Wirtz’s Liverpool journey shows signs of promise Liverpool entered the season with excitement after investing heavily in emerging talent, and Florian Wirtz was at the centre of that optimism. He arrived with a reputation for creativity, intelligence and final third composure. Yet the first few months have proved more complex than expected. Fifteen appearances, two […]

The post “He’s playing well!” – John Barnes defends Liverpool summer signing appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool Weigh Up Daring Move For Antoine Semenyo Liverpool are edging towards a January window that carries real significance for their season. Arne Slot’s side have lacked rhythm and cutting edge, and the growing feeling around Anfield is that a fresh attacking spark might be the simplest route back to consistency. One name keeps rising […]

The post Liverpool could sign £65m forward who is ‘like Gareth Bale’ appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Alisson’s Influence Returns At Crucial Moment For Liverpool Defensive Stability Returns Liverpool’s recent form has felt uncharacteristically fragile, with seven defeats in the last ten matches and only two clean sheets in thirteen. In Lewis Steele’s report for the Daily Mail, the reminder of Alisson Becker’s absence stands out sharply. The line that the Brazilian […]

The post Liverpool set for major boost with star to return for Nottingham Forest clash appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Contract Uncertainty Surrounding Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool Face a Significant Decision Liverpool have reached another contract crossroads and this time it concerns Ibrahima Konate, a defender whose importance has grown season by season. With just over seven months left on his current deal, the conversation around his future has become impossible to ignore. The recent claims, […]

The post Expert: £50m Liverpool star set to leave the club in 2026 appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Vitor Matos edging closer to British return Liverpool supporters will remember the bright, enthusiastic presence of Vitor Matos, the Portuguese coach who served as elite development coach during the club’s most successful modern spell. His contribution may have unfolded away from the spotlight, yet his reputation grew quickly inside the club. As Jurgen Klopp often […]

The post Former Liverpool coach set for managerial role in EFL Championship appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool Need Structure, Solidity and a System Built for the Fight Liverpool walk into Saturday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest knowing exactly what awaits them: a physical, relentless, second-ball brawl designed in the uncompromising image of Sean Dyche. Forest will not come to Anfield to entertain, nor to trade technical patterns — they will come to […]

The post Arne Slot urged to make major decision ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

England Star Set for Talks with Thomas Tuchel Ahead of World Cup 2026 Curtis Jones has taken some heavy tackles from circumstance this year, but the Liverpool midfielder still has a route back toward England’s World Cup picture. His absence from the last three international camps has raised predictable doubts around his place, yet Lewis […]

The post Thomas Tuchel to ‘hold talks’ with Liverpool star over 2026 World Cup chances appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Liverpool Receive Major Boost Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash Lewis Steele’s report for The Daily Mail painted a vivid picture of Sweden’s evolving set up under Graham Potter and its subtle but significant benefit for Liverpool. The key takeaway was simple yet vital for Arne Slot, Alexander Isak returned to Merseyside without any new fitness […]

The post Journalist provides positive Liverpool injury update ahead of Nottingham Forest clash appeared first on anfieldindex.com.

Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

A loss Thursday would be a devasting blow in an already frustrating 2024/25.

As is the case for any (sobs) 14th-place team, Tottenham Hotspur's season hinges on competitions outside the Premier League. A bye into the Europa League Round of 16 keeps that avenue open, and the FA Cup remains a possibility as well, but the most immediate and realistic path to silverware is the League Cup. Yes, the road is brutal, with a trip to Anfield before a final against Newcastle, but only 180 minutes separate Spurs from ending their long-standing trophy drought.

That makes Thursday the biggest match of the season so far. Tottenham impressed in the semifinal's first leg, grinding out a 1-0 win despite ceding possession, absorbing pressure, and deploying a makeshift backline. Now, the battle shifts to Liverpool, where the country's best team will be confident in its ability to overcome a one-goal deficit. Spurs enter as clear underdogs but must find a way to advance.

Semifinals (2nd Leg): Liverpool (0) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1)

Date: Thursday, February 6
Time: 3:00 pm ET, 8:00 pm UK
Location: Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Since the first leg, Liverpool has gone 5-1-1, with the lone defeat coming in a meaningless Champions League contest with a rotated lineup. With a Premier League title in sight and a strong European campaign underway, one might assume this competition sits lower on the priority list. Unfortunately for Spurs, there are no significant matches on Liverpool's immediate horizon, meaning Arne Slot is likely to field a strong XI at Anfield.

Both teams were relatively cautious in North London, though for different reasons. Tottenham's approach was shaped by a defense missing three of its four preferred starters, alongside a newly introduced Antonin Kinsky. Ange Postecoglou now has the opportunity of choosing from options like Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, though plenty of important names like Micky van de Ven remain injured.

