Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur must dust themselves off after their midweek win over Liverpool for a completely different battle on Sunday – one which will see them travel to fifth-tier Tamworth in the FA Cup.
One of Spurs’ most measured and controlled performances of the season kept Liverpool at bay in a 1-0 win on Wednesday night, and a draw at Anfield next month will see them progress to the Carabao Cup final in March.
With a mid-table finish in the Premier League currently predicted, this season is all about the cups for the Lilywhites. They have the potential to compete on multiple fronts down the stretch, with their injury issues easing in February. However, for Sunday’s cup match, Postecoglou is working with the same streamlined group of players.
The Spurs boss will be wary of using his available big guns in the run-up to the North London Derby, 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 fans, and he could get another chance to settle in before Wednesday’s derby. Kinsky looks the part.
RB: Djed Spence – There’s no need for Pedro Porro here, so we could see the impressive Spence switch flanks and start at right back.
CB: Radu Dragusin – Deprived of central defender options due to injury, Dragusin will likely continue in defense due to his aerial abilities. Tommy Tonks and his long throws await you.
CB: Alfie Dorrington – Postecoglou has been reluctant to use the teenage Enfieldian despite Spurs’ unavailability at centre-back, and Dorrington is yet to make his first senior start for the club. It will surely be used here to provide some respite for Archie Gray.
CEO: Sergio Reguilon – The Spaniard’s perseverance is to be commended and he could be rewarded with an incredibly rare start at Tamworth.
CM: Yves Bissouma – Tottenham have no choice but to be strong in midfield. With Rodrigo Bentancur out, Bissouma will likely retain his place at the base of Spurs’ engine room.
CM: James Maddison – One of two players likely to make the XI having been suspended on Wednesday, Maddison will aim to put on a show for the crowd on Sunday.
CM: Pope Sarr – Sarr was 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 having impressed in recent times, Sarr has slipped down the hierarchy.
RW: Yang Min-hyeok – Not much is known about the young South Korean winger, and now would be a good time to get a 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, young Lankshear, who scored in Istanbul earlier this season, will get the top spot.
AG: Mikey Moore – After missing two months of football through illness, Moore was back in Wednesday’s matchday squad and is in line for a start against Timo Werner.
