Tottenham Hotspur will home to ease their way into the fifth round of the FA Cup when they clash with League Two opponents Wycombe Wanderers this weekend, which should allow Mauricio Pochettino to experiment with his side.
Boasting a extremely talented squad, our landlord believes that Pochettino should switch things around this weekend to hand opportunities to many bit-part members of his squad, keeping the senior options available for the upcoming games.
The Lilywhites have impressed this season and they will be expected to win comfortable against Wycombe this weekend, even if they alter the majority of their squad to hand opportunities to the lesser-ranked players in their side.
Our punters have selected a rotated and experimental starting line-up that they feel would be more than capable of emerging successful this weekend, something that our landlord agrees with after assessing their selections.
GK: Michel Vorm
The experienced 33-year-old started the last match in the FA Cup against Aston Villa and should keep his spot for this tie, handing the veteran experience that is limited- as he has only featured three times since August, when Hugo Lloris was injured.
It may well be Vorm’s last season at White Hart Lane due to his age but he has tremendous ability and could still be a regular starter for a number of Premier League sides.
RB: Kieran Trippier
Featuring just nine times this season, Trippier is another player who started against Aston Villa in the last round and can expect to retain his spot. The 26-year-old’s chances at White Hart Lane are extremely limited with Kyle Walker ahead of him, which means he has to impress when he does get a chance.
Having kept a clean-sheet in four of his nine appearances this season, Trippier is certainly capable of excelling at the back.
CB: Eric Dier
Regularly selected as a centre-back during Toby Alderweireld’s injury, Eric Dier has remained a first-team regular throughout the season and has played 20 Premier League matches so far. Against Wycombe this weekend, he should be able to excel.
With a wealth of competition for a spot in midfield and the heart of defence, Dier’s versatility is crucial to him remaining in the side and a defensive position this weekend could help him cement that position further.
CB: Kevin Wimmer
Pushing ahead of Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in the pecking order is no easy task, something that Kevin Wimmer can tell you. The defender has eight appearances this season, three of which have come in domestic cup competitions, and he should impress here.
Still just 24, Wimmer has years ahead of him and Spurs need to keep him in the squad. To do that, regular football is necessary and it’s therefore crucial Pochettino’s side remain in the FA Cup.
LB: Ben Davies
Linked with an exit in January, Ben Davies future at Tottenham remains up in the air and Spurs will have to hand him further chances if he is to remain at the club. The 23-year-old has featured 13 times this season but has not played since September.
A start this weekend is expected for the Welsh international and he should be able to excel against lower league opposition.
CM: Harry Winks
The highly-rated 20-year-old has struggled to impress in his Premier League appearances this season but played 90 minutes against Aston Villa. Another start is likely here, as Spurs look to craft another young midfielder in their squad into a star.
Winks does need to improve his performance levels but he should be able to shine against Wycombe- perhaps even finding the net, if the opportunity presents itself.
CM: Mousa Dembele
Providing some experience to what is likely to be a young Tottenham side this season, Mousa Dembele has been a huge part of the Lilywhites success this term but has faced a wealth of competition for a starting spot.
Having started regular games recently, the Belgian has returned to more consistent opportunities in recent weeks and should find a clash with Wycombe to be a walk in the park.
LW: Son Heung-Min
With nine goals this season in all competitions, including an effort in the FA Cup win over Aston Villa, Son Heung-Min has impressed this season and will continue to be a useful asset as the season progresses. Fresh from scoring against Manchester City, Son will fancy his chances this weekend.
A player of Son’s ability should be able to ease past the Wycombe defence this weekend to secure victory and you’d expect to see the South Korean international on the scoresheet.
CAM: Dele Alli
The youngster has been Spurs’ shining light this season and his tally of 11 Premier League goals this season has seen him already surpass his record from last year, when he won PFA Young Player of the Year for his performances.
A potential match-winner this weekend, Alli can excel against Wycombe and should be able to put the League Two side to the sword.
RW: Moussa Sissoko
Struggling at Tottenham Hotspur since signing from Newcastle United in the summer, Moussa Sissoko should be able to perform to his best against a side of Wycombe’s calibre- and if he doesn’t, it would be a huge concern.
The 27-year-old is yet to score for Spurs in 22 appearances but should be able to find the net this weekend, against a side that’s from the fourth tier of English football.
ST: Vincent Janssen
Another summer signing who hasn’t impressed, Vincent Janssen has struggled at Spurs. However, the Dutch striker should be able to perform valiantly against minnows Wycombe and it could provide him with a real boost.
At just 22 though, there’s plenty of time for Janssen to adjust to the rigours of football in England and some stat-padding this weekend would do him the world of good.
