Tottenham Hotspur ended their torrid turn of three defeats in all competitions with a win over Brighton away from home. A late goal made it nervy in the end, but the team held on to pick up the three points.
The focus will shift to the EFL Cup tomorrow when Spurs travel to Stadium MK to take on Watford. The last time Spurs faced Watford, two late goals from the Hornets condemned the North Londoners to their first defeat of the season. After that, things took a bad turn.
Although the winning momentum is key for Spurs, we could see a few changes from Mauricio Pochettino as they have quite a few games to play in the coming weeks and a squad that needs to be fresh.
The club’s decision of not making a single summer signing has got the media on the back, that’s for sure. But regardless of what is said in the media, Tottenham tend to be slow starters, so it’d be pretty fool-hardy to judge them as outsiders in the Cup and league.
Watford, on the other hand, have had one hell of a start so far. Winning their opening four games of the season resulted in Javi Gracia winning the manager of the month for August. After the loss to Manchester United, Watford bounced back well with a good attacking display against Fulham in the first half only to be pegged back in the second to settle for a draw.
Gracia does have a pretty good squad at his disposal and we could get a repeat of the Premier League game where the two sides will fight tooth and nail to progress into the next round.
Tottenham vs Watford Team News
Mauricio Pochettino is still without Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm, so Paulo Gazzaniga could remain in goal. Dele Alli is in line to start and Eric Lamela could be given the nod as well. The latter has started the season well and could be an important player for the North Londoners this season. Victor Wanyama could get a run-out in midfield.
Gracia won’t be able to call upon Miguel Brotis who is recovering from a thigh injury. The game might have come too soon for Okaka and Prodl as well.
Tottenham vs Watford Predicted Lineups
Tottenham lineup: Gazzaniga, Davies, Dier, Sanchez, Aurier, Wanyama, Winks, Lamela, Alli, Sissoko, Llorente
Watford lineup: Gomes, Navarro, Kabasele, Mariappa, Masina, Femenia, Chalobah, Quina, Sema, Deeney, Success
Tottenham vs Watford Odds
Tottenham: 4/9
Watford: 5/1