Another disappointing Premier League performance leaves Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou with no choice but to focus on alternative competitions to salvage something from this season. While the Europa League still holds promise, the League Cup also remains an option, even if the road ahead is far from easy: the semi-final against Liverpool begins this week, and either Arsenal await on the other side of the tournament or Newcastle.

The last meeting between the two teams was just a few weeks ago in north London, where the first leg will take place on Wednesday. It was clear which team was superior (on the day and throughout the season) as the visitors scored six goals at 5.6 xG in a wild game that clearly felt one-sided. Spurs will need a much stronger performance if they are to stay alive in the second leg at Anfield in February.

Semi-final (first leg): Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool

Date: Wednesday, January 8th
Time: 3pm ET, 8pm UK
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
TV: Paramount+ (USA), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Liverpool’s draw against United at the weekend ended their run of three straight wins in the league. Meanwhile, the Reds have faced only Premier League opponents in the League Cup, with wins over West Ham, Brighton and Southampton. This is a difficult situation for Spurs as Liverpool have dominated recent meetings, winning four of their last five meetings (and 11 of their last 14) across all competitions.

At the risk of sounding too pessimistic, Tottenham’s best hope on Wednesday could be a distracted or overconfident Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side, who were not expected to perform so well this season, are now top of the Premier League and leading the league stage of the Champions League; Although this is already the semi-final, the League Cup is probably not the highest priority on the club’s list at the moment.

It remains to be seen whether this will result in a significant rotation. Regardless, there is no question which side needs this competition more. Despite their inconsistencies this season, Spurs have been at their best in the moments that matter most, and this week’s game is certainly one of them.

Waiting time

Despite Tottenham being at home, the best strategy may simply be to get through Wednesday. The return leg is still a month away, giving Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Richarlison and possibly others time to recover. With both James Maddison and Pape Sarr suspended for this game on top of all the injuries, it seems unwise to rush into the fences.

By February, it’s possible Liverpool will focus even more heavily on the Premier League and Champions League, and perhaps force some compromises in the League Cup. While it’s not much fun to simply hope that the clock will pass this week, it’s fair to assume that next month’s circumstances will be a little more favorable.

Given these factors, Postecoglou must take a conservative approach to ensure Liverpool do not fall into turmoil again. Tottenham’s makeshift defense was mostly serviceable but was torn apart by the Reds last month. Prioritizing defensive security over offense is the right approach. It goes against the ambitious style he usually goes for, but with so many key players unavailable it seems the only viable option. Survive the first leg and see the fight in February.