Andrew Robertson returns to Anfield as a Tottenham Hotspur player when Liverpool host the Lilywhites in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday evening.
Liverpool remain unbeaten under Andoni Iraola, but Saturday's goalless draw with Fulham exposed a lack of incision in the final third. The Reds have taken six points from four Premier League matches and won only one of their three home games this season.
Tottenham also arrive after a 0-0 draw, having been held by Everton in North London. Roberto De Zerbi's side are yet to score in four league games, although their 5-1 cup victory over Charlton showed that a reshaped attack can be far more dangerous.
Liverpool vs Tottenham: Key Stats
Liverpool are unbeaten in five matches this season, winning two and drawing three
The Reds have won only one of their three matches at Anfield
Tottenham have not scored in four Premier League games
Spurs beat Charlton 5-1 in the previous EFL Cup round
Both teams scored in the last 12 Premier League meetings, which produced 52 goals
Photo Credit (Getty images)
What to Expect
Liverpool should make extensive changes after appearing short of energy against Fulham. Wataru Endo could start at centre-back, while Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister provide a fresh midfield pairing behind Lewis Koumas.
Rio Ngumoha and Victor Munoz can stretch Tottenham on either side of Cody Gakpo. Their pace should suit Iraola's aggressive approach, but an unfamiliar defensive unit may leave space for Spurs to attack in transition.
De Zerbi has greater incentive to select a strong team after Tottenham's winless league start. Pedro Porro is doubtful with a muscle issue, so Archie Gray may continue at right-back, while Robertson is expected to start against his former club.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)
Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Kudus, Gallagher, Savio; Solanke
Players to Watch
Cody Gakpo - The Netherlands forward can use this tie to regain rhythm after an adductor problem. His movement across the front line and ability to shoot from either side make him Liverpool's most experienced threat in a rotated attack.
Trey Nyoni - Nyoni should receive an important opportunity in midfield. His composure in possession will be tested by Tonali and Fernandes, while his willingness to advance the ball can help Liverpool avoid the sterile spells seen against Fulham.
Dominic Solanke - Solanke offers Tottenham a focal point against an unfamiliar Liverpool centre-back pairing. His pressing, hold-up play and penalty-area movement can punish any lack of cohesion in the hosts' defence.
Andrew Robertson - The left-back returns to Anfield after nine years with Liverpool. Beyond the emotion, his energy and delivery could be important against Frimpong, particularly if Spurs can create overloads on their left.
Prediction
Prediction: Over 3.5 goals @ 2.30
Both clubs produced goalless draws at the weekend, but Tuesday's changes should create a different type of contest. Liverpool are likely to rotate their defence, while Tottenham can select a stronger attack than the one that struggled against Everton.
The head-to-head trend is difficult to ignore: the last 12 league meetings produced 52 goals, and the last five at Anfield averaged five goals. Liverpool's superior record in this fixture gives them the edge, but Spurs have enough attacking quality to contribute. A 3-1 Liverpool victory is the preferred scoreline.