Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, and the fixture arrives with Liverpool’s squad stretched thin by injury and fatigue. Andoni Iraola, who took charge at Anfield this summer, is searching for his first domestic cup win as manager, and he will need to manage his resources carefully after a week of almost daily matches.
The Reds enter the game chasing a record-extending 11th League Cup triumph. Victory would move them one step closer to that target, but the cost of getting there could be significant given the depth of their current injury list.
The Injury List
Liverpool will be without Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni, all of whom remain long-term absentees. That quartet is a substantial blow to Iraola’s options across the pitch.
Joe Gomez is back in training after a pre-season muscle injury and has been confirmed as available. His return gives Iraola the option of resting Virgil van Dijk for the first time this season, a decision that could reshape the defence entirely depending on how the manager chooses to rotate.
The rest of the squad carries its own concerns. Liverpool have played a game every two to three days for over a week, and Iraola has been open about needing to manage his squad’s workload carefully heading into a similarly demanding October.
What Changes Iraola Could Make
Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in goal in place of Alisson, and Iraola is expected to make several further changes after Saturday’s flat display against Fulham.
Trey Nyoni is set to come into midfield, potentially alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Wataru Endo could make his first appearance of the season, likely deployed at centre-back, which would be a notable moment for a player who has waited for his chance. Cody Gakpo is a candidate to lead the line, with the front three looking likely to shift shape again.
The changes suggest a side built for rotation rather than full-strength commitment. Iraola has made his position clear: the next few weeks will test the squad’s limits, and the cup provides an opportunity to experiment without risking his strongest players.
The Possible Lineup
The predicted XI points to a 4-2-3-1 formation that leans on young legs and fringe players. Mamardashvili keeps his place in goal, with Frimpong, Araujo and Tsimikas forming the back four. Endo, if fit, would slot in at centre-back alongside Araujo.
Tsimikas offers width on the left, while Frimpong provides pace on the right.
In central midfield, Mac Allister partners Nyoni, with Ngumoha, Koumas and Munoz making up the attacking trio behind Gakpo. Gakpo leads the line, and the shape suggests Liverpool will look to attack from wide areas rather than through a deep-lying playmaker.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Giorgi Mamardashvili |
| RB | Frimpong |
| CB | Araujo |
| CB | Endo |
| LB | Tsimikas |
| CM | Mac Allister |
| CM | Nyoni |
| RW | Ngumoha |
| CAM | Koumas |
| LM | Munoz |
| ST | Gakpo |
Key Players to Watch
Nyoni’s inclusion is the most notable call-up in the midfield. The young midfielder has impressed in limited appearances this season.
Endo’s potential debut at centre-back is also worth watching. He has been waiting for his chance, and a first appearance of the season would be a significant moment for a player who has been in the shadows for much of the campaign.
Gakpo, meanwhile, will be leading the line for Liverpool.
How to Follow the Match
The Carabao Cup third-round match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The match will be broadcast live on ITV4 and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, giving viewers multiple ways to follow the action.
For those who cannot attend Anfield, the coverage will be the main way to see how Iraola’s rotation plan holds up under pressure. The early evening kick-off means fans can settle down for a night of football after a long day.
What We Make of It
This is a cup tie that should be treated as a chance to experiment. Liverpool have played almost every day for over a week, and the strain is showing. Resting Van Dijk for the first time this season sends a clear signal about how Iraola prioritises the workload.
The rotation means Liverpool will not be at full strength, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Young players get minutes, fringe players get opportunities, and the squad gets a break before the next stretch of fixtures begins.
The question is whether the reshuffled XI can compete with a Tottenham side that will be motivated to make an early statement. This cup tie is an opportunity to ease the load on the regulars while giving younger players the chance to prove themselves.
For Liverpool, the priority is simple: win, rest the regulars, and move forward. The record-extending 11th League Cup triumph remains within reach, and this match is the next step on that road.
The early evening kick-off means the match will be over before most pubs close, which suits a midweek fixture. Fans can gather, watch, and head home before the night is too late.
The fixture list is already full, and the next few weeks will be a test of how Liverpool manage their resources. This cup tie is an opportunity to ease the load on the regulars while giving younger players the chance to prove themselves.
Liverpool will need to be careful about how far they push their reserves, but the reward of another step towards that 11th trophy makes the risk worth taking. The rotation approach looks sensible, and the early signs suggest Iraola is managing the situation with care.
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