Tottenham at Everton FA Cup Fifth Round Preview, Prediction

Tottenham and Everton Players to Watch

Like his counterpart José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti likes to to mix things up in terms of formations being just as comfortable deploying a 4-1-4-1 as we would a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-4-2-1. Those are not even all the formations Ancelotti has used with Everton this season, but it gives you the idea, he is flexible and wants his players that way too.

Everton not the names you were likely expecting

With some big names potentially sidelined with injury, we have to think about who else might impact this match-up for Everton. Two players that have really started to excel in the Ancelotti set-up regardless of formation are Andrew Gomes and Abdoulaye Doucouré. Gomes of course was involved in that horrifying injury following the bust-up with Heung-Min Son a few years ago. Gomes really just now is coming fully back from that having a number of other setbacks related and not related to that original injury. A tactician in the midfield Gomes knows how to protect the ball and position himself and his team for success.

Abdoulaye Doucouré has been a real catalyst for Everton in the midfield this season. This has particularly been true in the new year. With a goal and an assist against United Doucouré got the team back in the game. His goal against Rotherham in the third round of this FA Cup competition is largely responsible for the team advancing. Capable lying deep, holding in the middle or even serving in an advanced attacking role, his versatility makes him a mainstay in the Toffee line-up.

Tottenham players with a point to prove

At this point in the season it is hopefully becoming increasingly clear to everyone inside and outside of N17 that you have to not only earn your minutes, you have to keep earning them. A goal here or an assist there between average or below average performances will not keep a player in the discussion for the starting XI all that long.

While Tottenham have quite a few players still out nursing some injuries some other positions are starting to get some people back – attacking midfield – which increases the competition. All this said, there are some squad players who seem to suddenly be on the outside of the top XI that likely want to make an impression.

Both midfielders Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko have started at different times this season deep in the midfield with Pierre Højbjerg. Lately, however, it has been Tanguy Ndombele starting next to the Dane, leaving Sissoko and Winks on the outside looking in. While both have played solid at times, neither has consistently put performances together. With Everton a good chance on a big stage against a strong opponent to show what you can do as a player, expect the midfielders that do play to go for it.

The other real players to keep an eye on for Tottenham are going to be the wingbacks or fullbacks. We know Sergio and Serge are likely out meaning we probably will be some D & D in Davies and Doherty. Neither have been great of late and both could potentially have their hands full against the Toffees depending on who is running the channels. Both players need to step up and perform on both ends of the pitch and avoid the big mistakes they have both been contributing too.