Liverpool F.C. Will now face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 15 September, after a last-minute fixture change forced by UEFA's Champions League schedule. The EFL confirmed the move, which was one of three rearrangements for the competition's third round. The changes were described as frustrating by the competition organisers.
Liverpool's European commitments at Anfield against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, 9 September created a direct clash with Everton's planned Carabao Cup home game against Wolves. Local policing rules prevent both Merseyside clubs from staging home fixtures on the same evening. The EFL met with UEFA officials on Monday seeking a solution, but European football's governing body would not consider moving the Liverpool v Atletico Madrid match.
The core issue stems from the expansion of UEFA's club competitions. The EFL stated that domestic leagues were not adequately consulted before these changes were made. UEFA announced its Champions League match schedule just one day after the EFL had confirmed the third round Carabao Cup fixtures. This late announcement created an immediate conflict for Merseyside. To resolve it, Everton's match against Wolves was pushed back a full week to Wednesday, 16 September. That shift then forced Liverpool's tie with Spurs to be brought forward by one day, to Tuesday, 15 September.
A third game was also affected. Wolves' Championship fixture against Portsmouth, originally set for 16 September, was moved to Tuesday, 20 October. The EFL's statement noted that five clubs in total have been inconvenienced by these late alterations. Draw conditions for this stage of the Carabao Cup are designed to prevent scheduling conflicts for clubs in UEFA competitions, but the rapid fixture announcement undermined that planning.
These cup fixture adjustments come as Liverpool prepares for a Premier League trip to face Ipswich on 4 September. The team currently sits 13th in the Premier League table with two points from two draws. Their recent form reads DD, with four goals scored and four conceded for a zero goal difference. They are four points behind early leaders Manchester City.
The compressed schedule demands careful management from manager and staff. Moving the Tottenham cup tie creates a different rhythm for that week, potentially impacting training and recovery plans. The team must balance this cup commitment with their ongoing league campaign and the imminent start of their Champions League group stage. Supporters can view the full schedule of upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page.
Liverpool's next match is an away league fixture against 12th-placed Ipswich Town on Friday, 4 September 2026.
