The big question Tottenham must answer ahead of FA Cup

Tottenham Hotspur has traveled north to face Sheffield United in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday, and there is one question Spurs must answer heading in.

After dropping two straight matches, Tottenham Hotspur has bounced back with back-to-back shutout wins. Cristian Stellini – still filling in for Antonio Conte – has used the same line-up in the dual two-nil victories in both games. With a trip to the quarterfinals on the line and an opportunity to keep our silverware hopes alive, Tottenham needs a big performance on the road at Sheffield United. So, does Stellini stick with what is working, or does he twist and rotate Spurs’ side?

Why should Tottenham stick with the same XI?

Injuries and absences have forced Spurs’ hand at different times this season, making it more difficult to find a consistent starting 11. However, with consecutive wins with the same 11, it seems like Tottenham has possibly found something. From the simple perspective of if something is not broken, do not fix it, simply keeping the same team for Sheffield that Stellini and company used against West Ham and Chelsea makes sense.

Likewise, the crowing continuity within the team, including a few new or old faces in different positions, is important. With Pierre Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp back as the default starting central midfield combination, getting the pair minutes together should further that continuity. Similarly, getting Richarlison and Ben Davies linking up more on the left would be positive as Spurs need the Brazilian to score.

With an aggregate score of 4-0 in two tough London derbies, sticking with what is working logically makes sense. That said, twisting with a little rotation may be a smarter alternative.