Liverpool vs Spurs: Iraola Demands Reaction in Carabao Cup Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Spurs – Carabao Cup 4th Round Preview

Date: Tuesday, 15th September 2026 Venue: Anfield Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

After four games of the new Premier League campaign, Liverpool return to EFL Cup action on Tuesday night with Andoni Iraola looking for an immediate response from his players.

The Reds were held to a frustrating 0–0 draw by Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, a result that highlighted some of the weaknesses still present within this developing Liverpool squad.

There is no need to dwell on the disappointment, however, with another opportunity arriving just 72 hours later.

Rotation will surely be evident, but Liverpool travel to Bournemouth on Sunday, meaning there is a decent rest period between the two fixtures. Iraola can therefore afford to make changes without completely sacrificing the need for a strong performance.

And after Saturday’s lack of determination and attacking purpose, the Liverpool manager will surely demand a reaction.

Predicted Liverpool XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili

RB – Jeremie Frimpong CB – Joe Gomez CB – Virgil van Dijk (c) LB – Milos Kerkez

CM – Alexis Mac Allister CM – Trey Nyoni

AM – Ryan Gravenberch

RW – Víctor Muñoz LW – Rio Ngumoha

CF – Cody Gakpo

This should be a very different-looking Liverpool side from the one that started against Fulham in the Premier League.

Giorgi Mamardashvili should get another opportunity between the posts, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez can provide the energy from the full-back positions.

Virgil van Dijk could retain his place to provide leadership alongside Joe Gomez, although the real area of interest will be midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister returning to the starting lineup should immediately give Liverpool greater control, but the selection of Trey Nyoni alongside him is the one I will be watching most closely.

Liverpool need a specialist defensive midfielder.

That has become increasingly obvious.

The double pivot of two naturally attacking players simply does not provide the balance Iraola’s football demands. Gravenberch and Szoboszlai possess plenty of technical ability, but Liverpool need somebody capable of sitting in front of the defence, winning the ball, protecting transitions and allowing the attacking players to play further forward.

Nyoni now has an opportunity to show whether he can contribute to solving that problem.

Behind him, Ryan Gravenberch could be given the freedom to operate further forward, where his technical qualities are arguably better suited.

Iraola Needs a Reaction

Saturday’s 0–0 draw was frustrating because Liverpool had enough quality to win the game, but the performance lacked the determination required to force the issue.

That cannot happen again.

The EFL Cup provides Iraola with an excellent opportunity to rotate, assess his younger players and give some of the fringe members of the squad valuable minutes, while still demanding the same intensity that will become a defining characteristic of his Liverpool side.

Rio Ngumoha should relish the opportunity to start. The teenager brings directness, pace and unpredictability, while Víctor Muñoz will be looking to improve his understanding with those around him.

Cody Gakpo leading the line would also give Liverpool a different focal point, particularly if the supporting players can provide the quality that was missing against Fulham.

There is also a bigger picture here.

Iraola is still working out exactly which players can thrive within his system, and cup matches are where those decisions can be accelerated.

For Nyoni in particular, Tuesday night could be significant.

If he can produce a disciplined, aggressive and intelligent performance in the deeper midfield role, he may give Iraola something the current squad is desperately missing. A specialist defensive midfield performance could potentially turn Nyoni from an exciting young prospect into an every-week fixture.

Liverpool should win this game, but the performance matters almost as much as the result.

The draw against Fulham has created the need for a response.

Tuesday night is the perfect opportunity to provide one.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:?Liverpool 2–1 Tottenham