Tottenham Hotspur have a mini-fight on their hands to qualify for the Champions League next season but Mauricio Pochettino will now have to turn his attention to the FA Cup semi-final where Spurs face Manchester United, who can spoil their only shot at a trophy this season. Spurs beat Rochdale and Swansea City in the last two rounds and will take on United, who got the better of Brighton in the quarterfinals.
This game is also the only shot at a trophy for Jose Mourinho, who will want his side to go in all guns blazing. But Spurs are a side bang in form and playing at Wembley, will believe that they can go all the way this season. Here is the predicted lineup Pochettino might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, English duo Harry Winks and Danny Rose are both ruled out for this clash. They remain the only absentees as Pochettino, who rested a few of his first-team stars for the mid-week game against The Seagulls, is expected to play his strongest side.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Hugo Lloris had a rather easy night against Brighton but will be tested by United this weekend. He will be helped by a CB pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez, that latter of who was rested for the midweek tie.
With Rose out injured, Davies is the only option for Spurs at left-back while Serge Aurier might be replaced by Kieran Trippier, who will add some stability at the back.
Midfield:
Mousa Dembele came off the bench in that 1-1 draw against Brighton and should start this game alongside Eric Dier, who is expected to add some mettle to the side. Both players will be under pressure, against the likes of Paul Pogba, who has found some form late this season.
Attack:
Harry Kane bagged Spurs’ only goal in that draw and should continue to lead the line for his side. He will be the danger man for United who will also have to keep an eye on Dele Alli in the no.10 role.
Christian Eriksen was rather lethargic in the game against Brighton and more will be expected of him in this semi-final. He will start on the right flank while Son Heung-Min, who has lost his goalscoring touch recently, is expected to keep his place in the side on the left flank in attack.
Here is how they might line up:
