyone is fine from last week so no issues there. Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel are both available, they have trained.

"With Micky [van de Ven] and [Cristian] Romero to a certain extent, I kind of feel we have to be a bit more conservative with them. Micky got through the game [vs Elfsborg] alright but I don't think he feels ready for Premier League intensity and that's the same with Cristian. We are going to keep them ticking over in training and make sure they are absolutely ready with no set-backs."

Teenager Mason Melia has agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur for what St Patrick's Athletic have announced is a "record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player".

The 17-year-old made his senior debut in May 2023 and became the youngest scorer in league history aged 15.

The deal, which is reportedly worth an initial £1.6m,, external will see Melia move from St Pat's to the Premier League side in January 2026 on a five-year contract.

The County Wicklow native has made 54 appearances for St Pat's, scoring 10 times, and earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad in October 2024.

In 2023, he became the youngest player to play in an FAI Cup final when he helped his side defeat Bohemians to lift the trophy.

St Pat's manager Stephen Kenny praised Melia's ability as a goalscorer, with the former Republic of Ireland manager adding that he believed the striker will enjoy a fruitful international career.

"Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work," Kenny told the club's website.

"He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.

"Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country."

Five of the six senior players let go in the transfer window by Chelsea were in the Conference League squad but only a maximum of three changes can be made for the knockout stage.

Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia were left out of the League Phase squad because of the sheer size of Chelsea's squad - along with Ben Chilwell - but can now be added.

But Chelsea have also signed young midfielder Mathis Amougou and recalled defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Aaron Anselmino from their loan spells.

It means at least three players will miss out on European football, and potentially glory in a competition for which Chelsea are strong favourites.

Spurs, meanwhile, signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, defender Kevin Danso and forward Mathys Tel.

But they may also want to add either Djed Spence or Sergio Reguilon to their Europa League squad after needing to play Archie Gray at left-back in several matches since Destiny Udogie's injury.

It means two of Ange Postecoglou's five players will be left out when picking his squad before Uefa's deadline at 23:00 GMT on Thursday.

Hopefully that cleared things up, rather than making you more confused.

Pete Allison & Manish Pandey

BBC Newsbeat

Most of us would admit we've said something in the heat of the moment and regretted it.

But what about putting your foot in it when millions of people around the world are watching?

That's the high-pressure scrutiny football managers face every week - and one that has thrown up more than a few viral moments down the years.

Think Kevin Keegan's "I'd love it" rant, Chris Wilder's sandwich snap or Jose Mourinho preferring "not to speak".

More recently we've seen Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou fume with a BBC reporter's opening question and Manchester United's Ruben Amorim call his side the "worst team" in history.

And this weekend Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens took the trend meta when he said he wouldn't "make excuses" for his side's 1-0 loss because he's "not Ange Postecoglou".

So what is the art behind nailing the post-match chat?

Put yourself in a manager's shoes.

"The adrenaline's absolutely pumping at this stage, but you're expected to give an interview," sports broadcaster and media trainer Bryn Law tells BBC Newsbeat.

"And that can be a challenge for people because you've got to control your emotions.

"But you've also got to come up with something that sounds credible - particularly difficult off the back of a defeat."

Bryn has worked in broadcasting for several years and coaches managers on dealing with the media.

He says Postecoglou and Amorim's outbursts are examples he plans to use in future courses.

"So what we talk about is creating a message in your mind that you're then going to deliver to the audience.

"The audience isn't the reporter, it's whoever is on the other side.

"That could be the fan base, the owners, your players and that could be potential future employers as well."

In the hands of a skilled operator the post-match interview can also be a chance to steer the narrative.

"Somebody like Jose Mourinho was an absolute master at doing that," says Bryn.

"Diverting attention away from what might have been a poor result and a bad performance."

Bryn feels that is what Amorim has tried to do, along with sending a message to his players.

"In a sense take the pressure off the players by saying: 'Yeah, not very good at the moment, but obviously we'll work to try and get things better'.

"Maybe rile the players. For them to say: 'Well, actually no, we're not the worst team ever.'"

The interviewer's perspective

From the point of view of the person asking the questions, BBC commentator and interviewer Robyn Cowen tells Newsbeat she "absolutely hates it".

She explains managers are contractually obliged to give those interviews within a certain time period.

If they don't, they get fined.

"So they're kind of pushed into this situation," says Robyn. "They might not have had time to calm down or to collect their thoughts."

Those factors are how you end up with comments like Postecoglou's, Robyn says.

She adds the Spurs boss is "a tough nut to crack".

"That's his right. But as a paid-up member of the commentators and reporters union I'm very much: 'Give us something'."

And while interviews might lead to confrontations, Robyn says it's "very important" to do them.

"Whether they win or lose they explain how it happened."

But Robyn does reflect after a tricky moment.

"You look at yourself and think could I have phrased things differently? And usually the answer is yes.

"It is really important how you phrase things because if it doesn't go quite as you would like, then you do get the occasional: Sorry, what did you just say?

