Tottenham face a tough trip to Anfield for their fourth round EFL Cup clash with Liverpool on Tuesday night as they look to end a run of three consecutive draws.
Having been held to a goalless draw at Bournemouth at the weekend, Spurs missed the chance to go top of the Premier League. In contrast, Liverpool were able to pick up a win and move level at the top of the standings.
In turn, both clubs will have to consider how to balance their ambitions of winning silverware this season, as although this game will be important for both, they have bigger objectives this year.
Coupled with the fact that it pits Jurgen Klopp against Mauricio Pochettino, it promises to be an intriguing encounter with both managers likely to make changes to keep their respective squads fresh.
Team news
Toby Alderweireld remains sidelined along with Harry Kane, with Eric Dier likely to continue in the absence of the former.
Moussa Sissoko will miss out after Spurs accepted an FA charge following on from his clash with Harry Arter at the weekend, while Pochettino could look to shuffle other areas of his side too with Michel Vorm amongst others set to start.
As for Liverpool, Klopp will likely make several changes but go with a strong line-up. Much depends on what system he deploys too but whichever he goes with, the hosts will be favourites to advance.
Liverpool predicted XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Klavan, Moreno; Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino.
Tottenham predicted XI: Vorm; Trippier, Carter-Vickers, Wimmer, Davies; Winks, Carroll, Onomah, Dembele, N’Koudou; Janssen.
Prediction
It’s difficult to go against Liverpool at home, and many expect the Reds to come through. Klopp will go with a strong starting line-up, with Pochettino making more changes with European football also to consider.
It should be a great game regardless and one that will hopefully have goals, but the hosts should have enough quality across the pitch to book their place in the quarter-finals.