Tottenham team update and starting lineup for Middlesbrough
By Gary Pearson
Sunday’s away FA Cup match poses an abundance of challenges for Jose Mourinho, as he ponders who to start after a disastrous week for Tottenham.
Team update
The injury list almost doubled after Spurs’ midweek defeat to Southampton. Harry Kane is sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring tear while Tanguy Ndombele pulled up lame with a groin issue. They join Hugo Lloris, Michel Vorm and Ben Davies on the injury list.
On a positive note, Son Heung-Min has served all three matches of his ban and is once again available for selection. Eric Dier is back in full training after a virus took him down midweek.
Starting lineup — Option 1
Going with the assumption the formation won’t change, the big question is who fits into Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 at the Riverside. Mourinho will want to make a statement in the FA Cup after successive disappointments for Tottenham in the domestic cup. He’ll most likely field a strong team, such is his desire to bring some silverware back to north London.
Son should start alone up front, replacing the injured Kane. The South Korean comfortably and confidently stepped into the lone striker role in Kane’s absence last season. Lucas Moura is another option up front, but Son, who has proven he can fulfil many of Kane’s responsibilities, is a more sound choice.
Lamela and Eriksen support Dele Alli, while Moussa and Harry Winks patrol central midfield. I’d be surprised to see Winks left out of the lineup, as the Englishman is well rested and deserves an opportunity to show his credence against a Championship side. His accurate, high-tempo passing ability will help assuage some of the pressure of playing in a hostile environment.
Davinson Sanchez was a surprise omission from the lineup against Southampton and should regain his starting spot. The other three retain their spots in the back four.