Predicted Tottenham Lineup To Face Rochdale In FA Cup
Tottenham Hotspur are flying high and eased past the difficult set of fixtures to climb up to 4th spot in the Premier League table. They, however, had a slight stumble in their FA Cup 5th-round tie against League One minnows Rochdale and only managed a 2-2 draw following an injury-time equaliser by Steve Davies.
Spurs are now forced to play an extra fixture amidst such a busy schedule as they are set to host Rochdale at Wembley in a replay on Wednesday night.
Team News
Despite Mauricio Pochettino’s hard training, Spurs have maintained top fitness levels and are set to miss out on only a couple of names. Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, the defensive duo, is ruled out for the tie with their respective hamstring and ankle injuries.
A host of first-team regulars, however, are likely to be rested considering the upcoming crucial Champions League round of 16 return leg tie against the mighty Juventus.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The Argentine gaffer tried a ‘back three’ initially but later shifted to a ‘four-man backline’ and is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation that he has been deployed in recent weeks.
Probable Tottenham XI
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Michel Vorm (GK)
The Dutchman has been second-fiddle to Hugo Lloris since joining Spurs in 2014. But Vorm has been preferred in domestic cup games and is set to start between the sticks on Wednesday night.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
Spurs have two quality right-backs in the form of Serge Aurier and Kieran Trippier. Pochettino has rotated them so far this season and the Englishman is likely to get a nod against the Dale.
Juan Foyth (CB)
The young Argentine has been handed a sporadic role but has impressed in limited opportunities with his composure and calmness. He is set to start the game in the heart of the defence against the League one minnows.
Eric Dier (CB)
Davinson Sanchez has been a regular this season due to the injury concern of Toby Alderweireld. But the young Colombian might get his much-needed rest with the versatile Eric Dier getting the nod here.
Danny Rose (LB)
Injuries and some internal causes cost him his first-team place. Rose has mostly been fielded in cup competitions and is likely to start this tie.
Harry Winks (RCM)
The young Englishman’s progress has been halted by injuries but he is now getting back to fitness and these Cup games will help him rediscover his form before the next campaign.
Victor Wanyama (LCM)
The Kenyan international has struggled to break into the Premier League starting XI due to Mousa Dembele’s excellence and Eric Dier’s versatility. He, however, started the game against the Eagles and is likely to retain his place for this game.
Lucas Moura (RM)
The winter signing from PSG opened his scoring account against the Wednesday night opponents earlier. The Brazilian is likely to start this game too and will be hoping to add more to his tally to gain confidence for the remainder of the campaign.
Moussa Sissoko (CAM)
The Frenchman recently lost his first-team status but has retained his place in cup outings. He is likely to start as an attacking midfielder against Rochdale.
Heung-min Son (LM)
The South Korean lost his place to Erik Lamela against Juventus and Crystal Palace but is likely to return to the starting XI for the Rochdale game. He’d be determined to impress the gaffer to reclaim his first-team status.
Harry Kane (ST)
Fernando Llorente was largely ineffective in the main fixture and likely to be replaced by hitman Harry Kane up front, as Pochettino would want to make sure the game is wrapped up without too much difficulty.
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