Liverpool vs Tottenham Carabao Cup betting tips and predictions

Imago Tottenham striker Richarlison could well have a big say in the outcome of Thursday's match against Liverpool — *Imago* Tottenham striker Richarlison could well have a big say in the outcome of Thursday's match against Liverpool

Liverpool state of play

Liverpool have won the Carabao Cup twice in the last three years, and have won the trophy 10 times overall. The Reds will surely fancy themselves to overturn what is a one-goal disadvantage from the first leg; as could most fans (of both clubs).

Since coming unstuck in North London, Arne Slot’s men have delivered the goods domestically, reaching the FA Cup fourth round, as well as winning three out of four in the league.

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A decisive two-goal victory, which came complete with a clean sheet, over a very decent Bournemouth side last time out should ensure the hosts are revved up for this.

Danger man Mohamed Salah added two more goals to his already impressive tally last time out, so he’ll certainly be raring to go on Thursday evening.

Tottenham state of play

For Spurs, the wait for a trophy of any kind has been a lengthy one. It was this trophy way back in 2008, under Juande Ramos, that saw the Lilywhites pick up their last piece of silverware. None of the current crop of players were involved back then.

Ask most Tottenham fans and they’ll tell you that the 2024/25 campaign has been a shambles, with injuries playing a big part in that. They’re not wrong, although reaching a first cup final in four years would take the sting out of a poor showing in the league.

After weeks of wretched defending, there was finally some solidity shown by Ange Postecoglou’s men. Buoyed by the return of key defender Micky van de Ven, at the weekend, Spurs beat Brentford by two goals to nil away from home.

A similarly tight performance will be needed at Anfield, that’s for sure.

Key talking point: Richarlison could be the key for Spurs

Since regaining match fitness, Richarlison has given Tottenham a much-needed boost in the final third, scoring twice in his last three league appearances.

If the visitors are to have any sort of success at Anfield on Thursday, then the lively Brazilian will be key to that.

We know that Richarlison is a big-game player who loves to mix it in these sorts of fiery contests, while we also know that he’s developed a habit of raising his game against Liverpool in recent times.

In his last nine appearances against the Reds stretching back to the 2019/20 season, he’s been involved in seven goals, so don’t be surprised if he has his say on Thursday.

FIRST’s top tip for Liverpool vs Tottenham

Richarlison over 0.5 shots on target - 5/6 (BetMGM)

In the betting, taking Richarlison to register a shot on target is hard to resist all the time odds of 5/6 are on offer. Since returning to fitness, Spurs’ number nine has taken six shots in the league, averaging 1.94 shots per 90 minutes and 0.97 shots on target.

Throw into the mix that he’s delivered shots-on-target-per-90 averages of 1.51 and 1.25 in the last couple of seasons, combined with his clear hunger for glory in the biggest games, and odds of 5/6 do appeal.

Extra tips

Richarlison to score - 3/1 (BetMGM)

If you fancy something at juicier odds, then Richarlison may just be a little generously priced to find the net. Let’s face it, the former Everton man has a fine recent record against Liverpool, scoring at Anfield for Spurs not only last season but the season before too.

The striker also notched in Liverpool’s backyard for Everton during the 20/21 campaign, meaning that he’s scored on three of his last four visits to Anfield.

Factor in averages of 0.65 goals per 90 minutes and 0.38 expected goals per 90 minutes (in the league) this season and odds of 3/1 start to look on the large side.

Team news

Spurs were given a huge boost when Van de Ven was declared fit enough to feature against Elfsborg in the Europa League recently and having been rested as a precaution against Brentford at the weekend, but it's still touch and go if the Dutchman will be back in the team at Anfield.

Unfortunately, the visitors remain without the services of Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Brennan Johnson, while Radu Dragusin is also expected to be out.

New loan signing from Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel could also be involved in Postecoglou's plans either from the start or the bench.

In contrast, Slot has ruled right back Trent Alexander-Arnold out of Thursday’s match as he nurses a groin injury. But aside from that, the hosts have a clean bill of health - with Joe Gomez also back in training.