Tottenham Hotspur face a critical test in the FA Cup fourth round against Aston Villa at Villa Park, aiming to rebound from a demoralizing 4-0 Carabao Cup semifinal defeat to Liverpool. With injuries plaguing the squad and fan morale hanging in the balance, manager Ange Postecoglou must rally a depleted side to keep their cup hopes alive. Here’s a breakdown of Spurs’ predicted lineup, tactical adjustments, and key challenges for this high-stakes clash.
Predicted Lineup: A Mix of Youth and Experience
Based on recent performances and injury updates, Tottenham is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation with several forced changes:
- Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky (retains his spot despite conceding four goals vs. Liverpool).
- Defense: Pedro Porro (RB), Kevin Danso (CB), Ben Davies (CB), Djed Spence (LB).
- Midfield: Archie Gray (CDM), Lucas Bergvall (CM), Rodrigo Bentancur (CM).
- Attack: Mikey Moore (RW), Mathys Tel (ST), Heung-min Son (LW).
Key Notes:
- Mathys Tel replaces the injured Richarlison upfront, marking his first start after a brief debut against Liverpool.
- Lucas Bergvall returns to midfield, replacing the underperforming Yves Bissouma 6.
- Kevin Danso partners Ben Davies in central defense, with Micky van de Ven still sidelined.
Injury Crisis: Spurs’ Mounting Absences
Tottenham’s squad depth is stretched thin, with 11 first-team players unavailable:
- Strikers: Richarlison (calf), Dominic Solanke (knee).
- Defenders: Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Radu Dragusin (ACL season-ending injury).
- Midfielders/Attackers: James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner.
The absence of Richarlison is particularly damaging, as the Brazilian had just returned from a two-month injury layoff before re-injuring his calf against Liverpool.
Tactical Adjustments: From Defense to Attack
1. Defensive Vulnerabilities
Spurs’ backline remains a concern. Against Liverpool, defenders won only 1 aerial duel (Danso) and struggled with intensity, forcing Kinsky to make six saves 1. Postecoglou’s shift to a more defensive midfield trio (Bissouma, Sarr, Bentancur) backfired, as they completed just 24 passes combined 1. Expect a return to Spurs’ attacking style, with Bergvall adding creativity.
2. Midfield Overhaul
- Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall will anchor the midfield, aiming to improve ball retention and transition play.
- Rodrigo Bentancur, who won just 5/12 duels vs. Liverpool, needs to step up.
3. Attack Reliant on Son and Tel
- Heung-min Son remains Spurs’ talisman, tasked with creating chances and leading the frontline.
- Mathys Tel, on loan from Bayern Munich, must fill Richarlison’s void. His versatility (prefers a central role) could be pivotal.
Aston Villa’s Threat: Key Players and Tactics
Unai Emery’s side, chasing their first major trophy in 29 years, will exploit Spurs’ fragility:
- Predicted Villa XI: Martínez; García, Kamara, Konsa, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Bailey, Rogers, Ramsey; Malen 910.
- Key Absences: Ollie Watkins (groin), Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres.
- New Signings: Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford (eligible but likely on the bench) .
Villa’s midfield duo of Youri Tielemans and John McGinn will look to dominate possession, while Donyell Malen leads the attack in Watkins’ absence.
Match Context: A Must-Win for Spurs
- Recent Form: Spurs had rebuilt momentum with wins over Hoffenheim and Brentford before the Liverpool collapse.
- FA Cup Importance: Elimination could trigger fan discontent, especially after the Carabao Cup exit.
- Historical Edge: Spurs have won their last two meetings vs. Villa on aggregate.
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