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Tottenham Carabao Cup preview: Danny Rose expected to start

By Gary Pearson

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on January 31, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadium of Light on January 31, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Spurs get another chance to compound Slaven Bilic’s misery when West Ham come calling as the London clubs get set for their Carabao Cup tie. 

Bilic’s job is now undoubtedly hanging in the balance after West Ham were routed 3-0 at home to Brighton in their latest Premier League encounter. Spurs are in a sterling run of form and are not a side likely to alleviate the embattled manager’s tenuous position.

Mauricio Pochettino will take this opportunity to rest Harry Kane, who showed the effects of fatigue in the latter stages of Tottenham’s dominating 4-1 win over Liverpool. While Kane’s absence is always felt, Spurs have enough attacking options to cause Adrian – who gets the starting nod for the Hammers – fits.

Dele Alli is expected to start while Fernando Llorente will play in Kane’s stead. Llorente will relish the opportunity for first team football and should enjoy an impressive outing. Danny Rose, who hasn’t played since January with a long-term knee injury, should make what almost feels like a club début after such a long layoff.

He has a lot to atone for, particularly after alienating Tottenham faithful with an ill-advised interview where he lambasted the club for, among other things, its comparatively low wage structure.

Mousa Dembele, who has been forced out due to recent ankle and hip injuries, is in contention for the firs time since Spurs’ win against Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

It will be a massive moment for the club if Dembele can put in a decent shift without suffering further injury setbacks. He’s an integral part of Spurs midfield and will be welcomed back with open arms. A healthy Dembele is a significant element if Spurs are to vie for trophies on various fronts.

Next: Tottenham vs. Real Madrid: Match report

Spurs rampaged to a 3-0 lead in their last outing before West Ham pulled two back after Serge Aurier was given his marching orders. Tottenham held on to the crucial away victory, but Pochettino knows his club will need to be more disciplined tonight to avoid an unecessarily tense final few minutes.

Tottenham haven’t lost a match since Aug. 20 when they fell 2-1 to Chelsea.

In 11 matches since, Spurs have won eight and drawn three in all competitions. Even without a full-strength side, Spurs should have too much quality for a reeling West Ham side.