Iraola drops Liverpool team news hint ahead of Tottenham showdown
Liverpool and Tottenham face off in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield, with both teams eager to improve on shaky starts to the season. New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has shuffled the squad, giving goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili a rare start and preparing defender Joe Gomez for a return f…
On Tuesday night, Anfield will host Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup, a match that promises to be a crucial test for both teams after uneven beginnings to the new campaign. Liverpool, managed by Spaniard Andoni Iraola, have yet to suffer a defeat under his stewardship but have struggled to produce convincing displays, drawing against Nottingham Forest and Fulham. Tottenham, meanwhile, are fighting to justify a record‑breaking transfer spend and to deliver their first league goal under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Liverpool’s squad shuffle ahead of the tie
Iraola has made a number of changes to the lineup in preparation for the match. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in place of Alisson Becker, a decision that marks a rare start for the Georgian international. The Spaniard praised Mamardashvili’s experience in Spain and said he had been in talks with Bournemouth before joining Liverpool.
Defender Joe Gomez, who has been sidelined since the start of pre‑season with a muscle strain, is expected to return to the squad. While he has yet to feature in a competitive match this season, the new manager confirmed that Gomez is training with the team and is available for selection. The decision on how much he will play remains to be made.
With a congested schedule that includes a Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid, Iraola hinted at a rotation strategy that could see younger players get minutes at Anfield. He said the club is in a position where it must balance player readiness with the need to keep key performers fresh for the upcoming fixtures.
Tottenham’s struggle for a first league goal
Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs have yet to score in the Premier League this season, a situation that has intensified scrutiny over the club’s performance after a transfer window that saw spending exceed £300 million. The pressure is compounded by the fact that the team has not yet secured a win in the top flight.
Despite the challenges, De Zerbi has expressed confidence in his squad’s potential. Both managers have indicated that squad rotation will be employed, but the match remains a high‑stakes opportunity for each side to secure silverware in their first season in charge.
Match details and broadcast information
- Kick‑off: 8:00 pm BST
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Broadcast: ITV4 (free‑to‑air) and Sky Sports Main Event & Football channels
- Live streaming: Sky Go app and website for Sky subscribers
What’s next for both clubs?
For Liverpool, a win would break a run of draws and give the new manager a chance to showcase his tactical approach. A victory would also ease pressure on the squad as they prepare for the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid.
Tottenham’s next priority is to secure a win and a first league goal, a milestone that could boost morale and provide a foundation for the rest of the season. The outcome of this match could influence the managerial standing of De Zerbi, who has been under intense scrutiny since taking charge.
Key takeaways
- Andoni Iraola will start Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal and may rotate the squad to manage a congested fixture list.
- Joe Gomez is expected to return from injury, but his playing time will be decided by the manager.
- Tottenham has yet to score in the Premier League this season, adding pressure on Roberto De Zerbi.
- The match is a crucial opportunity for both clubs to secure their first cup silverware of the season.
- Broadcast coverage will be available on ITV4 and Sky Sports, with live streaming options for Sky subscribers.
Why this match matters
Both teams are looking to salvage a season that has begun with inconsistent performances. A victory for Liverpool would cement Iraola’s early successes and provide momentum for the Champions League, while a win for Tottenham would relieve the mounting pressure on De Zerbi and could be a turning point in their campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Giorgi Mamardashvili start in goal for Liverpool? Yes, he will replace Alisson Becker for the match.
- Is Joe Gomez expected to play? He is available and training with the squad, but the extent of his involvement remains undecided.
- What is the significance of this match for Tottenham? It is an opportunity to secure their first league goal and win a cup under De Zerbi.
- When does the match start? The game kicks off at 8:00 pm BST.
- How can I watch the game live? It will be broadcast on ITV4 and Sky Sports, with streaming available on Sky Go.
Why it matters
The outcome of this Carabao Cup clash could shape the trajectory of both clubs’ seasons, offering Liverpool a chance to consolidate Iraola’s early success and Tottenham a chance to lift the pressure that has built around De Zerbi’s management.
Key points
- Iraola will start Mamardashvili in goal and consider squad rotation
- Gomez is fit and may return from injury
- Tottenham has yet to score in the Premier League
- Both teams seek their first cup silverware of the season
- Match will be broadcast on ITV4 and Sky Sports
Frequently asked questions
Will Giorgi Mamardashvili start in goal for Liverpool?
Yes, he will replace Alisson Becker for the match.
Is Joe Gomez expected to play?
He is available and training with the squad, but the extent of his involvement remains undecided.
What is the significance of this match for Tottenham?
It is an opportunity to secure their first league goal and win a cup under De Zerbi.
When does the match start?
The game kicks off at 8:00 pm BST.
How can I watch the game live?
It will be broadcast on ITV4 and Sky Sports, with streaming available on Sky Go.
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