Tottenham Hotspur are set to travel to National League side Tamworth for their FA Cup third-round clash this Sunday. Following their midweek victory over Liverpool, which secured a crucial 1-0 win in the Premier League, Spurs will now face a different kind of challenge. Tamworth, currently competing in the fifth tier of English football, will be looking to cause an upset against the North London giants, and Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, will be keen to field a team capable of advancing while managing his squad’s fitness and resources.
Injury issues have been a persistent problem for Spurs this season, with Postecoglou having to cope with eight players currently unavailable. With the North London Derby looming just around the corner, it is expected that the Tottenham boss will rotate his squad, providing an opportunity for younger players and those on the fringes of the first team to get some much-needed minutes. This FA Cup tie will not only offer a chance to progress in the competition but also to rest some of Spurs’ key players as they look ahead to the more high-profile fixtures.
Tottenham’s Injury Concerns and Rotation Strategy
The FA Cup third round presents a unique opportunity for Tottenham Hotspur to give a few of their underused or younger players a chance to shine. Postecoglou has already demonstrated his ability to balance league duties with cup ambitions, and the upcoming fixture against Tamworth will be another example of his tactical nous.
Spurs’ injury list is a significant concern, with key players unavailable for selection, including Rodrigo Bentancur, who is sidelined with a long-term injury. This leaves Postecoglou with limited options in central midfield and the defensive line. However, the team’s depth allows for rotation without completely compromising on the quality of the starting XI. With the North London Derby coming up just a few days later, the manager will likely rest some of his more prominent players and give others the chance to make an impact.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup vs Tamworth (4-3-3 Formation)
In terms of the predicted lineup for the FA Cup tie, Postecoglou is likely to make several changes while maintaining enough quality to get the job done. Here’s how Tottenham could line up against Tamworth:
Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky
The January arrival, Antonin Kinsky, has already impressed Spurs fans with his quick adaptation to the team. After joining the club, Kinsky made a strong impression with his performances in training and his character off the pitch. Given that Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, has been in fine form recently, Kinsky will likely get his chance to show what he can do in a competitive match. This FA Cup tie provides the ideal opportunity for him to settle in further ahead of the upcoming matches.
Right-Back: Djed Spence
With Pedro Porro being rested, Djed Spence could be deployed at right-back for this fixture. Spence has been a solid performer when called upon this season and has the ability to offer pace and width down the flank. The 23-year-old is still looking to cement his place in the squad, and a strong performance in the FA Cup could give him a boost in confidence. It also provides a chance for Spence to show that he is capable of stepping into a starting role when needed, especially in the absence of more established figures like Porro.
Centre-Back: Radu Dragusin
Spurs’ defensive options are limited at the moment due to injuries, which makes Radu Dragusin a likely candidate to start in central defense. Dragusin has shown his potential during his time with the club, and with Spurs having limited alternatives, Postecoglou will likely rely on the Romanian defender’s aerial prowess and physicality in a match against lower-league opposition. His ability to deal with set pieces and crosses could be key in a game where Tamworth might look to play direct football and challenge Spurs defensively.
Centre-Back: Alfie Dorrington
Alfie Dorrington is another player who could get his first senior start in this FA Cup match. The young defender has shown promise in the youth ranks but has yet to make his mark in the senior team. With injuries restricting Tottenham’s options in defense, Dorrington is likely to be handed a start alongside Dragusin. This game presents a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills and perhaps make a case for more involvement in the future.
Left-Back: Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon could make a rare start in this FA Cup tie. The Spanish full-back has struggled to get regular game time under Postecoglou, but with the manager looking to rotate his squad, this match could provide Reguilon with a valuable chance to prove his worth. Reguilon is known for his pace and ability to get forward, so he could be a key asset in a game where Spurs will likely dominate possession. If he performs well, Reguilon could earn more opportunities in the coming weeks.
Central Midfield: Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma is expected to retain his place in the starting XI due to the lack of depth in central midfield. With Rodrigo Bentancur still unavailable, Postecoglou has few options to choose from in the middle of the park. Bissouma’s physicality and ability to break up opposition attacks will be crucial against a team like Tamworth, who may look to disrupt Spurs’ flow and disrupt possession. Bissouma will likely play a key role in dictating the tempo of the match and ensuring Spurs have control in midfield.
Central Midfield: James Maddison
James Maddison is expected to return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension in the midweek win over Liverpool. The attacking midfielder has been one of Spurs’ standout performers this season, and his creativity will be vital against Tamworth. Maddison is capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and passing, and in a match where Spurs will likely have a lot of possession, his ability to create chances for his teammates could make all the difference.
Central Midfield: Pape Sarr
Pape Sarr could get a rare start in midfield for Tottenham in this FA Cup tie. The young Senegalese midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent but has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup due to the form of other players. With Maddison returning from suspension, Sarr may be given the chance to feature alongside him and Bissouma. This game offers Sarr a great opportunity to stake a claim for more regular involvement in the team, especially with the North London Derby looming.
Right Wing: Yang Min-hyeok
Yang Min-hyeok is another youngster who could make an appearance for Spurs in this FA Cup tie. The South Korean winger has been touted as a promising talent, but very little is known about him at this stage of his career. A start against Tamworth would provide Min-hyeok with his first real taste of English football and an opportunity to showcase his skills in front of a larger audience. With the North London Derby on the horizon, this could be an excellent time for him to prove his worth.
Striker: Will Lankshear
Will Lankshear is set to start as the central striker in this FA Cup tie. The young forward has already made an impact for Spurs’ youth teams, and he will be looking to make a strong impression in a senior match. With Dom Solanke needing a break and the possibility of a bigger role in upcoming fixtures, Lankshear could be the one to lead the line. His experience scoring in competitions like the UEFA Youth League will be valuable as he faces Tamworth’s defense, and this match could be an important step in his development.
Left Wing: Mikey Moore
Mikey Moore could also get a start on the left wing for Tottenham. Having missed a significant portion of the season due to illness, Moore will be eager to make up for lost time. He was included in the matchday squad for the Liverpool game, and with the FA Cup providing an opportunity to give fringe players a chance, Moore could be given the nod to start. His pace and dribbling ability could be a key asset in breaking down Tamworth’s defense.
Conclusion
The FA Cup tie against Tamworth is a crucial match for Tottenham Hotspur as they look to progress in the competition while managing their squad ahead of a busy schedule. With several key players unavailable due to injury and the North London Derby looming, Postecoglou is expected to rotate his squad and give opportunities to young players and those on the periphery of the first team. The lineup for this match is likely to feature a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with Spurs aiming to get the job done while keeping an eye on future challenges. This is a chance for the likes of Kinsky, Spence, Dorrington, and others to showcase their potential in a competitive setting.
