Six stars axed in Pochettino 4-2-3-1: Best possible Tottenham XI v Fulham
COMMENT By Will Butcher
Mauricio Pochettino should rest six of his senior stars against Fulham in order to overturn Tottenham’s first-leg deficit against Gent next week.
Spurs face Fulham on Sunday in the fourth round of the FA Cup, but manager Pochettino will have one eye on Thursday’s second-leg clash against Gent after losing 1-0 in Belgium this week.
With that in mind, the former Southampton boss will look to rest a handful of his senior stars in order to keep them fresh against against Gent in six days’ time.
Michel Vorm, Kieran Trippier, Kevin Wimmer, Heung-Min Son and Christian Eriksen all come into the side, while Jan Vertonghen returns from an ankle injury.
They replace Hugo Lloris, Kyle Walker, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele, while Harry Kane remains in the side despite picking up a knock on Thursday.
The Daily Mail reported on Friday that England international Kane had allayed fears over a knee injury, by claiming that he will be ready to feature on Sunday against Fulham.
He keeps Vincent Janssen out of the side, who is yet to score from open play and he should be overlooked in order to give Spurs the best chance of qualifying for the fifth round.
South Korea international Son comes in after featuring for just 20 minutes against Gent, joining Sissoko in providing a counter-attacking threat from out wide.
Eriksen was also only used from the bench against Gent, and he is expected to replace Alli ahead of next Thursday’s Europa League tie.
Despite starting against Gent, Spurs lack of central midfield depth will see Winks partner Wanyama, with the Kenyan captain allowing academy product Winks to get forward.
In defence, Ben Davies remains, but Dier, Vertonghen, and Trippier all come in to make the short trip across London to Craven Cottage. Cup goalkeeper Vorm should start over Lloris.
Spurs are likely to see the FA Cup as a potential way of earning silverware and will be desperate to progress to the next round, as they sit 10 points off Chelsea in the Premier League.
In other Tottenham news, Justin Edinburgh believes this Spurs ace has been a highlight of their season.
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