Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Marine FC in FA Cup

Tottenham Starting Defense

While we see some rotation in parts of the defense, overall, the chances being taken are few from Mourinho and company. Normal rotation at goalkeeper, left back and right-sided center-half will occur. Nevertheless, we see a couple familiar faces that have seen limited opportunities thus far in the season at right back and the left-sided center-half.

Joe Hart (GK)

It is extremely unlikely we see Hugo Lloris even make the trip and this is exactly the kind of match Joe Hart was brought in for. Always professional, Joe Hart will be important in helping keep his team focused and alert. Look for Hart to be loud in the small stadium and try and dominate his box. Tottenham will not want to give Marine any hope and it starts with dominating the penalty area.

Ben Davies (LB)

In the perfect world this would-be Dennis Cirkin starting at left back for Tottenham. However, it is doubtful José Mourinho has that much faith in Cirkin and the team, but one could wish. Expect Ben Davies to look to push forward frequently as Tottenham should dominate possession.

Joe Rodon (CB)

Tottenham need to find someone else to play on the left side of the center back pair and it is a good opportunity for Joe Rodon to show he can do it. Given he was not an option in Europa League this may be the last, best chance for a while to get Rodon some meaningful minutes and experience, outside some injury enforced usage. Joe is a big back, that is good in the air and should compliment Sanchez well.

Davinson Sanchez (CB)

With both Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld ideally having the entire day off, Davinson Sanchez starts next to Joe Rodon. Sanchez has looked good the last few times he has played. The Columbian has avoided the dumb fouls and has shown better focus of the last month of football. With an opportunity to be aggressive and work to deny the ball to the opposition, the match is set up for Sanchez to further build his confidence.

Japhet Tanganga (RB)

José Mourinho said earlier in the season that for him, Japhet Tanganga is a fullback not a center back. Yet, most of the time when we see Tanganga it is at center half. Against Brentford midweek Tanganga even went in at the base of the midfield to replace Pierre Højbjerg. However, Sunday is finally the opportunity for Tanganga to play at his actual position, right back. Look for Tanganga to show some more offensive kick out at right back, this could be his big opportunity.