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Probable Tottenham starting lineup for FA Cup quarterfinal

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round Replay match between Tottenham Hotspur and Rochdaleon February 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur runs with the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round Replay match between Tottenham Hotspur and Rochdaleon February 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Other than Harry Kane, who is out for at least a month after re-injuring his right ankle against Bournemouth, Mauricio Pochettino has his pick of the lot for Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal.

Toby Alderweireld is back in full training which poses an interesting question for the gaffer: Does he provide the embattled Belgian with a strong show of faith? Or should he stick with the tried and tested Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sánchez?

Although Juan Foyth has performed admirably in previous FA Cup matches, the teenager will almost certainly make way for a first-choice centre back, such is the importance of the tie.

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The FA Cup represents Tottenham’s last chance at silverware this season and as the don’t play again in the Premier League until April 1, expect Pochettino to start his strongest possible squad.

Pochettino will turn to Fernando Llorente for a couple of reasons, the most obvious of which being that the Spaniard is more likely to perform well against his former side.

Llorente’s only Spurs’ Premier League goal came against Swanseas in early January. In addition, Llorente broke out of a long-enduring slump with a 12-minute hat trick in the FA Cup replay versus League One Rochdale.

It might be too late for the tall target man to salvage his Tottenham career, but a quarterfinal goal would help state Llorente’s claim – in Kane’s absence – for Pochettino to give him one last chance in the Premier League.

Spurs - Football tactics and formations
Spurs - Football tactics and formations /

Another question Pochettino needs to answer is whether he continues to go with Michel Vorm in goal. All factors point to yes, especially as Vorm will be highly motivated to suit up against his former side.

Eric Dier’s status hasn’t been updated since missing the Bournemouth match, but all signs point to him being available for selection. If he’s fully fit, Dier should slide back into the first team, although Victor Wanyama enjoyed a proficient outing in his stead.

Next: Harry Kane breaks silence about devastating injury

Lucas Moura is itching to play but might be forced to another cameo appearance off the bench, a situation that, if Llorente is preferred up front, might also apply to Erik Lamela.

Would you make any changes to this predicted lineup?

Saturday’s quarterfinal clash offers numerous options for Pochettino to choose from and we’d love to hear about your preferred team.