Liverpool have been handed Tottenham Hotspur in the standout tie of the Carabao Cup third round, setting up an all-Premier League collision at Anfield. The EFL confirmed the pairing after Wednesday’s draw, with Liverpool immediately landing one of the strongest opponents available.
The tie will be played in the week commencing September 14, with the exact date and kick-off time still to be confirmed. There will be little room for either side to ease into the competition.
Home Advantage
Liverpool have home advantage, but Tottenham bring enough quality and Premier League familiarity to make Anfield an immediate knockout pressure test.
And the draw carries danger elsewhere.
Holders Manchester City will begin their defence at home to Norwich City, while Manchester United have been paired with Brighton. Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town, Aston Villa face Coventry City away, Newcastle visit Millwall, Everton host Wolves and Crystal Palace welcome Middlesbrough.
Titans Clash
Liverpool against Tottenham carries the sharpest headline. For Liverpool, the first hurdle of their League Cup campaign is already heavyweight. For Tottenham, the trip to Anfield offers a direct chance to make an early statement in a competition where there is no second leg and no league table to absorb a bad night.
One game.
One place in the fourth round.
One mistake can end the run.
The competition format adds another layer of pressure. Thirty-two clubs entered the third-round draw, with the eight teams competing in the Champions League and Europa League kept apart because of scheduling demands.
That protection did not stop Liverpool from drawing a major domestic opponent. Anfield will provide the atmosphere. Tottenham will provide the resistance.
And when the third round arrives, this is the tie that will carry the most heat.
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