Tottenham face Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday, and Antonio Conte has a number of decisions to make regarding his team selection.
In his press conference on Monday, the Spurs boss confirmed he will be without Japhet Tanganga, Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Moura, all of whom missed Saturday’s 4-0 win at Leeds United in the Premier League.
We think Conte will play a capable side, albeit with a few changes to avoid further injuries and the build-up of fatigue.
Given that Pierluigi Gollini hasn’t even made the bench for the last couple of matches, there’s a good chance Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks.
As for the defence, this could be a good chance to rest Eric Dier and Cristian Romero, who both only recently returned from lengthy lay-offs. Joe Rodon and Davinson Sanchez should join Ben Davies in the back three.
Conte has little choice but to stick with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Winks in central midfield due to a lack of other options, while Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon will probably start on the flanks.
A front three of Dejan Kulusevski, Steven Bergwijn and Harry Kane should pose enough of an attacking threat, while Son Heung-min could be given a rare break, or make an impact from the bench.
Here’s our predicted XI to face Middlesbrough – what’s yours? Let us know in the comments section below.
As much as I like Rodon, starting him would be a big risk given his match fitness.
Sanchez has a mistake in him at any moment.
Given that we finally got a tune out of Doherty and Sess, should we not continue with them?
Otherwise agree,
Difficult one, because Antonio will deffo want to win this. We do not have another game until the Monday. I would maybe start with Sess and The Doc just to keep up their momentum and playing together, they are a much better pairing than Royal and Reggie, giving them at least the first half. About time Big Joe got a run out he needs game time and he has always looked capable to me and I am somewhat surprised Anton has not used him more and Sanchez needs to build his confidence for when we need to call on him again. Iceberg and the winky wanky bird will have to start, like Martin says. Hopefully if we get far enough in front then White could get a game . The front 3 I would go with Bigwine, Captain Scarlett , Klute. Harry is so vital for us we cannot afford to get him injured because he just does not have a replacement and sonny needs a rest. We can always bring them on if need be. Scarlett needs to be starting some games otherwise he may as well be moved out.
For Christ sake, take the FA Cup seriously and field your strongest possible 11 subject to fitness and availability.
We do not play again until next Monday so plenty of time to recover.
Even if that were not the case, name your strongest 11 possible.
I agree. I want top 4 as much as anybody, and I know what that means in terms of money and prestige, but we need to win something. That’s why clubs exist.
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