Liverpool and Tottenham Face Off in High-Stakes Semi-Final Clash

LONDON, England – Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash in a high-stakes semi-final first leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The match marks the second meeting between the two teams in less than three weeks, with Liverpool aiming to secure a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has made four changes to his starting lineup, with Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, and Diogo Jota coming in. Jota, making his first start since recovering from a rib injury in October, joins Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in attack. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 24 matches across all competitions, despite a recent disappointing draw against Manchester United.

Tottenham, meanwhile, debut their new goalkeeper, 21-year-old Antonin Kinsky, who replaces the suspended Pape Sarr. Son Heung-min, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma return to the starting XI, as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to turn around a challenging season. Spurs are without key players James Maddison and Sarr due to suspension and injury, respectively.

The match carries significant weight for both teams. Liverpool, reigning Premier League champions, are seeking to maintain their dominance, while Tottenham hope to overcome a historical hurdle at home. The last time Spurs defeated Liverpool at Anfield was in 1985, a match that also took place on March 16, eerily mirroring their 1912 victory.

Referee Stuart Attwell will oversee the match, which kicks off at 8 p.m. local time. With both teams fielding strong lineups and boasting deep benches, the encounter promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans can expect a high-intensity game, as Liverpool aim to extend their unbeaten streak and Tottenham fight to keep their season alive.