Three games separate Tottenham Hotspur from winning their first trophy since 2008.
Spurs are getting ready for two legs against the top-seeded Premier League leaders Liverpool after enduring a difficult journey to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, defeating both Manchester clubs on their way to the final four. If they win both games, they will play either Newcastle United or fierce rivals Arsenal in the championship match.
With injuries continue playing havoc for the unfortunate and under-fire Ange Postecoglou, defeating Liverpool will be their hardest test to date. Recent months have seen a number of defensive absences, with Spurs' 6-3 loss against the Reds prior to Christmas underscoring the lack of cohesion and organization in the rearguard.
Since Postecoglou doesn't have many options, Spurs will need to make big changes if they want to avoid another humiliation. This is the squad he may choose from on Wednesday night.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Liverpool [4-2-3-1]
GK: Antonin Kinsky – In January, Spurs made their first acquisition of the year when they paid around £12.5 million for 21-year-old Czech goalie Kinsky. Given Fraser Forster's illness and Guglielmo Vicario's absence, he might be hurried into the starting lineup against Liverpool. The stopper was given a baptism of fire.
LB: Djed Spence – After a long-term injury to first-choice left-back Destiny Udogie, Spence made a timely return from suspension against the Magpies. But he hasn't yet convinced in a Spurs shirt.
CB: Archie Gray – Although Gray has done well in an unfamiliar and injured Spurs backline, center-back is not likely to be the young player's long-term position. At the very least, he has recently been exposed to a lot of first-team football.
CB: Radu Dragusin – The Romanian offered a characteristically iffy performance during the December meeting, shipping six without much resistance. Dragusin's task may be made even tougher by the insatiable Diogo Jota, who could be offered a first start since his injury return.
RB: Pedro Porro – Porro's ability to expose opponent backlines was demonstrated by his beautiful deliveries into the penalty area during the weekend's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United. On Wednesday, though, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz will test his own defensive weaknesses.
DM: Yves Bissouma – Bissouma may have been benched over the weekend due to the current spread of illness in the Spurs camp. He played the last 30 minutes against Newcastle and will have to contain a dynamic Liverpool midfield.
DM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Bentancur could make a big comeback against Liverpool after missing the weekend due to a new suspension. His absence has been greatly missed, and his importance will only increase on Wednesday in light of Pape Matar Sarr's suspension.
LW: Son Heung-min – Son should celebrate his contract extension until 2026 by making a comeback to the starting lineup on Wednesday. Postecoglou implied that the South Korean was benched over the weekend due to the busy schedule.
AM: Dejan Kulusevski – The pivotal Swede has been consistently outstanding this season in an attacking midfield or wide role, and Kulusevski was Spurs' savior against Liverpool last month.
RW: Brennan Johnson – Despite his occasional outbursts, Johnson has been mainly impressive this season. The Welsh winger contributed an assist from the bench during the 6-3 loss to Liverpool and has 11 goals in 29 campaign appearances.
ST: Dominic Solanke – Solanke defeated former teammate Alisson with a clean finish and his first goal against former employers Liverpool in the 6-3 rollercoaster. He will feel more confident against the visiting Reds if he scores another goal this weekend.