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06 February 2025

Liverpool Hosts Tottenham With High Stakes In EFL Cup Semifinals

Both teams eye progress to the final as the second leg promises intense action and thrilling betting opportunities.

Liverpool will host Tottenham Hotspur on February 6, 2025, at Anfield for the second leg of the EFL Cup semifinal, with the match kicking off at 23:00 Moscow time. This high-stakes encounter follows Tottenham's surprising 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg, which sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown.

According to Metaratings, bookmakers view Liverpool as overwhelming favorites to turn the tables, offering odds of 1.24 for them to win. This figure translates to approximately 79% likelihood of a Liverpool victory, along with Tottenham's slim chances reflected at around 8% for triumph. The draw is seen as less probable, with odds set at 7.40 (13%).

The Reds, under the guidance of coach Arne Slot, are coming off strong performances, including their latest 2-0 win against Bournemouth, which has helped them maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Despite suffering a setback with their recent 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool secured their place in the knockout stage beforehand. They aim to capitalize on their attacking threat to secure their place in the final.

On the other side, Tottenham, led by Ange Postecoglou, arrives with renewed confidence. They’ve recorded two consecutive wins, including a decisive 3-0 victory against Elfsborg, securing their position in the Europa League knockout phase. Their recent Premier League victory—2-0 against Brentford—has boosted their morale as they currently occupy 14th place in the league.

This matchup holds much significance, as Liverpool looks to redeem themselves. Interestingly, statistics reveal five of the last six encounters between the two clubs have seen over 2.5 goals scored. Hence, betting on over 2.5 goals stands at 1.27, indicating expectations for extensive action. Reports from bookmakers also hint at expectations for both teams to score, assessed at odds of 1.63.

Historically, Liverpool has had the upper hand, winning their last match against Tottenham 6-3 at their London home earlier this season. Now, the pressure is on as they enter Anfield, facing heightened expectations from their supporters to overturn the deficit. The bookmakers anticipate high goal productivity again, as evident from the odds, which favor attacking gameplay from both ends.

Analysts at PARI have noted, “Despite Tottenham’s narrow win, Liverpool is heavily favored for this matchup.” Currently, 91% of the betting volume for advancement to the finals leans heavily toward Liverpool, which showcases the trust bettors have placed on the home side.

There are numerous betting options available for this fixture. The most popular bets include Liverpool winning with various point spreads. A Liverpool win by multiple goals is likely, reflecting their need to be aggressive early. The odds of Liverpool winning 3-0 are around 9.50, with another exciting potential scoring outcome of 3-1 available at 10.00. These numbers reflect not only Liverpool’s explosive strike force but also the anticipation of dominant play.

Key players to watch include Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles for Liverpool. Stakeholders can place bets on Salah scoring at 1.80 and Nunez at 2.20, emphasizing their high standard for performance within the team's attacking front.

With the final looming on March 16 against Newcastle, the stakes are exceptionally high. Both teams are forging their paths to respective triumphs or defeats, shaping their legacies within the prestigious EFL Cup history.

The match not only poses as another encounter between two iconic English clubs but also symbolizes the quest for silverware for both managers. Will Liverpool live up to the odds and expectations, or can Tottenham defy the predictions and secure their place in the final? Time will tell as these two formidable teams collide once more at Anfield.