Carabao CupLiverpool v Tottenham Hotspur: Team news

A busy period for the Reds continues with Premier League opposition arriving at Anfield in the third round of the League Cup.

There will be at least one change from the side that began the draw against Fulham at the weekend, with Iraola confirming Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to be in goal.

Discussing his selection plans, the Liverpool head coach told reporters on Monday: "I think it [the workload] has to affect, definitely, because it's the third game. It's the worst scenario – it's game, two days, game, two days, game.

"In terms of the schedule, we haven't been lucky because it's true that after this one we have a little bit more [time] before we play Bournemouth.

"Also we had a little bit more [time] between Ipswich and Atletico Madrid, and you notice if it's four or five days in comparison to two, three days. It's a massive difference but it is what it is.

"I think after the international break also we have this period, I think, we are playing in nine, 10 days, four games or something like this. So, we have to get used to this."

He continued: "You can decide and put the same players [in] every game. The problem is there is going to be a moment where they are going to be very tired and there is more risk of injury. But that's why we cannot say it doesn't work for anyone.

"There are players who play every three days, they have no issues, they are very robust, they can accept it, their performances don't change too much. And there are other players where the risk is bigger, the performances are different.

"And also we are in a process where I have to learn who is ready to play three or four games in a row every two or three days and who needs a rest so the performance level doesn't get affected.

"I think I have it in my mind quite clear with some of them but with others it's new even for them because they haven't played as many games and we are learning."

Mamardashvili is in line for his first appearance of the 2026-27 campaign and is a goalkeeper held in high regard by Iraola.

Asked about Liverpool's options between the posts, Iraola replied: "I think there are little doubts with Ali [Becker]. He's proven, he's playing very well.

"I also rate Giorgi very highly. I know him from his years also in Spain. I told him we tried to sign him for Bournemouth before I came here.

"For me, he's a very good 'keeper and he's going to start tomorrow, yes."

Joe Gomez is fit again following the muscle injury he sustained in pre-season.

"I think he's going to be available for tomorrow and now it's a matter of deciding how much he can play and what is the best thing to do," Iraola said.

Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined.

For Tottenham, Sandro Tonali is absent due to a knock, and Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro are also out.

Forward Richarlison will not feature, but Destiny Udogie is available after he missed the goalless draw with Everton last Saturday.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi told reporters on Monday: "Kulusevski is not available. Pedro is still not available. Udogie, yes.

"Richarlison, nothing has changed for the Carabao Cup or Premier League, the situation is the same. No [he won't be involved]."

On his selection plans for the tie, De Zerbi said: "The team selection is not difficult because I am lucky to have these players. I am convinced of the qualities of the players.

"I think Lucas Bergvall is not other players. Mathys Tel also. And then we have to analyse the other players, maybe the players that didn't play enough.

"I am lucky because in central defence I have Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven, top centre-backs, but also Ben Davies, Marcos Senesi, Tosin [Adarabioyo] are not less than Van Hecke and Van de Ven."

De Zerbi said 'I don't know' regarding a potential senior debut for academy player Luca Williams-Barnett and added: "I would like to play with the same attitude as in the Premier League. The attitude and spirit the same.

"Many players need to play. Maybe not 90 minutes but 30 minutes. It is a real game. It is important."

Legendary former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson could make his first appearance against the Reds since he signed for Tottenham in the summer.

Last match

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham (September 12): Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Munoz, Barcola, Isak.

Tottenham 0-0 Everton (September 12): Kinsky, Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson, Bentancur, Tonali, Savio, Fernandes, Marmoush, Solanke.