Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host a thrilling clash as Tottenham take on Liverpool in the first leg of the English Football League (EFL) Cup semifinals on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This match follows Tuesday’s encounter between Arsenal and Newcastle. Africa’s Football editor Allan Damba analyses the upcoming clash.
This season, Liverpool have proven to be one of the best teams in Europe, leading both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League groups. Under new manager Arne Slot, the Reds are keen to add the EFL Cup to their trophy cabinet in what has been an outstanding debut campaign.
Liverpool have been formidable all season, losing only once across all competitions. However, they hit a minor roadblock on Sunday, drawing 2-2 with Manchester United at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are struggling for form, having lost three of their last four matches. Their latest setback came on Saturday in a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United. Ange Postecoglou’s side knows the EFL Cup presents their best chance at silverware this season. Spurs haven’t lifted a major trophy since 2008 under Juande Ramos, making Wednesday’s clash a pivotal moment to reignite past glories.
Our prediction for Tottenham vs Liverpool
Both teams will aim to gain an early advantage in this two-legged tie, making this an open and high-scoring affair at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The safest betting option for this match is Both Teams to Score (YES), available at odds of 1.33 on 1xbet.
For higher returns, punters can stake on Over 3.5 goals, with odds of 1.78 on 1xbet. Liverpool have been prolific in recent games, scoring 18 goals in their last five matches. Tottenham, though less consistent, have scored 10 but conceded 14 in the same period.
Liverpool recent form analysis
Liverpool have won four of their last five matches but were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United on Sunday. Their last Premier League defeat came in September 2024, when they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest.
- Last five games: 4 wins, 1 draw.
- Latest result: Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United.
Tottenham recent form analysis
Tottenham have struggled recently, winning just one of their last five matches. They’ve scored six goals but conceded 10 in this period. Their most recent victory was a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United in the EFL Cup on December 19.
- Last five games: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses.
- Latest result: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle.
Player to watch
Pape Matar Sarr: Sarr has become a vital cog in Tottenham’s midfield, appearing in 29 matches this season with four goals and two assists. The Senegalese midfielder provides crucial defensive stability while also serving as the catalyst for Spurs’ attacking plays. His performance will be key in countering Liverpool’s relentless attack.
Best odds and betting tips
Here are the top betting tips for this match:
- Both Teams to Score (YES) at 1xbet (1.33).
- Over 3.5 goals at 1xbet (1.78).
