I was extremely impressed by the performance that I saw against Chelsea in the 5-3 win over Jose Mourinho’s men, and this will give the Spurs side confidence when they face Burnley in the FA Cup on Monday night. It is a break from the Premier League and Mauricio Pochettino could make many changes to his side. Here is the team news and predicted line-up.
Team News:
Erik Lamela missed out on a starting place on New Year’s Day against Chelsea and he has confirmed on Twitter that it was a calf injury that kept him out, so he is doubt again for the trip to Turf Moor. Ryan Mason is also a doubt to make the starting eleven after he limped off. Finally, Nabil Bentaleb is away on African Cup of Nations duty with Algeria, so he is out.
Predicted Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Michel Vorm:
This trend was not really followed at the start of the season, but Michel Vorm is our cup goalkeeper, and I think that he will start, this time in the FA Cup. I was impressed with the former Swansea man against Newcastle, who was alert and ready when he was called into action.
Defence: Kyle Naughton, Jan Vertonghen, Younes Kaboul, Danny Rose:
I do not think that DeAndre Yedlin will be rushed into the thick of it, after arriving just a week or so ago, so Kyle Naughton could make his last appearance for Spurs with Stoke interested in a potential transfer. Jan Vertonghen had a solid game against Chelsea and can provide some stability in the defence. Younes Kaboul wants more playing time, so I think the boss will give him his chance to impress here. Lastly, Danny Rose should get the chance to build on the goal that he got against Chelsea.
Midfield (Holding): Benjamin Stambouli, Mousa Dembele:
Both of the young holding midfielders are either out or a doubt for this match, so it is a chance for both Stambouli and Dembele to give Mauricio Pochettino a selection headache in future games. The Belgian has been reduced to many substitute appearances this season, and could impress on Monday night as it appears he is below Stambouli in the pecking order.
Midfield (Attacking): Aaron Lennon, Paulinho, Andros Townsend:
It will be all change in the Tottenham ranks for the FA Cup, with many players getting their chance to impress, and with the January transfer window well underway, Pochettino will be working out who exactly he wants to get rid of this month. Paulinho hasn’t had too many minutes this season and should get his chance, along with Aaron Lennon, who has been heavily linked with a move away from White Hart Lane.
Striker: Roberto Soldado:
As you know, I am a massive Roberto Soldado and would love him to score fifteen or so goals per season. Harry Kane has played a lot of football over the Christmas period, and could well be rested for the trip to Burnley.
