Liverpoolvs.Spurs

Spurs make the trip to Anfield for the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final with the Premier League leaders holding a 1-0 advantage from the first fixture.

Furthermore, Postecoglou has witnessed his injury-hit side win three of their last four matches in all competitions, marginally reducing the pressure on the Greek-Australian.

Nevertheless, Spurs were able to complete deals for Lens centre-back Danso and Bayern Munich attacker Tel before close of business on Monday.

Could duo make debut versus Liverpool?

With Micky van de Ven having been left out of Sunday's Premier League fixture at Brentford, it felt plausible that the Netherlands international could be handed an immediate recall.

Instead, Postecoglou has revealed that the defender 'is not ready' to participate in a game of this expected intensity.

Meanwhile, despite the absence of Dominic Solanke through injury, Spurs have still managed to net five times against Elfsborg and the Bees over the past week.

However, speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Postecoglou has suggested that both Danso and Tel could be provided with minutes in what is effectively Spurs' biggest match of the season to date.

He said: "Kevin [Danso] and Mathys [Tel] are both available, have trained and cleared to play, so they're all good.

On a potential start for Danso, Postecoglou added: "We'll see. There is another big game three days later. Whether he starts or comes on, we'll see."

Spurs are also scheduled to face Aston Villa in the West Midlands on Sunday, that encounter taking place in the FA Cu fourth round.

What is most likely outcome?

With Archie Gray and Ben Davies helping Spurs keep a clean sheet at Brentford, it has created a selection dilemma for Postecoglou.

Eventually, Danso, Van de Ven and Cristian Romero will likely be deemed as the top three in the pecking order, but it appears highly unlikely that Postecoglou will change both of his centre-backs given the magnitude of Thursday's game.

As for Tel, a place on the substitutes' bench is a near certainty courtesy of Richarlison having come through the last two matches unscathed.

Written by

Darren Plant