Tottenham Hotspur would be aiming to book their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup when they take on a confident Newcastle United side at St James’ Park. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Newcastle.
Thomas Frank will be hoping to secure passage through to the next round of the Carabao Cup as he continues his quest for silverware in his debut season as Tottenham boss.
Tottenham make the trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United, a side in impressive form, with Eddie Howe’s men winning four of their last five matches.
Spurs come into this cup tie in buoyant spirits following their recent win over Everton, but their record against Newcastle, with just one win in their last five encounters, highlights the challenge ahead.
Rotation is expected to play a role once again, and we have now attempted to predict Frank’s starting eleven against the Magpies.
Predicted Tottenham XI to face Newcastle United
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The Italian has been in fine form for Tottenham, and we expect him to continue between the sticks against Howe’s side as Spurs look to progress.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: Frank’s options in defence remain limited due to the club’s ongoing injury concerns, so we anticipate minimal rotation at the back.
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Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Cristian Romero is not yet back to full fitness, and after Danso’s commanding display against Everton, where he was dominant in the air, we expect Frank to stick with him, particularly with Nick Woltemade leading the line for Newcastle.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Tottenham centre-back has been in fine scoring form for the Lilywhites, and considering his usual struggles with injuries, it is impressive that he has stayed fit. With Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Takai still sidelined, the Dutchman should continue at the back.
Left-back – Djed Spence: Frank has used Archie Gray at full-back once this season, and that remains an option against Newcastle, but we are backing Spence to get the nod this time.
Pivot midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguayan partnered Joao Palhinha at the weekend and produced a much-improved display capped with an assist, so we expect him to retain his place from the start.
Centre midfielder – Lucas Bergvall: Frank could reshuffle his midfield, which may see Palhinha drop to the bench with Bergvall coming in to play as the more advanced eight.
Centre midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegalese midfielder has enjoyed his best spell in a Tottenham shirt this season and continued his good form with a late goal against Everton. Supporters have been calling for Sarr to start more regularly, and he should be involved from the outset here.
Right winger – Mohammed Kudus: The Ghanaian could return to his usual position on the right flank after Frank’s recent tactical tweak saw him play centrally.
Striker – Mathys Tel: It will be interesting to see who gets the nod through the middle, with Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, and Tel all options. We are backing Tel to start ahead of the other two.