Key Points
- Team Changes Galore: Roberto De Zerbi is ready to make some radical squad changes after Tottenham’s goalless draw in the Premier League against Everton.
- Defense Changes: Central defender Micky van de Ven will be on the bench, while Marcos Senesi will take up a starting spot next to Tosin Adarabioyo.
- Premiere for the New Guy: The summer signing, Mohammed Kudus, is expected to get his first start of the campaign as a winger after overcoming an injury to his quadriceps.
- Goalkeeper Change: Backup goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will likely come into the starting lineup ahead of Antonin Kinsky.
- Haunted Place: Tottenham will go to Anfield in hopes of breaking their 17-match winless run at the stadium which started back in the 2010-11 season.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) September 14, 2026 – Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup and a high-profile third-round clash against Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool at Anfield. The Lilywhites travel to Merseyside on Tuesday evening looking to kickstart their campaign and progress to the next round following a dismal opening month in the Premier League. With Spurs struggling for goals and sitting winless in top-flight action, De Zerbi has confirmed plans to heavily rotate his starting lineup to spark a reaction.
Will Martin Dubravka start for Tottenham?
As reported by Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, De Zerbi indicated following the 0-0 draw with Everton that he intends to “play with all other players” for the trip to Anfield. If there was ever a moment for Martin Dubravka to be selected over Antonin Kinsky, now would be the moment, with domestic cup fixtures presenting the ideal opportunity for the backup shot-stopper to gain valuable minutes.
In defence, Marcos Senesi could replace Micky van de Ven, who remains sidelined as he recovers from an injury, with Tosin Adarabioyo likely to partner Senesi in central defence. Archie Gray could retain his spot at right-back, while former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is tipped to continue on the left flank against his former club. According to data compiled by Transfermarkt, Robertson has won 14 of his 23 career appearances against Tottenham, but he will now be looking to leverage that experience on behalf of the North London club.
How does Roberto De Zerbi solve Tottenham’s attacking woes?
In the middle of the pitch, De Zerbi possesses several tactical configurations to counter Liverpool’s domestic setup. As highlighted by Sofascore data, Liverpool have averaged 60.3 per cent possession so far this season, meaning Conor Gallagher’s work rate could prove vital at Anfield. Sandro Tonali, who impressed during the weekend fixture against Everton, may also be recalled to the starting midfield trio.
De Zerbi could look to utilize Swedish international Lucas Bergvall in the number 10 role, allowing Mateus Fernandes to be rotated out. Out wide, Ghana international Mohammed Kudus could be handed his first start of the season on the right flank following his return from a quad injury. Meanwhile, Mathys Tel remains one of the few natural options available on the left wing and could return to the lineup, with Omar Marmoush expected to lead the attack as De Zerbi keeps players like Savio in reserve on the bench.
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Liverpool: Dubravka; Robertson, Senesi, Adarabioyo, Gray; Gallagher, Tonali, Bergvall; Kudus, Tel, Marmoush.
Can De Zerbi overcome Tottenham’s Anfield record?
Anfield remains one of Tottenham’s most challenging venues, with the club enduring a lengthy barren streak on Merseyside. Spurs have failed to win any of their last 17 matches in all competitions at Anfield, with their last victory dating back to the 2010–11 Premier League season.
As detailed by Lewis Nolan of Sports Mole, pressure is mounting on De Zerbi despite the club spending over £300 million in the summer transfer window, leaving Spurs winless in their opening top-flight league matches. Addressing the supporters’ frustration following recent jeers, De Zerbi stated that he understood the fans’ reaction, adding:
“I’m sorry for the fans. They were fantastic today. It is normal, the reaction of the fans”.
Background of the particular development
The managerial transition at Tottenham Hotspur has entered a critical early test following an extensive £300m-plus squad rebuild during the summer transfer window. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs have experienced severe scoring difficulties in top-flight league action, drawing blank against Everton and failing to record a victory across their opening fixtures.
Conversely, Liverpool are undergoing their own adaptation phase under head coach Andoni Iraola. While the Reds remain unbeaten, Iraola recently noted that his squad suffered from fatigue following their Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid and a subsequent 0-0 draw against Fulham. The Carabao Cup third-round tie consequently serves as an important mid-week fixture for both managers to rotate their squads and manage player workloads.
Prediction: How this development can affect Tottenham Hotspur supporters
For Tottenham Hotspur supporters, De Zerbi’s decision to execute wholesale changes for a knockout cup tie at Anfield carries both tactical opportunities and potential risks. A positive performance or a cup victory on Merseyside would provide a much-needed confidence boost, validating the club’s heavy summer investment and reassuring fans that De Zerbi’s attacking system can function effectively against elite opposition.
However, if a heavily rotated team suffers a decisive defeat, it risks heightening frustration among the fanbase regarding the team’s early-season momentum. Furthermore, integrating summer arrivals such as Kudus and Marmoush into competitive match action remains crucial for establishing squad cohesion ahead of a demanding domestic schedule.