"And when that happens your stomach drops and it's not a nice feeling."

Bryn adds there is another consideration for managers who have English as their second language, like Amorim.

He says managers are trying to translate the English into the home language and then craft a response under time pressure.

"And that can be an issue in terms of the way you phrase things with nuance.

"Humour can be difficult as well."

But sometimes with all the training and plans, managers will end up doing their own thing.

Like bringing up an assistant referee and their sandwich.

Bryn says the infamous moment Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder singled out the official over a post-match munch is always a risk when a manager is "a bit of a maverick".

"We've had him on one of our courses," says Bryn.

"But Chris is going to do his own thing and that was a clear example. Would I ever advise that? No, I wouldn't."

"Because the problem these days with coming out with something like that is that you become a kind of meme effectively."

But Bryn feels generally managers are doing a good job "at messaging".

"Far better than most modern politicians. Occasionally, they slip up.

"But most of the time I think they really hit the mark."

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Are you not entertained?

Brentford v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Michael Emons

BBC Sport at the Gtech Community Stadium

This match features two of the great entertainers of this Premier League season.

No top-flight team has scored more at home in 2024-25 than Brentford's 29 goals at the Gtech Community Stadium, where they have collected 23 of their 31 points.

Meanwhile, Tottenham's total of 46 goals is the third highest in the league, behind only leaders Liverpool (56) and reigning champions Manchester City (47).

Each of the past five matches between these two sides has seen either four or five goals, so let's hope for similar entertainment today.

'Draw written all over it'

Man Utd v Crystal Palace (14:00 GMT)

I was wrong when I said Manchester United would lose at Fulham last week, which a few people happily reminded me about on social media.

It was not exactly a convincing win, but maybe things will click for them here - I have my doubts though.

I have got a bit of sympathy for United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is getting some criticism at the moment. He was signed as a development player, albeit an expensive one, but it has not happened for him.

There are two sides to his situation though. I feel sorry for him because he needs a run of games to find some rhythm, but he also needs to take his chances when they come, and do better at some of the basics, like holding the ball up.

He's not the only player at United in that situation, with something to prove.

Maybe they will become a free-scoring side again, but that probably won't happen here and it still feels like we are totally guessing about what they will do each week.

Crystal Palace lost at home to Brentford on Sunday, which was a bit of a surprise because they have been so solid recently.

The Eagles won at Old Trafford last season, but this game has got a draw written all over it.

Prediction: 1-1

Teenage kicks

Brentford v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Michael Emons

BBC Sport at the Gtech Community Stadium

What a few days it has been in Tottenham striker Mikey Moore's fledgling career.

On Thursday, the 17-year-old, who has represented England at Under-19s level, scored his first goal for the club with a wonderful low finish after a powerful run to complete a 3-0 Europa League win over Swedish side Elfsborg.

In doing so, Moore (17 years and 172 days) broke Jimmy Greaves' record (17 years and 245 days in October 1957) to become the youngest-ever English scorer in major men's European competition.

Today he makes only his second Premier League start after he played the opening 62 minutes of Spurs' 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in October. If he scores today, it will be his first top-flight goal.

With Tottenham's injury problems, boss Ange Postecoglou is having to rely on youngsters in his squad. Archie Gray, 18, has been a vital part of the defence, while goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, signed from Slavia Prague last month, is only 21. Six of Tottenham's nine subs are aged 20 or younger, including 16-year-old Malachi Hardy.

'It's not like we're getting blown apart by teams'

Brentford v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou speaking to Sky Sports:

On Micky van de Ven not featuring: "[I'm] just trying to manage his minutes, we had a look at it, it's a quick turnaround and I spoke with the medical team and Micky himself. We'll just keep him on ice this week and give him another week of training and hopefully he'll be ready for the end of the week.

On a start for 17-year-old Mikey Moore: "Mikey's working his way back to full fitness, he obviously missed a fair bit of football. He's always positive on the ball, I think we're going to need that today and we're trying to balance the workload of our players as well. The three in midfield only played 45 minutes on Thursday night and we're going to need that energy. We've got Pape [Sarr] and Lucas [Bergvall] to come on.

"Our league form is not what it should be and I think in all the game we've lost and again were getting let down in moments in games, it's not like we're getting blown apart by teams.

"It does take some concentration and some discipline in our football and we're going to need that today. With Brentford at home, it's always a hard challenge. The players are up for it."

'We have to be humble, but arrogant with the ball'

Man Utd v Crystal Palace (14:00 GMT)

Manchester United

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim, speaking to PLP about his starting forwards: "Try to play in different positions, to create some danger. We also want to improve the way we take the game in the last third - we need to have more possession."

On Kobbie Mainoo's advanced role: "I like him with the ball. Sometimes you have more space in the build-up phase. I think he's a good player because he can hold the ball. He is very good one against one and he is creative. We need creativity in the last third."

