EFL Cup Provides Hope for Tottenham Amid Tough Season Against Liverpool

In many respects, it might be easy to dismiss Tottenham Hotspur. With a continuous injury crisis and an alarming tendency to squander winning positions, being in 14th place in the Premier League showcases their underdog status ahead of their clash with Liverpool. However, they surprisingly hold an edge going into the second leg of the EFL Cup semifinals at Anfield after defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg.

Amid the turmoil of their season, Spurs achieved a narrow win over Liverpool a month ago, marking Liverpool’s second defeat of the campaign. This one-goal lead, however, does not provide them with much advantage, as they look to seize the opportunity to redeem their otherwise lackluster season in cup competitions. Winning this EFL Cup would not only end a prolonged title drought but also significantly boost the team’s morale as they push for success in the Premier League and FA Cup.

How to watch and odds

Date: Thursday, Feb. 6 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Anfield, Liverpool, England
Live stream: Paramount+
Odds: Liverpool -425; Draw +600; Tottenham Hotspur +900

Can a trophy turn Spurs’ season around?

The EFL Cup may not be the most prestigious trophy on Tottenham’s path, yet for a group longing for accolades, any trophy could redefine their narrative this season. Tottenham’s midtable position in the league underscores the urgency of securing a trophy while the players recover from injuries. This approach not only enhances their current performance but also sets a foundation for future successes.

For manager Ange Postecoglou, reaching Wembley this March would reaffirm his assertion from September—“I always win things in my second year.”

Tottenham’s hurdles against Liverpool

While Tottenham aims at a trip to Wembley, they face the imminent challenge of competing against a formidable Liverpool squad, holding a precarious one-goal advantage. Balancing defensive strategies and offensive opportunities remains crucial as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah stands ready to take action.

The Spurs have additionally been troubled by injuries, with key defenders like Cristian Romero struggling with fitness and potentially affecting their chances in this critical game. However, the outlook remains hopeful, as a successful EFL Cup run could herald bigger things for the team.