Spurs will take on League One side Gillingham in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday. Mauricio Pochettino’s boys somehow managed to get all three points against Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Harry Kane’s solitary goal proved to be enough for the Lilywhites who were beaten 2-1 by Monaco in the midweek in the Europa League.
Gillingham upset Premier League side Watford 2-1 in the previous round and will be keen to create an upset once again when they take on Spurs on Wednesday. On paper, it looks like a clear mismatch but a game is not won on paper and the North Londoners cannot afford to be complacent.
Here is the predicted Spurs lineup against Gillingham.
Defence
Michel Vorm could be given an opportunity under the bar. The Dutchman did an excellent job earlier this season when Lloris was ruled out with an injury. Pochettino could use the Cup competitions to keep the Dutch international happy at the club. Kieran Trippier is likely to get his chance in the right-back position. Kevin Wimmer is likely to get his chance at the back alongside Toby Alderweireld. With Danny Rose out injured, Ben Davies should start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Spurs do have a lot of options in midfield and we could see a number of rotations in midfield. Eric Dier and Mousa Dembele are both out with minor layoffs. We can expect Victor Wanyama to keep his place in the starting XI in a defensive midfield role. Moussa Sissoko could not impress against Sunderland starting on the right flank. The Frenchman is likely to get a start in the middle of the park and will be keen to show his true colours.
Mauricio Pochettino rates youngster Harry Winks very highly and could hand the 20-year-old a start in the number ten role. Christian Eriksen was rested against Sunderland and is likely to make his way back to the starting XI on the left flank. Erik Lamela was also on the bench against Sunderland and is likely to make his way back to the starting XI on the right flank.
Attack
Harry Kane scored the winner against Sunderland on Sunday but was taken off after he sustained an injury. The English international is likely to miss the Gillingham game and even if reports claim he is fit enough, we expect him to be rested. Vincent Janssen is likely to start up front in the absence of Kane.
