Kieran Trippier says Tottenham have a better chance of winning their FA Cup semi-final this season than last because there is more depth in the squad.
Spurs have lost their last seven FA Cup semi-finals – the longest such run in the history of the competition – including a 4-2 defeat to Chelsea last season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side face Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday in a repeat of January’s Premier League fixture at the national stadium, which Tottenham won 2-0.
The Londoners haven’t won a trophy since the League Cup success of 2008, and a lack of squad depth has arguably contributed to their recent failure to win silverware.
But Trippier believes the current Spurs squad is better-placed than last year to reach the FA Cup semi-final.
“If you look at the squad, we have strength in depth this season,” he said (via Ham&High). “We have excellent players on the bench and players who don’t even make the bench.
“That’s how big our squad is and how much quality we have. We have quality to come off the bench to change things in games, and everyone can see that.
“Last season it was disappointing. We had a good opportunity to go to the final. When we got beaten we were all devastated. We learnt from it.
“It’s about seeing games out, the maturity. When they’re on top – other teams will have their 10, 15 or 20-minute spells – it’s about how you manage and control that. It will be a tough game. United have a lot of quality and we need to be ready for that.
“We know how important this game is for the club, the fans, and we’ll go there and try to play like we always do and try to get the win. Everyone is ready for this game and raring to go and play.”
Erik Lamela was sidelined through injury and missed last season’s semi-final – the Argentinian is certain to be involved at some point on Saturday.
January arrival Lucas Moura is also likely to play a part. Check out our predicted XI here.