For Liverpool, the decision to play pragmatically was likely strategic — returning home with just a one-goal deficit seemed an acceptable trade-off. Having made that decision, Slot's side will now bring intensity reminiscent of December's league fixture. Players like Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent from the first leg's starting lineup, but may be called upon Thursday with the objective more clear.

A few moments of greatness

Tottenham will not see much of the ball at Anfield. Liverpool will dominate possession, generate the bulk of the chances, and apply relentless pressure in Spurs' defensive third. That is a daunting prospect for cobbled-together squad; the number one priority is minimizing mistakes, especially with a lead to protect.

That said, Spurs must be willing to attack when opportunities arise and will not need much possession to be dangerous. Both Dominic Solanke's narrowly disallowed goal and Lucas Bergvall's successful strike in the first leg came via direct play over the top. Exploiting Liverpool's high press with quick, vertical attacks could be Tottenham's best path to maintaining the advantage.

If Spurs can capitalize on a pressing opponent and snatch an insurance goal, the tie will come down to their ability to weather the inevitable storm. Recent form does not inspire much confidence in their defensive resilience, but Tottenham has produced surprising performances against top teams this season. Postecoglou will need another one to keep his second-season trophy promise alive.

Liverpool fans will have seen the social media stories circling that both Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing a new contract, something Arne Slot was asked to comment on.

Speaking (via 90min.com), our head coach said: "We have some contractual situations that you don't probably don't know about.

"But Trent, Mo and Virgil haven't extended yet. So we are aware of the fact that we have to be sharp and ready for things that can happen.

"My life is mainly short term but we have so many quality people at this club that look at the longer term as well.

"You always have to be prepared for all the new things coming up.

"The players that don't play a big part at the moment; will they be able to do this another year? Will they fight for their place or will they [want to] go somewhere else?

"So we have to be prepared for the next window and what we can do."

The Dutchman doesn't really like to provide a direct answer on these topics, as it's not something he's directly involved in and prefers to allow time to pass.

However, confirmation that contracts have not been signed is a clear indication of the current situation and does debunk Robbie Fowler's theory.

Salah, Van Dijk and Trent have not yet signed a new contract Pictures via @MoSalah on X

John Barnes has stated that if he were in charge of the new deals, he would select our captain as the most important of the trio.

Many fans have their own opinions as to who they would or wouldn't allow to leave the club but it does feel that the overwhelming majority want all three to commit their future to staying on Merseyside.

You would assume the club can afford to do this but whether the financial model allows it is another question.

It's the same situation we've been in all campaign but we can take from this that no deals have yet been signed and it doesn't feel like we're close to them being done either.

Join our channel of readers on WhatsApp to get the day's top stories straight to your mobile

One year on: EOTK's tribute to Alex South – the former LFC defender who played with Liddell & Paisley

The post Arne Slot directly responds to rumours of Salah and Van Dijk’s new contracts being signed appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all out of contract in the summer, with Liverpool at risk of losing all three of their stars for nothing

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tonight.

The Reds lost the away first leg 1-0 controversially courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late goal but he really should’ve been sent off earlier.

Newcastle United have reached the final by beating Arsenal in the other semi-final so the winner of this tie will take on the Magpies at Wembley on 16th March.

As per team news, Joe Gomez and Diogo Jota have returned to full fitness after recovering from their injury problems but Trent Alexander-Arnold has sustained an issue since featuring against the Cherries. So, he has been ruled out.

Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Tottenham

Caoimhin Kelleher has been playing in the cup competitions but Alisson Becker started in the previous leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Brazilian may continue in goal for the hosts tonight.

Jarell Quansah has started all the Carabao Cup matches thus far this season but considering the importance of the fixture tonight, Ibrahima Konate is expected to be called upon to feature alongside Virgil van Dijk in the CB position.

Conor Bradley would replace injured Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas might get the nod to start in the left-back position ahead of Andy Robertson.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to continue in the engine room with Dominik Szoboszlai in the CAM role. Therefore, Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones could be among the substitutes.

Cody Gakpo has also played all the League Cup games and should continue in his preferred left-wing position, while Mohamed Salah would be on the opposite side.

Luis Diaz may start again in the CF role, therefore, Darwin Nunez and Jota could feature off the bench if needed. Here is how Liverpool could line up vs Tottenham:

The post 4-2-3-1: How Liverpool could line up against Tottenham – Carabao Cup appeared first on Paisley Gates.

The Sky Sports campaign to try and destabilise Alexander Isak and get him out of Newcastle United is relentless, with the likes of Paul Merson and others, always willing to...

You can click here to read the full article.

Source