It feels like a decade since we were last at this stage in any competition; then again, any Spurs fan will claim it’s felt like a decade since they didn’t feel numb inside.
We’re here, in the League Cup semi-finals, with a very good chance of making it to Wembley. Our form in the league is good, Mauricio Pochettino’s philosophy I appearing to rub off on the players, and we’re still in all the cups including this one- life is going pretty well for the Tottenham faithful.
On Wednesday, we welcome League 1 Sheffield United to White Hart Lane. The Blades’ last visit to N17 came back in 2006, ending in a 2-0 defeat- Dimitar Berbatov bagged his first goal in lilywhite that night. Whilst we are still on the fringes of a Champions League spot, Sheffield United have plummeted since their Premier League days.
Source: tottenhamhotspur.com
The Yorkshire outfit currently sit 7th in League 1, and as a man who covers the Football League on a regular basis, I can tell you they are one of the division’s most out of form sides. Nigel Clough’s men have won just one league game since mid-November, slipping out of the playoff places.
However, United have been more famed recently for their cup runs. A 5-3 defeat to Hull City is the only thing that stopped them advancing to the FA Cup final last season, whilst this year’s squad went to Loftus Road two weeks ago and hammered QPR 0-3.
Us ourselves have been labelled traditionally as a cup side, and whilst that’s a label we’ll want to distance ourselves from in the future, we certainly shouldn’t be turning down the opportunity to win silverware.
That’s why I believe that, despite weakened teams in recent rounds, Pochettino will field his strongest possible side for both legs. Since the summer of 2013, there’s been the debate of silverware vs a top 4 finish, but the Argentine stated in his first interview he wanted to build a team fans would be proud of- there’s no prouder moment than watching your side lift a trophy.
In goal, I expect Hugo to start and captain the side. Michel Vorm is a good goalkeeper, but we can’t be taking any chances at this stage in a competition.
The back four is likely to remain unchanged. I can’t see Younes Kaboul starting alongside Jan Vertonghen again after their spat in the FA Cup win over Burnley, and Federico Fazio still has an injury, leaving Eric Dier to build on a solid performance vs Sunderland. I reckon DeAndre Yedlin will finally get some minutes, but not from the start. The left back choice will be interesting; Danny Rose has been in phenomenal form, but it’s very possible Ben Davies will deputise and try to prove his worth. Kyle Walker is likely to face his boyhood club for the first time.
Similarly in midfield, Benjamin Stambouli and Mousa Dembele are likely to pair up in the pivot once more. Their performances vs Sunderland received a generally mixed reception. As usual, some blasted the two for being lacklustre and anonymous, but they did collect a lot of praise for their efforts. We’ll certainly need them to turn up in this tie.
Ryan Mason has recovered from his injury, but only returned to training on Tuesday, so it’s likely he’ll be amongst Wednesday’s substitutes.
Unfortunately, Nacer Chadli will miss out due to a family bereavement. Everyone at Fans Corner sends their thoughts to Nacer and his family and friends at this time.
After appearing from the bench on Saturday, Andros Townsend should return to the first eleven. The winger has been spectacular since his reintroduction to the team, finally being able to do more than cut inside and shoot. He’ll definitely be making it hard work for Erik Lamela to get back in the side- the Argentine’s soonest return date is this Saturday.
I honestly cannot tell you how I expect the frontline to start. Will Kane start up top or as a 10? Will Eriksen have to be accommodated out wide once more? Will Adebayor return to the starting eleven? Will Soldado get yet another chance up front? It’s hard to gauge. However we line up, they should all be focussing on victory, no matter how tough the opposition.
A trophy is within our sights, and now would be an opportune time to grab it. After all, the game is about glory.
Predicted XI: Lloris; Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose; Stambouli, Dembele; Townsend, Kane, Eriksen; Soldado
Sean Walsh
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