{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}}
Tottenham fans react to first-team regular pair axed by Poch
By Matt Farr
Tottenham duo Kyle Walker and Ben Davies have both been dropped to the bench for the FA Cup semi final clash with Chelsea on Saturday – and fans on Twitter are shocked.
The full-backs have been ever-present figures in the Tottenham starting eleven in recent weeks, but they were given the axe by Mauricio Pochettino for the upcoming cup tie.
Pochettino instead handed first team roles to Kieran Trippier and Victor Wanyama, with the latter returning from a two-game absence through injury.
Tottenham announced their confirmed line-up on their official Twitter account ahead of kick-off, with Pochettino naming two changes.
#THFC: Lloris (C), Trippier, Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Wanyama, Dembele, Son, Eriksen, Dele, Kane. #COYS pic.twitter.com/8SBCVXeBhc
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 22, 2017
The decision to bring in just one full-back means Jan Vertonghen is likely to start the game for T0ttenham at left-back, with Eric Dier partnering Toby Alderweireld in the defence.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Davies had been impressive in his left-back role since replacing the crocked Danny Rose in the starting line-up, but he does not make the cut against Chelsea, much to the surprise of Tottenham fans.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Trippier and Vertonghen at full backs? Don't know why we've made changes like that.
— Darren Walsh (@A_Tottenham_Man) April 22, 2017
Resting Walker. Obviously
— Doug Keith (@douglas_keith) April 22, 2017
Walker on the bench and Vertonghen LB? Don't make sense
— Kene (@thfcKene) April 22, 2017
Where's Walker? Davies?
— Wazza_THFC (@Wazza_THFC) April 22, 2017
I dunno might have tried Trippier at LB and Walker RB and keep the back 3, Dier as 1 of 2 CBs always worries me
— Raf (@Raf_THFC) April 22, 2017
I understand Trippier but why not play Ben Davies? #THFC #COYS
— Cat Lennon (@catlennon1) April 22, 2017
Then we drop Davies ….. minds blown #thfc #coys
— Mike Smith (@mikey0800) April 22, 2017
Aside from the two shock omissions, Pochettino has elected to name a strong side to ensure safe passage through to the FA Cup Final.
Tottenham have not won a domestic title since their League Cup triumph in the 2007-08 season, but will be in touching distance of a trophy with a win over rivals Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have made an even bigger selection call, choosing to leave star duo Eden Hazard and Diego Costa on the bench.
In other Tottenham news, Rodney Marsh has delivered his prediction for the upcoming tie.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Tottenham breaking news.