Liverpool vs Tottenham Preview: De Zerbi Under Pressure as Spurs Chase First Win
Liverpool will host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, September 15, with Roberto De Zerbi under increasing pressure as his side continue to search for both their first victory and their first goal of the season.
The fixture provides Tottenham with another opportunity to turn their fortunes around, but the challenge will be significant against a Liverpool side that remain unbeaten across domestic and European competition despite failing to find consistency under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool have played four matches this season, recording one victory and three draws. While the Reds have yet to completely establish their identity under the Spanish coach, they remain unbeaten and have shown enough resilience to remain competitive.
Tottenham’s situation is considerably more concerning.
Spurs invested more than £300 million during the summer transfer window as they began a major new project under De Zerbi. However, the early returns have been disastrous. After four matches, Tottenham have yet to win a game and, even more remarkably, have failed to score a single goal.
That barren run has placed considerable pressure on De Zerbi, who was brought in to oversee a long-term rebuild in north London. The Italian now needs an immediate response, although the opposition could hardly be more difficult.
Liverpool may not yet be operating at their best, but they have avoided defeat throughout the campaign. That gives Iraola’s side a psychological advantage heading into the cup tie and means Tottenham will need to produce a major improvement if they are to progress.
Despite the poor start, however, The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has suggested that De Zerbi is unlikely to be dismissed in the immediate future. The Italian is reportedly regarded as a central figure in Tottenham’s long-term project, with the club committed to the direction established under their current ownership.
That does not mean he is immune from pressure. Another defeat — particularly one accompanied by another failure to score — would inevitably increase scrutiny around the manager.
Tottenham also have a difficult record at Anfield.
The sides drew 1-1 in their Premier League meeting last season, while Liverpool comfortably defeated Spurs 4-0 in the League Cup during the same campaign. Tottenham did win the reverse League Cup fixture earlier that season, but the current circumstances are very different with Iraola now in charge of Liverpool rather than Arne Slot.
Rotation could also play a major role.
Liverpool have a demanding schedule and may choose to rest some of their regular starters, potentially giving Tottenham an opportunity to compete on more favourable terms. However, if Iraola fields a strong lineup, the hosts should remain favourites given their current unbeaten record.
Head-to-Head: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur
- March 15, 2025 — Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League
- December 20, 2025 — Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Liverpool | Premier League
- April 27, 2025 — Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League
- February 6, 2025 — Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur | League Cup
- January 8, 2025 — Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Liverpool | League Cup
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Giorgi Mamardashvili; Jeremie Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Victor Muñoz, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak
Head coach: Andoni Iraola
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Antonin Kinsky; Tosin Adarabioyo, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andy Robertson; Bruno Fernandes, Sandro Tonali; Savinho, James Maddison, Omar Marmoush; Dominic Solanke
Head coach: Roberto De Zerbi
Prediction
Tottenham’s desperate need for a result could make this a more competitive contest than their current record suggests. However, Liverpool’s unbeaten start, home advantage and greater confidence should give Iraola’s side the edge.
The outcome could depend on how heavily Liverpool rotate their squad. A weakened lineup would give Tottenham a genuine opportunity, but the Reds should still have enough quality to progress.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur.
