On Wednesday evening, Spurs continue their FA Cup journey by visiting Sheffield United with a trip to the quarterfinals on the line; this is how Tottenham should lineup.
Despite winning their last two games in relatively convincing shutouts, Cristian Stellini and Tottenham Hotspur should look to rotate their squad with a big run over the next two weeks. If Spurs are going to finish in the top four and maybe even win some silverware, that means contributions will have to come from many places, and that should be the case on Wednesday.
Tottenham projected forwards to cut the Blades
Although Spurs have had success the last two weeks with the Richarlison, Harry Kane, and Dejan Kulusevski line, we should expect changes on Wednesday.
Left-forward – Heung-min Son
After playing only about 30 minutes in two weeks, South Korean superstar Heung-min Son should be rip-roaring and ready to go on Wednesday. Sheffield is no pushover. However, the Blades have conceded three goals in three of their last seven matches, meaning Son may have the chance to get right after struggling for a lot of the season as a starter.
Center-forward – Richarlison
It may be nearly blasphemous not to start Harry Kane; however, Richarlison was added to the team for precisely this situation. While Kane will be on the bench and available for the team if the need arises, ideally, Harry spends the entire evening in the warm embrace of his warm-up kit while Richarlison leads the line. Richarlison has been working hard instead of Son in the Premier League 11, and he should be rewarded for that work with a start in his more natural position.
Right-forward – Dejan Kulusevski
Although we’d like to see and expect some rotation in the front three, that will not likely be in all three positions, Kulusevski has been playing well but not great over the last few weeks. Having him on the pitch to continue progressing after an extended period out injured as well will be good for him and the team. While Arnaut Danjuma could use some minutes, we expect to see Kulusevski from the start.
Projecting Spurs midfield for Sheffield
With several changes in the attacking three, we can also expect changes in the midfield.
Left-wing-back – Ivan Perisic
Maybe this is a glutton for punishment, putting Ivan Perisic on the left with Son; however, at some point, one has to think the pair will start to click. The argument is that Perisic takes up a lot of places where Son likes to have the ball, which may be true, but it should not stop either from being effective when they have the ball. Spurs need Perisic to produce, and Wednesday is a chance.
Central midfield – Pape Matar Sarr
This pick is relatively easy after Pape Matar Sarr starred against AC Milan a few weeks ago; it is difficult to believe how little he has played since. Sarr is part of the future at Tottenham; we need him to be part of the present as well.
Central midfield – Oliver Skipp
Maybe the common thinking would be to leave Pierre Hojbjerg on the field with which youngster Spurs play, Sarr or Skipp; however, of the three, only one is a potential game-changer off the bench. Barring injury, it may be the last opportunity to pair the duo, and Stellini should take advantage.
Right-wing-back – Pedro Porro
After having a difficult first start for Tottenham against Leicester City, Pedro Porro has sat and watched Emerson Royal come into his own over the last couple of weeks. Wednesday will be a chance for Porro to begin changing the narrative in his favor. It will be good to see him get an extended runout.
Tottenham projected defense for Sheffield
Spurs will try to see if they can make it three straight shutouts in all competitions on Wednesday but will do so with a different defensive crew.
Left-back – Clement Lenglet
The one player, besides Deki, to keep their spot in our projected XI is Clement Lenglet. After playing wing-back the last two weeks, Ben Davies could likely use the break. Additionally, Davies provides an option at wing-back or left-back if a change is needed later in the game. Alternatively, Lenglet is only a left-back and gets the nod Wednesday.
Center-back – Davinson Sanchez
It seems like Eric Dier plays better when well-rested, and he should be rested Wednesday with one eye on the weekend. This means Davinson Sanchez gets the call in the middle of the defense. Sanchez provides more athleticism than Dier but is also prone to the odd mistake, which we all hope he avoids against Sheffield.
Right-back – Japhet Tanganaga
As part of the major rotation we expect against the Blades, Jaeht Tanganga gets another crack at right back. Barring injuries, Tanganga is unlikely to get many more chances this season, so a big game for him is paramount to his success.
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster
With Hugo Lloris still out with a major knee injury, Fraster Forster continues to man the goal for Spurs. Forster has grown more comfortable from one outing to the next, but Tottenham still wants to limit the good looks Sheffield can manage on goal.