Liverpool v Tottenham Betting Preview:
The approach to the EFL Cup could hardly be any different for these two Premier League clubs. Mauricio Pochettino is set to rest the majority of his first string and give Tottenham’s emerging youth talent a chance to show what they can at Anfield.
That might be easier said than done for the youthful visitors though, as they are set to run headlong into a Liverpool team that are taking this competition very seriously due to their lack of European football this term.
While the home side are set to rotate somewhat too, the likes of Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge and Lucas are not bad back up players to call upon and they will want to show themselves in the best possible light. In the third round win over Derby the home side named several first team starters in their line-up including Roberto Firmino and Phillippe Coutunho so it could be even more of a mismatch if that happens again here.
As such, it’s unsurprising to see Jurgen Klopp’s men as Paddy Power’s 7/10 (1.70) favourites with Spurs the 19/5 (3.80) outsiders and the draw priced at 11/4 (3.75).
Klopp and Pochettino certainly share some philosophical values when it comes to playing style, the high press, free-flowing attacking approach is evident in both teams’ approaches and as such, the bookmakers expect something of an open game.
Take a look at Paddy’s latest football odds here.
This could come as a surprise given that Tottenham have been defensively sound but misfiring up front of late, but their changes to the starting line-up could mean the much less experienced side is set for a serious challenge against Liverpool’s forward line. Over 2.5 goals is just 4/6 (1.67) while both teams to score is on offer at the same price with Paddy Power.
With the uncertainty over the line-ups it’s somewhat difficult to commit to a serious bet in this game but those who want to have a financial interest should consider the option of 7/5 (2.40) on offer about Liverpool winning a game containing three or more goals.
That’s a selection which would have won in both previous rounds for the Reds, with eight goals scored and none conceded on the road to this stage against Championship opponents.
While both teams will have somewhat unfamiliar line-ups, Liverpool certainly seem to have the better depth to call upon given the injury and suspensions for the visitors.
A Spurs back four that could contain Ben Davies, Kevin Wimmer, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Kieran Trippier may struggle if Klopp opts for a front three of Origi, Sturridge and Danny Ings.
While Pochettino’s men have the weapons to make their mark on the game at Anfield, it could be in vein given how seriously the hosts are taking this competition.
Taking a pro-Liverpool position certainly seems the way to go with even the most vigorous of potential rotation for the hosts putting them in the driving seat against a side who will have the EFL Cup at the bottom of their priority list this season. More conservative punters could simply opt for Liverpool to win at 7/10 (1.70) for small stakes.