Carabao Cup: Tottenham's Predicted Lineup vs. City
The Carabao Cup quarter-finals are upon us, and Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting task in the form of reigning champions Manchester City. With a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal looming, how will Antonio Conte approach this cup tie?
Here's a look at the potential starting XI for Spurs, considering injuries, recent form, and tactical considerations:
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster is likely to get the nod between the sticks. With Hugo Lloris still recovering from injury, Forster has proven himself a capable deputy, and Conte is likely to give him the chance to impress in this cup match.
Defense
The backline could see some rotation, with Cristian Romero and Ben Davies returning to the starting lineup after being rested in the recent Premier League win against Crystal Palace. Eric Dier is likely to continue his partnership with Romero, forming a formidable duo at the heart of the defense.
Emerson Royal could start at right-back, providing a strong defensive presence and offering offensive support down the flank.
Midfield
The midfield is where Conte might make the biggest changes. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Oliver Skipp are likely to start, providing the necessary defensive solidity and midfield control. Yves Bissouma could be brought in to add dynamism and creative spark to the midfield, with his ability to break lines and create scoring chances.
Attack
The attacking line is where the real intrigue lies. Harry Kane is a guaranteed starter, leading the line and providing the focal point for the attack.
On the wings, Conte has several options. Dejan Kulusevski, with his pace and dribbling ability, could provide a threat down the right. Richarlison, who impressed with his goal against Crystal Palace, could be deployed on the left.
Son Heung-min is a key player for Tottenham, but his recent struggles with form and confidence might see him start on the bench, with an opportunity to make an impact later in the game.
Potential Starting XI
Here's a potential starting eleven for Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City:
- Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
- Defenders: Emerson Royal, Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Ben Davies
- Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Oliver Skipp, Yves Bissouma
- Forwards: Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane, Richarlison
Key Takeaways
- Conte is likely to rotate his squad, giving some key players a rest ahead of the Arsenal game.
- The midfield is a key area for Spurs, with Bissouma's creative presence offering a potential game-changer.
- The attack is a mystery, with Kane's form and Son's recent struggles adding intrigue to the lineup selection.
The Carabao Cup is a great opportunity for Tottenham to build momentum and challenge for silverware. While Manchester City will be tough opposition, this game promises to be an exciting clash between two of the Premier League's best teams.