Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United in a fiery EFL Cup quarter-final as Ange Postecoglou looks to edge one step closer to his first trophy in charge of Spurs.
Another Manchester club, another chance to paint the town white. Spurs have already embarrassed both Manchester clubs away in the league this season with back-to-back clean sheets: a 3-0 win over United and an emphatic 4-0 against City. Now, we welcome Manchester United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a semi-final spot on the line.
While Spurs come off a 5-0 thumping of Southampton that ended our winless streak, United arrive brimming with confidence after a dramatic derby victory over City. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and both sides have their fair share of issues to contend with. Let’s dive in.
Tottenham saw their winless drought come to an end with an extraordinary 5-0 display against Southampton. Nevertheless, we still have just one win, two draws, and two losses in our previous five games. Those losses sting because we didn’t deserve them.
In fact, every single loss of ours has only been by a one-goal margin across all competitions, as our goal difference clearly demonstrates. Apart from the top two teams (Liverpool and Chelsea), no other team has a better goal difference than ours. Yet, we ironically sit in 10th place—that’s Tottenham summed up for you.
All our losses have stemmed from failing to convert chances, a predictable playstyle failing to yield a breakthrough, or self-inflicted errors. Had we avoided these mistakes, we’d be strong title contenders by now. Still, it is what it is.
United, under Ruben Amorim, seem to have rediscovered some rhythm. After a chaotic start to the season, they’ve managed three wins in their last five matches, including a last-gasp victory over rivals City. That said, they still remain inconsistent and vulnerable when keeping possession and transitioning smoothly, something Spurs can exploit with the right game plan.
Ange Postecoglou has plenty of headaches when it comes to team selection. Destiny Udogie remains a doubt after limping off against Southampton, while Ben Davies, despite nearing a return, is unlikely to feature. Spurs are also without Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur (serving his sixth match of a seven-game ban), and Guglielmo Vicario. Djed Spence was spotted limping post-match, but reports suggest it could be down to fatigue rather than an injury.
With only three fit senior defenders, Ange may field a back four of Pedro Porro, Radu Drăgușin, Archie Gray, and Djed Spence. Alfie Dorrington could also see some minutes if the need arises. Meanwhile, Mikey Moore’s availability depends on his recovery from illness, and Son Heung-min is expected to return to the starting XI after being subbed off early against Southampton to rest.
United’s list of doubts is long but manageable. Mason Mount’s injury is unclear. Rashford and Garnacho were dropped against City for tactical reasons, and Noussair Mazraoui left the derby limping. Luke Shaw remains the only confirmed absentee.
Former Spurs star Christian Eriksen, who didn’t feature against City, is likely to play. His record in the Carabao Cup is exceptional, with three goal involvements in a single game this season. Add to that Amad Diallo’s electric form, and United’s attack looks sharp. Spurs fans can only hope Amorim benches Diallo out of some misguided rotational generosity (on a serious note, start Antony instead—we won’t complain).
Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Maddison, Bissouma, Kulusevski; Johnson, Son, Solanke
Unfortunately, we’ve drawn the hardest opponent compared to the ones the other Big Six clubs have received, and this will undoubtedly be an interesting fixture. The season hasn’t been great for either of us as both sides battle inconsistencies. At least we’re on the upper half of the table.
This is a game of margins. Both teams are brimming with confidence after key wins, but Spurs have the home advantage and a manager who takes the Carabao Cup seriously. Ange knows this is our best shot at silverware, and he won’t take any risks.
Amorim’s tactical approach is similar yet distinct from Postecoglou’s. While both managers favour attacking football, United’s 3-4-3 formation prioritises defensive solidity, with inverted wingbacks providing width and midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte dictating play. For Spurs fans, it’s a familiar sight—Pedro Porro thrived under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and will now face his former mentor.
Postecoglou’s pivotal midfield system, with two attacking midfielders and one holding player, could stretch United’s back three.
Expect goals, drama, and a nail-biter, but Spurs should edge it—if only because Ange doesn’t do half-measures when a trophy is in sight.
Predicted Score: Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Manchester United.
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