After another late 2-1 win, this time over Sunderland, Tottenham will be looking to take an advantage into the second leg at Bramell Lane when they face off with Sheffield United at White Hart Lane. The Blades have knocked out some big sides in cup competitions this season, claiming some huge scalps, but they did lose 1-0 at MK Dons on Saturday afternoon. Here is the team news and predicted line-up.
Team News:
Ryan Mason is once again available for selection as he could make his first appearance for Spurs since New Year’s Day when he had to come off with a hamstring problem. Erik Lamela remains out with a calf complaint, but could return this weekend against Leicester. Nabil Bentaleb is away on international duty. Nacer Chadli has returned home to Belgian after hearing news that his father has past away.
Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Michel Vorm:
Vorm is our cup goalkeeper, so it is only fair that he starts, as he had done for all of the competition. He has not been called upon an awful lot, but when he has been forced into action, he has been very solid, showing great composure with the ball in his hands and his feet too.
Defence: Kyle Walker, Federico Fazio, Younes Kaboul, Ben Davies:
I think that Mauricio Pochettino will make three changes to the defensive unit for the semi-finals. Kyle Walker should retain his place, although he faces competition from Vlad Chiriches, who scored in Tottenham’s last cup game in the FA Cup against Burnley. Federico Fazio should make his return to the side, and could possibly partner Younes Kaboul in the heart of the defence. Ben Davies and Danny Rose have been battling it out for a Premier League place, and Danny Rose has once again staked his claim in the Premier League, so I expect Ben Davies to start at White Hart Lane.
Midfield: Andros Townsend, Benjamin Stambouli, Etienne Capoue, Christian Eriksen:
Due to the absence of Nacer Chadli, we could well see our star man Christian Eriksen start on the left wing, as he did so often under Tim Sherwood. Etienne Capoue scored a crucial goal on the stroke of half-time against Burnley in the FA Cup, and we could see him appear again against Sheffield United. Andros Townsend could make another appearance after good performances in his last two games.
Strikers: Roberto Soldado, Harry Kane:
Soldado’s opportunities to impress have come in cup competitions this season, and he has scored a large majority of his goals in the cup, away from league action. Kane and the Spaniard usually work well together and this game should be no exception. I think that Mauricio Pochettino will go and attack this game, in an attempt to gain a strong lead going into the second leg of this semi-final.
