Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to recover from their narrow defeat in the Carabao Cup as they take on Sheffield United on Sunday. With no cup competitions to play for, the Lilywhites are aiming to prioritise the Premier League and a top-five finish, in order to avoid a season without European football – making this a must-win encounter for Ryan Mason and troops.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup Vs Sheffield United
Defence
It is hard to imagine Mason making any real changes to the side that faced Manchester City last weekend, especially with two premier fullbacks in Ben Davies and Matt Doherty out injured.
Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilon, therefore, are likely to continue occupying the fullback roles, although both of them must improve after struggling with form and consistency since the turn of the year.
In central defence, Mason could be tempted to provide an opportunity to Davinson Sanchez to prove himself, resting Toby Alderweireld in the process. The Colombian should form the central defensive pairing alongside Eric Dier.
Hugo Lloris, on the other hand, should retain his place in goal, hoping for a rare clean sheet and better defensive support around him this weekend.
Midfield
Tanguy Ndombele was not even used as a substitute in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, raising suspicions as to whether or not the Frenchman is valued by Ryan Mason.
However, we do expect him to return to action on Sunday, as he renews his partnership with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the double-pivot. They will receive additional support from Giovani Lo Celso, who will operate in an attacking role, hoping to provide the creative essence in the final third.
Dele Alli, though, does have a legitimate chance of featuring in this game. In fact, it will be a great opportunity for the Englishman to prove himself after struggling with a lack of game-time under Jose Mourinho.
Attack
Tottenham were blessed by the return of Harry Kane last weekend, though the Englishman could not really make an impact in the final. He will, nevertheless, spearhead the line for the Lilywhites this weekend, with additional support from the wide attackers in Lucas Moura and Son Heung-Min.
Mason does have a few alternatives in Steven Bergwijn and Gareth Bale, but Lucas has performed well since the turn of the year and his fitness will earn him a start on Sunday.
