As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host Man United in a highly anticipated Carabao Cup quarter-final, we’ve put together a combined XI featuring the best fit and available players from both squads. With key injuries on both sides and stakes higher than ever, this lineup reflects the standout performers who could make the difference on Thursday evening.
This combined XI does not take into consideration players who are injured or unavailable for this game. The main focus is on players who are fit and ready to feature straight away on Thursday evening.
Andre Onana: Despite Manchester United’s somewhat shaky defence, Onana can still hold his head high, as he has the joint-most clean sheets in the Premier League this season. So, yes, he gets into the combined XI ahead of Spurs’ backup option, Fraser Forster.
Diogo Dalot: This one is a bit tricky for me because I really like Dalot as a full-back. He offers a great balance between attack and defence, always ready to run the flanks. While Porro undoubtedly has talent, he hasn’t lived up to his potential this season, so Dalot gets the nod.
Matthijs de Ligt: With Spurs missing their main centre-backs, Cristian Romero and Van de Ven, De Ligt easily takes a spot ahead of Dragusin. His defensive quality and experience make him a clear choice.
Archie Gray: I know this pick might raise some eyebrows since Gray isn’t primarily a centre-back. However, his versatility and composure this season have been remarkable. He’s consistently stepped up when called upon and offers tactical flexibility. If Ange needs someone to emulate John Stones’ role and step into midfield, Gray is more than capable.
Djed Spence: I’ll include Spence here because Lisandro Martínez hasn’t been at his best this season, with several errors leading to goals. While Spence has only featured once this season, his overall quality as a player makes him the better choice at full-back. He offers a balance of defensive stability and offensive support, which earns him a spot ahead of Martínez.
Kobbie Mainoo: I absolutely love Mainoo as a pivot midfielder. He’s composed, dictates play well, and is a more rounded six compared to Bissouma, who sometimes falls short in critical moments.
Pape Matar Sarr: Sarr has been incredibly consistent this season. His industrious style of play—whether breaking up attacks, carrying the ball forward, or making late runs into the box—makes him an invaluable asset. He’s a no-brainer for this combined XI.
Bruno Fernandes: Bruno’s all-around game and consistency earn him the spot ahead of Maddison. On his day, Maddison is just as good, but Bruno edges it for me due to his ability to maintain a high level throughout the season, whereas Maddison tends to shine in moments but fades over time.
Dejan Kulusevski: Kulusevski takes the left-wing spot without question. His numbers this season are impressive, surpassing many midfielders not only in the Premier League but across Europe. A hard worker and a leader on and off the pitch, he’s the kind of player every manager dreams of having.
Dominic Solanke: Solanke is the perfect modern-day striker—relentless in his pressing and equally adept at doing both the dirty work and the fancy stuff. He has been more effective than Højlund this season, so he leads the line in this XI.
Heung-min Son: Even though Son hasn’t been at his best this season, he still outshines all of United’s right-wing options. Rashford has struggled for form, while Garnacho, though a talented young player with immense potential, is still quite raw. Son’s experience and quality secure his place in this team.
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