Tottenham is set to make wholesale changes for the Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool on Tuesday, with Richarlison able to face the Reds after the exit he pushed for this summer failed to materialize
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Roberto De Zerbi has hinted that he will field a completely different Tottenham starting XI against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup after Saturday's draw with Everton.
Spurs don't have European commitments this term, but they are yet to score a Premier League goal in 2026/27, and could give some squad players the chance to impress. Tottenham is yet to secure a top-flight victory, with its only goals so far this campaign arriving in the 5-1 demolition of Charlton Athletic which secured the meeting at Liverpool.
Spurs were held to a consecutive goalless stalemate when they hosted Everton at the weekend, following which De Zerbi suggested he would field an entirely different XI for the journey to Anfield.
"Now we play Tuesday in Liverpool and we play with all other players but it will be a very important match for us," the Italian said. "We can improve playing in the games, we can improve during the week.
"A mental block, because four games, no wins, any goals scored. It is tough also for the players because they are human and they are very good guys.
"I asked them to follow me because if last season I was positive, I can't understand why I cannot be the same this season."
Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Richarlison saw potential transfers to Everton and Vasco da Gama collapse earlier this month before being subsequently omitted from Tottenham's Premier League squad.
However, the Brazilian is available for the League Cup and may be considered having netted five goals in nine appearances at Anfield, most recently securing a 1-1 draw for the Londoners at Liverpool in March.
Tottenham, who invested over $400M in new signings during the summer transfer window, were able to field a strong bench against Everton.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, defenders Ben Davies, Marcos Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo, midfielders Conor Gallagher, Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison and forwards Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus were present.
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They were, though, without six injured players: Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Mykhailo Mudryk and Wilson Odobert.
Liverpool.com says: Tottenham is a tougher draw than it might have been for the Reds, but Andoni Iraola should take the domestic cups seriously this year.
It feels unlikely that Liverpool will be able to keep up with Arsenal and Manchester City or win the Champions League, so to get some silverware, this might be one of the best routes.