Liverpool vs Tottenham: Robertson Returns for Spurs in Carabao Cup Clash

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 brings a Carabao Cup third-round fixture between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield — marking Andy Robertson’s first appearance at the stadium since departing the club this summer on a free transfer, now wearing the white shirt of Spurs.

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool remain unbeaten in five matches under their new head coach. Tottenham, meanwhile, arrive under mounting pressure after failing to win or score in four consecutive Premier League fixtures. Liverpool hold the record for most Carabao Cup titles with 10. They have lost just two of their last 20 meetings with Tottenham, who have not secured a victory at Anfield in any competition for 15 years.

Roberto De Zerbi has stated his intention to pursue a strong run in cup competitions this season. Robertson, who spent nine years at Liverpool before his summer departure, is expected to start against his former club.

The fixture details

Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Anfield
Referee: Andy Madley
Last meeting: Liverpool 1–1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League, 15 March 2026)

Liverpool’s injury and selection update

Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, and Giovanni Leoni are all unavailable for Liverpool. Joe Gomez has resumed training and is available for selection. Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal ahead of Alisson, per Iraola’s confirmation. Widespread changes are anticipated following Saturday’s goalless draw with Fulham.

Tottenham’s availability and squad status

Sandro Tonali (knock), Pedro Porro (muscle), and Dejan Kulusevski will miss the match. Richarlison remains excluded from De Zerbi’s plans despite eligibility for cup selection. Destiny Udogie returns to contention after missing the draw with Everton. De Zerbi has indicated he will avoid wholesale changes given the existing pressure on his side.

Recent form

Liverpool have won once in their last five matches under Iraola, most recently held goalless at home by Fulham. A midweek Champions League win over Atlético Madrid provided contrast. Iraola has acknowledged deficiencies in midfield control, citing growing questions about how his side manages games when front players fail to press effectively.

Tottenham’s start under De Zerbi has been alarming: zero goals across four Premier League matches following a summer spending outlay approaching £350 million. Back-to-back goalless draws versus Nottingham Forest and Everton have left Spurs 17th in the table. De Zerbi has publicly referenced the physical toll of a disrupted pre-season on several key players.

Predicted starting lineups

Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI (4-3-3): Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Robertson; Bentancur, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kudus, Solanke, Marmoush

How to watch

The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on ITV4 and Sky Sports Main Event.