Tottenham projected starting 11 for Carabao Cup at Fulham
By Gary Pearson
Big Ange is set to make some personnel changes for Tottenham’s second-round Carabao Cup match at Fulham on Tuesday, but who will he give the starting nod to?
Ange is tasked with finding a delicate balance between providing some starters a rest while ensuring his side is strong enough to find a way past Fulham and into the third round.
At least the Australian gaffer, unlike his predecessors, wants to win the Carabao Cup. Check that; he wants to win every match regardless of the competition.
His opinion on the perceived second-fiddle domestic cup competition is refreshing, akin to most of his opinions as it offers hope and provides inspiration.
With that in mind, here’s who Ange should go with for Tuesday’s away encounter.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
This is a difficult decision.
Fraser Forster is fit, available and might get the nod. However, Vicario is a pivotal part of Angeball. He’s far superior with the ball at his feet than Forster, who’s more of an old-school shot-stopper. Based on that thought pattern, look for Vicario to get the nod.
Right back: Emerson Royal
Emerson Royal started at Brentford for Tottenham’s Premier League opener. Royal was excellent, particularly going forward. He positioned himself well in the inside channels and scored a cracker. Royal’s side was exposed a few times, which may have led to Pedro Porro replacing him in the second match.
Porro cemented the starting role with his brilliant play in both matches he was named in the first 11. But Royal deserves another go, and this match provides an ideal opportunity to get him back into the starting team.
Left-back: Ivan Perisic
Destiny Udogie has been absolutely brilliant. But he deserves a rest, particularly after a physical encounter at Bournemouth, which saw him take a knock in the latter stages. Ivan Perisic should come in and show his outstanding quality at Craven Cottage.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero should captain the side against Fulham. I feel Ange wouldn’t want Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez to form the team’s spine, no matter the competition. The problem is, if Romero starts, who plays on the left side of him?
You’d think Ange would want to give either starter, Romero or Micky van de Ven, a rest. But based on the importance of his two starting backs, he may decide to keep the status quo and return to his preferred partnership.
If he does rest one of the two, Davinson Sanchez should come into the team.
Centre-back: Davinson Sanchez
The Colombian performed well off the bench against Brentford in the opener. He’s a solid option to get his first start. Ben Davies is also in contention, but the Welshman has yet to see any time as a centre-back under Ange since the season started.
Central midfield, No. 6: Pierre Hojbjerg
The dogged Dane should come back into the team, getting the nod as Spurs’ No. 6. It will be interesting, if he does start, to see how he acquits himself as a starter for the first time this season.
Central midfield, No. 8: Giovani Lo Celso
Giovani is almost a sure thing. Ange said it himself. Well, he said Gio will play, which I assume means start. I know what they say about assumptions, so I hope I’m right.
Central midfield, No. 8: Oliver Skipp
Oliver Skipp enjoyed a pretty good outing against the Bees on matchday 1. He’ll come in and play where he did in the opener. Look for the Englishman to run more than he ever has before. He’s battling with Pape Sarr for a spot in the first 11, so he’s obviously facing an uphill battle.
Right winger: Dejan Kulusevski, Left winger: Manor Solomon, No. 9: Richarlison
Dejan Kulusevski should get the nod to work on his final touch. Also, Sonny shouldn’t start, allowing Manor Solomon to make his long-awaited first start. If Ange wants to rest Sonny and Kulu, he might opt for a winger partnership of Solomon and Perisic, allowing Ben Davies to start at left-back.
Richarlison needs more match time. He had an abbreviated outing at Bournemouth and missed a couple of sitters. He must get back on that menacing horse. Hopefully, he scores a goal or two for a much-needed confidence and morale boost.