On the task of facing Liverpool and his strategy for the two-legged tie, which concludes at Anfield on February 6, Postecoglou said: “We’ve got an opponent who has been the standout team so far this year in all competitions.

“Irrespective of how you play you realise there is a second leg to be played but that doesn’t change our approach for tomorrow. We’re at home and when it’s a two-legged affair, if you can get some kind of advantage in your home game that sets you up pretty well so that’s what we’ll try to do.

“They are a top side. They’re really settled, I think they have got just about everyone fit and healthy. They can rotate players so they’re in a good moment and it will be a great challenge for us.”

Last match

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United (January 5): Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo.

Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle United (January 4): Austin, Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence, Bergvall, Sarr, Kulusevski, Johnson, Solanke, Werner.