Tottenham hit by suspensions and accidents forward of Aston Villa FA Cup conflict
Tottenham’s FA Cup assembly with Aston Villa arrives with a well-recognized sense of disruption in north London, as suspensions, accidents and absentees proceed to form Thomas Frank’s planning. The third spherical tie on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium guarantees edge and jeopardy, but Spurs strategy it with out their captain and with a squad stretched throughout a number of key areas.
Commercial
Cristian Romero will play no half in opposition to Aston Villa, sidelined after accepting a Soccer Affiliation cost stemming from his response to a late crimson card within the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool final month. The one match suspension and £50,000 high quality removes a combative chief from the center of defence, and one whose affect usually defines Tottenham’s depth in massive moments.
Picture IMAGO
Defensive reshuffle for Tottenham
Romero’s absence forces a recalibration at centre again. Kevin Danso is predicted to step in alongside Micky van de Ven, a pairing that gives athleticism and restoration tempo however lacks the familiarity of Spurs’ first selection duo. Radu Dragusin waits in reserve, an choice if the tie turns into stretched or bodily.
Commercial
The problem posed by Aston Villa is important. Villa arrive with cohesion and confidence, snug in possession and harmful in transition. Tottenham’s defensive construction might be examined, notably in coping with Villa’s motion between the traces and willingness to assault early areas.
Midfield accidents take a look at squad depth
In midfield, the scenario is extra precarious. Mohammed Kudus stays sidelined after struggling a quad damage within the 1-1 draw with Sunderland, with a return not anticipated till early April. Frank was candid when addressing the difficulty, saying, “Kudus is an even bigger one, to the tendon and quad, and don’t count on him again till after the March worldwide break.”
Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring damage, sustained within the damaging 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth, compounds the issue. Changed late on on the Vitality Stadium, the Uruguayan now faces an unsure restoration timeline. Frank admitted, “Identical with Rodri [Bentancur]. Rodri is a hamstring damage, appears to be like like an even bigger one. We don’t know the extent but.”
Commercial
Lucas Bergvall can be beneath evaluation following a muscle challenge, with Frank including, “Lucas is being assessed immediately [Thursday]. We’ll know extra later immediately with him.” With Bentancur and sure Bergvall unavailable, Tottenham’s midfield choices are skinny.
Choice calls and attacking questions
Joao Palhinha supplied a reminder of his high quality with a spectacular overhead kick in opposition to Bournemouth and might be rewarded with one other begin. Archie Grey is one other contender, notably given his versatility and composure. Additional ahead, Frank could rethink his attacking construction after Randal Kolo Muani struggled to impose himself because the central striker. Richarlison, vigorous from the bench in midweek, presents a extra acquainted point of interest.
The sport additionally comes too quickly for Dominic Solanke and Future Udogie, whereas James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski stay absent. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away on the Africa Cup of Nations, additional limiting choices.
Commercial
Tottenham in opposition to Aston Villa subsequently turns into a take a look at of adaptability as a lot as ambition. For Spurs, progress within the FA Cup will depend upon resilience, choice judgement and the power to impose themselves regardless of adversity.