Having found some consistency in their last few league games, Tottenham Hotspur are the inform team in the domestic league but were held to a draw against Southampton last weekend. They will now look to put it behind them and will turn their attention to the FA Cup, where they face a tricky trip to Rodney Parade in South Wales.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men beat AFC Wimbledon in the previous round but will not find playing away in Wales as easy. They host Manchester United at Wembley on Thursday and the manager might be tempted to rest a few key players. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
Pochettino has no new injury issues to worry about as the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Hugo Lloris, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela are all closing in on full fitness. Danny Rose and Harry Winks may miss this game while Serge Aurier will undergo a late fitness test to be a part of this game.
Expected lineup (4-4-2):
Defense:
With Hugo Lloris not completely back in action, Michel Vorm, who put in a good shift recently, is expected to start under the bar this weekend. The manager used Jan Vertonghen as the senior CB in the previous round but Eric Dier might play that role in this game, partnering young Juan Foyth, who will get another chance to impress the manager.
Kieran Tripper was an unused substitute in the game against Southampton and should start at left-back against Newport. Ben Davies remains the manager’s only choice at right-back and should go with him for this game.
Midfield:
Victor Wanyama came off the bench against his former side last weekend and could get his first start in a while in this FA Cup tie. Moussa Sissoko should partner Wanyama in the midfield, adding some creativity to the side.
Erik Lamela has been confined to appearances from the bench this season but he will get his second start of the season in the FA Cup, at the Rodney Arena this week. He will start in a similar role on the right flank in the midfield. Heung-Min Son, who has been in terrific form this season, will look to add some width on the left flank.
Attack:
Like in the game against Wimbledon, Pochettino could use a strike partnership of Harry Kane and Fernando Llorente, trying to avoid taking this game to a replay. While Kane is high on confidence, this game could give Llorente a chance to kick-start his Spurs career.
Here is how they might line up:
