We're now just a few hours away from the gigantic EFL Cup clash between Liverpool and Tottenham at Anfield.

The truth remains that neither club will have this competition at the summit of their priority list, but this fixture traditionally grabs the footballing world and will do so once again as the two heavyweights battle for a place in the next round. Many people are expecting the Reds to run out winners, but despite their relatively impressive league form, Liverpool certainly have question marks surrounding their defensive capabilities.

Unlike Liverpool, Tottenham boast a solid and reliable defence under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino with the north Londoners laying claim to the strongest defensive unit in the Premier League - second behind Real Madrid in the continent's big five divisions.

Today's clash between the two footballing giants will likely attract a major global audience keen to witness a goal-fest at Anfield, as this fixture has historically thrown up big results in the past.

Michel Vorm vs. Simon Mignolet

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Both players have recently lost their starting places in their respective teams and will be keen to play themselves back into contention.

Michel Vorm combines the quality of an international goalkeeper with the ball-playing prowess of a centre-back. His style is the epitome of the modern day goalkeeper and, in all honesty, Vorm deserves better than a place on the Tottenham bench.

On the contrary, Simon Mignolet was dropped by the Reds in September when Loris Karius returned to full fitness following his summer move from Germany on the back of some shaky displays.

Both substitute goalkeepers will be keen to impress and display a faultless performance.

Jurgen Klopp vs. Mauricio Pochettino

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Both managers can lay claim to boasting a similar style of play with intensity and high-pressure on the opposition their focus.

Tactics will fly out the window, but the starting XI of both teams could be the deciding factor in determining the outcome of the match. With neither team Premier League title favourites, the EFL Cup will be seen as an opportunity by both.

The competition regularly produces weakened teams, so whoever fields the strongest line-up may guarantee their side a place in the next round.

Sadio Mane vs. Ben Davies

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane, it could be argued, is up there as the signing of the summer at this stage of the season. The Senegal forward has added much-needed pace, dynamism, flexibility and energy to Liverpool's sensational forward line.

With many pundits expecting Mane to fail miserably at Anfield, he is proving to be worth every penny of the £30m+ Liverpool forked out for him.

Ben Davies has dropped down the pecking order at Tottenham as Danny Rose's impressive form continues. Davies is certainly the more static of the two defenders and resting him against Liverpool's new Kop hero could prove a crucial mistake from Pochettino.

Davies is certainly not a slouch, however, the pace of Mane could prove decisive.

Adam Lallana vs. Victor Wanyama

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Two of the league's most in-form central midfielders look set to battle it out for supremacy at Anfield. Adam Lallana and Victor Wanyama are two very different players but nonetheless each has been a major contributor to their team's league success.

Physically there is little comparison between the two players as Wanyama's strength and power knows no bounds. His tough-tackling and no-nonsense style will be a fundamental factor in any Spurs success under the Anfield floodlights.

Lallana, on the contrary, is a slight playmaker and can lay claim to being in the form of his career.

Jan Vertonghen vs. Daniel Sturridge

Britain Football Soccer - Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League - Anfield - 17/10/16
Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge warms up before the match 
Reuters / Phil Noble
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Jan Vertonghen remains one of the in-form defenders in English football. The Belgian has put together a stunning partnership with his compatriot Toby Alderweireld and the best has been brought out of the former Ajax defenders as a result.

On the opposite side, Daniel Sturridge is a striker suffering from a severe lack of confidence. It's now 184 days since Sturridge last found the net in the league - he has neeted against Burton in the EFL Cup, though - but tonight's clash could finally end the drought and see faith restored in him by manager Jurgen Klopp.

The winner of this contest will determine the outcome of the tie with our money being on Sturridge, as surly he is due to return to his very best sooner rather than later.