Ange Postecoglou will be without two key players for Tottenham's Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Liverpool. Spurs advanced to the final four at the expense of Manchester United as they won a thrilling clash that saw seven goals scored.

The first of those, and only one in the opening 45 minutes, came from Dominic Solanke as he fired home a loose ball from close range. Dejan Kulusevski then doubled Spurs' advantage under a minute into the second period with Solanke adding a third soon after.

United found a way back into the game however as two Fraser Forster mistakes in seven minutes allowed Joshua Zirkzee and Amad to score. Son Heung-min then netted directly from a corner to ease nerves late on but Jonny Evans' powerful header in stoppage time saw a tense finish play out, though Tottenham did hold on.

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With a spot in the last four secured, Tottenham have been drawn to face Carabao Cup holders and current Premier League leaders Liverpool while Arsenal take on Newcastle United. As their ball was taken out of the hat first, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the first leg the week commencing January 6, 2025.

Given the task that will await the following month at Anfield, Postecoglou will want his side to take a lead up to Merseyside with them but they will have to try and do so without two key players. Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison both picked up yellow cards against Man United which means they will be suspended for the first leg.

Sarr was handed his second caution of the Carabao Cup campaign after catching Bruno Fernandes late, while Maddison was booked for pulling back Kobbie Mainoo in his final act on the pitch before being replaced by Lucas Bergvall.

Spurs will at the very least have Rodrigo Bentancur available for that cup clash as he serves the final game of his seven-match ban this weekend against Liverpool. With Arne Slot's side heading to north London for a Premier League clash on Sunday, the two teams are set to face off three times in the next seven weeks.

While the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Richarlison will all miss this weekend's fixture, Postecoglou is certainly hopeful that the trio can feature in the first leg which arrives during the first few days of January.

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