On Crystal Palace: "They are comfortable playing away and we want to improve at home with our fans. We have to be humble, but a bit arrogant with the ball - we will try to show that today."

'Spurs can't afford to keep losing'

Brentford v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Micky van de Ven's return from injury is great news for Tottenham, but he cannot be expected to transform their fortunes on his own.

Last week's defeat by Leicester was hugely damaging to Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and his side were so flat in that game. They have only picked up five points from their past 11 games and they cannot afford to keep on losing.

I don't think Postecoglou has been helped by the club's lack of activity in the transfer market. They have had all these injuries but they have brought in a goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, to add to their senior squad, and that's it.

I look at Brentford and think they are going to do this Spurs team some damage.

With Bryan Mbeumo on the right and Yoane Wissa up front, the Bees have got a lot of goals in the team. They will have a go at Spurs and I think they will find a way through.

Prediction: 2-1

Make or break for Postecoglou

Brentford v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Michael Emons

BBC Sport at the Gtech Community Stadium

This could well be a pivotal week for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs have already secured their passage into the last 16 of the Europa League and this Thursday will be hoping to hold off Liverpool and maintain their one-goal advantage in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Tottenham are one game from Wembley and two from securing European football for next season, but while the cup form has been impressive, the same cannot be said of their league campaign.

Four successive defeats have left them in an embarrassing 16th, with pressure mounting on the Australian. His supporters will rightly point to a crippling injury list in mitigation, while chairman Daniel Levy has also come under fire for only limited activity in this transfer window.

Spurs have not lost five league games in a row since 2004, but a win today could see them jump to 13th so can Postecoglou get a much-needed three points and silence the critics, for now at least?

Team news - First Premier League start for Bees keeper Valdimarsson, four changes for Spurs

Brentford v Tottenham (14:00 GMT)

Michael Emons

BBC Sport at the Gtech Community Stadium

Iceland international goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson makes his first Premier League start for Brentford, although it is not his debut in the competition as he came on as a substitute in December's 0-0 draw at Brighton.

Michael Kayode, a 20-year-old right-back who has represented Italy at Under-21 level, has joined Brentford on loan until the end of the season and is among the substitutes.

Brentford XI: Valdimarsson, Lewis-Potter, Van den Berg, Collins, Ajer, Janelt, Norgaard, Schade, Damsgaard, Mbeumo, Wissa.

Subs: Eyestone, Mee, Pinnock, Kayode, Jensen, Carvalho, Konak, Yarmoliuk, Maghoma.

Ange Postecoglou makes four changes from the Tottenham 11 that began the 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the Europa League on Thursday, with 17-year-old striker Mikey Moore, who scored in that match, keeping his place in the side.

Antonin Kinsky returns in goal and there are also starts for Djed Spence and Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Gray, Davies, Spence, Porro, Bissouma, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Son, Richarlison, Moore.

Subs: Austin, Reguilon, Bergvall, Cassanova, Ajayi, Olusesi, Hardy, Sarr, Scarlett.

Tottenham move ahead of Wolves in bid to sign Kevin Danso and also have interest in Chelsea's Axel Disasi, Newcastle's Lloyd Kelly set for Italian switch, plus more

Tottenham Hotspur look to have moved ahead of Wolves in the race to sign Lens and Austria defender Kevin Danso, 26. (Talksport), external

Spurs have also expressed an interest in Chelsea's French defender Axel Disasi 26, in case a move for England defender Fikayo Tomori, 27, from AC Milan falls through. (Telegraph), external

Newcastle's English defender Lloyd Kelly, 26, is closing in on a move to Serie A side Juventus. (Chronicle), external

Southampton have put in a bid to sign Ivorian defender Loubadhe Abakar Sylla, 22, on loan from Strasbourg. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Crystal Palace have approached Chelsea over signing England defender Ben Chilwell, 28, on loan. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Manchester United's Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia's proposed loan move to Benfica has collapsed but the 25-year-old could still leave Old Trafford in the transfer window. (Fabrizio Romano), external

United are also stepping up their chase to sign Mali striker El Bilal Toure, 23, who is currently on loan at Stuttgart from Atalanta. (Teamtalk), external

AC Milan are close to signing Feyenoord and Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez, 23. (Goal), external

West Bromwich Albion have signed Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has played six times for Spurs' first team, scoring his first goal in the 3-2 Europa League win over Galatasaray in November.

It will be the England youth international's first spell away from the Premier League side.

"I am delighted to join this great club. I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and I can't wait to play in front of all the fans," Lankshear told the club website, external.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me to compete for game time and, hopefully, score goals that can help the club push on to get promoted during my time here.

"Tony Mowbray is a manager who everyone says only good things about and I'm keen to learn as much from him as I can over the next few months."

West Brom sporting director Andrew Nestor added: "We have felt since the summer that we would need to prioritise the addition of another striker in this window.

"We are pleased now to have brought in Will, who we have been watching for some time and has been among our top targets for reinforcement in this area."