Liverpool face Tottenham as Andrew Robertson returns to Anfield in League Cup

Andrew Robertson returns to Anfield in Tottenham colours on Tuesday as Liverpool host the Spurs in the third round of the League Cup, also known as the EFL Cup.

The former Liverpool left-back spent nine years at the club between 2017 and 2026 before moving to London on a free transfer. His return comes as both sides look to respond after disappointing 0-0 draws in the Premier League, with Liverpool held by Fulham and Tottenham frustrated by Everton.

Liverpool remain unbeaten this season but were short of attacking inspiration at Fulham. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch again failed to make a significant impact, while the midfield remains a concern for manager Andoni Iraola because of its lack of creativity in possession and defensive authority.

The Reds have taken six points from 12 in the Premier League and sit seventh. Their most encouraging performance came in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico de Madrid on 9 September.

That win is Liverpool’s only home success this season, from three matches at Anfield. They have scored four goals and conceded three in those games. Iraola’s main priorities are the Champions League and Premier League, but Liverpool will also be targeting a historic 11th League Cup title, which would extend the club’s competition record.

Tottenham’s start has been considerably worse. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have lost two and drawn two of their opening four Premier League matches in 2026-2027, scoring no goals – the worst attacking beginning in the club’s history.

Despite spending nearly £350m during the summer, Tottenham are 17th with two points, having already faced Brentford, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton. Their recent record against Liverpool is also poor, with only two wins in the past 20 meetings and 14 defeats.

Team news and predicted line-ups

Liverpool are expected to make significant changes after the physical demands of the Fulham match. Trey Nyoni could start in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with Lewis Koumas operating as a number 10. Cody Gakpo is expected to lead the attack, while Wataru Endo could make his first appearance of the season, probably at centre-back.

De Zerbi may restore senior players including Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Pedro Porro missed the Everton match with a muscle problem and is expected to be replaced at right-back by Archie Gray.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo.

Tottenham: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Kudus, Gallagher, Savio; Solanke.

Liverpool are predicted to win 3-1. Other selections are Liverpool to win at 1.78, over 2.5 goals at 1.45 and Cody Gakpo to score at 2.70. The exact-score prediction of 3-1 is priced at 10.50 on Betclic.