Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur must dust off their midweek win over Liverpool for a completely different battle on Sunday – one where they travel to fifth-tier Tamworth in the FA Cup.
One of Spurs’ most measured and controlled performances of the season kept Liverpool at bay 1-0 win on Wednesday night and a draw at Anfield next month will see them into March Carabao Cup final.
With the middle of the table Premier League finish currently predicted, this season is all about the cup for the Lilywhits. They have the potential to compete on multiple fronts until the end, and their injury problems eased in February. However, for Sunday’s cup, Postecoglou is working with the same focused group of players.
The Spurs boss will be cautious about using his available big guns as the North London Derby approaches, so there should be a few outings for unknown and forgotten faces.
GK: Antonin Kinsky – The January arrival took just a few days to endear himself to the fans and he could be given another chance to settle in before Wednesday’s derby. Kinsky looks the part.
RB: Grandpa Spence – There is no need for Pedro Porro here, so we could see the impressive Spence switch flanks and start at right-back.
CB: Radu Dragušin – With no options at centre-back due to injury, Dragusin is likely to continue in defense due to his aerial abilities. Tommy Tonks and his long throws await.
CB: Alfie Dorrington – Postecoglou was reluctant to use the teenage Enfieldian despite Spurs‘ unavailability at centre-back, with Dorrington yet to make his first senior start for the club. He will certainly be used here to offer Archie Gray some respite.
LB: Sergio Reguilon – The Spaniard’s tenacity must be commended, and he could be rewarded with an incredibly rare start at Tamworth.
CM: Yves Bissouma – Tottenham have little choice but to be strong in midfield. Without Rodrigo Bentancur, Bissouma is likely to keep his place at the base of the Spurs engine room.
CM: James Maddison – One of two players likely to make the XI after being suspended on Wednesday, Maddison will be looking to put on a show for the home crowd on Sunday.
CM: Pope Sarr – Sarr is also suspended midweek and we are unlikely to see much of Lucas Bergvall given his likely inclusion in the North London Derby starting line-up. With the Swede impressing of late, Sarr has fallen down the pecking order.
RW: Yang Min-hyeok – Not much is known about the young South Korean winger, and this would be the right place for him to get his first taste of English football.
ST: Will Lankshear – Dominic Solanke is in desperate need of a break and there is no doubt he will be rested for the derby. As a result, youngster Lankshear, who scored in Istanbul earlier this season, will get the nod at the top.
LW: Mikey Moore – After missing two months of football due to illness, Moore returned to the squad for Wednesday’s game and is competing to start ahead of Tim Werner.
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