Despite a title charge that lasted for the best part of three weeks ending in the eyes of many, Tottenham still have a strong chance of winning silverware this season in cup competitions.
Spurs host Brentford in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night, where one win is enough to send them to Wembley following a rule change that saw the two-run system scrapped ahead of this season.
Jose Mourinho is the League Cup’s most successful manager after winning it four times, and if Spurs are to finally fill their trophy cabinet with a manager, it has to be with him.
With a place in the final up for grabs against one of the best teams in the championship, here’s how Spurs should line up.
Hugo Lloris (GK) – There is no time for saves in the search for a trophy. Lloris started the quarter-final victory over Stoke and retains his place in the semi-final.
Serge Aurier (RB) – Matt Doherty’s red card against Leeds did not exclude him from the selection. However, Serge Aurier has been the most reliable option this season and will be needed in an important game.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) – Sanchez has been limited to just 14 appearances in all competitions this season, but gets the nod in the Carabao Cup. A solid exit is needed to get his Spurs career back on track.
Eric Dier (CB) – Welshman Joe Rodon is tied for the cup and therefore unavailable for Spurs in the Carabao Cup, Eric Dier therefore keeps his place at the back.
Ben Davies (LB) – It was discovered that Sergio Reguilon had broken COVID-19 protocol over Christmas and had a few brownie points to earn before he found his way back into the starting XI.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM) – Hojbjerg dominated the proceedings against Leeds and will undoubtedly become the underwriter once again against Brentford.
Moussa Sissoko (DM) – Sissoko came off the bench against Leeds but will return to his place in the Cup’s starting XI after thriving under Mourinho’s tutelage.
Dele Alli (AM) – The cup offers a rare chance for Dele to prove his worth to Tottenham, or step up his action a bit further ahead of a possible exit in January.
Lucas Moura (RW) – Moura has struggled to find enough threat in front of goal to keep his name in the headlines this season but remains a solid option, especially following Gareth Bale’s injury.
Harry Kane (ST) – You don’t let your best players down, regardless of the competition. Kane took him to a different level under Mourinho and grabbed Stoke in the quarterfinals; he’s starting again.
Son Heung-min (LW) – Son has been the key to Kane’s searing form this season. The pair have become a deadly strike force and have already managed 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions this season.
