Tottenham Hotspur XI for Stoke in Carabao Cup Quarterfinals

Tottenham XI – Defenders

Tottenham have not been as sound defensively the last two weeks. After having four consecutive shutouts in league, Spurs have given up five goals over the last three matches. Tottenham will want to provide strong defense and work to keep Stoke City off the board. If Stoke can score their confidence will skyrocket, Spurs need to stop that from happening.

Sergio Reguilón (LB)

Sergio Reguilón was so-so on Sunday versus Leicester City being as wasteful as everyone else with his possession, particularly in the attacking third. With Ben Davies needed at center back, Reguilón gets to continue to play his way back into top form. Honestly, Sergio seems to be rushing a bit offensively and likely is trying to do to much. He simply needs to slow down and play football the way he can, and he will be fine.

Ben Davies (CB)

The combination of Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld have played the last 270 minutes together for Tottenham and the team has given up five goals in the process. Change is afoot, if for no other reason than to get some rotation and allow both Dier and Alderweireld to clear their heads. As noted earlier, Davies starts at center back and is team captain.

Davinson Sanchez (CB)

With Toby playing as much as Dier and neither playing that well, rotation is in order. Without Tanganga or Rodon, Davinson Sanchez is really the only choice. Sanchez is one of the few Spurs – particularly on defense – who have regressed under José Mourinho. In truth, Spurs need Sanchez to be successful as he is the most physical and athletic center back in the team. Either Sanchez can get it together and stay focused a full 90 minutes or his time at N17 is coming to an end.

Matt Doherty (RB)

Watching the match back Serge Aurier did not play poorly overall and he had been put through it before he committed the foul that turned the game on its head. Regardless, Aurier is confined to the bench for this match and Matt Doherty starts at the right back positions. Doherty had a turn in the rotation missed last week when Spurs travelled to Liverpool and Aurier again got the call on Sunday, so Doherty is due. Not only is Doherty due to play, he is due a good game, this hopefully is it.

Joe Hart (GK)

After all those shutouts in a row, Hugo Lloris has given up five goals in his last three outings. While Lloris may need the confidence boost that could come with a shutout at Stoke, Hart gets the call. Joe Hart was brought in to be the back up and provide cover in the alternate competitions and this is one of them. Given Lloris could have likely done more to help prevent the second goal, maybe watching Hart command the box would be a good thing.