Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting FA Cup test as Aston Villa arrive in north London, and we have now attempted to predict how Thomas Frank could set up against the West Midland side.
In terms of FA Cup fixtures, it does not get any tougher for Tottenham Hotspur, who are set to take on Aston Villa in the third round, a side gunning for the Premier League title.
Villa have been in good form this season, producing consistent displays in the league, and will be hoping to pile further misery on Thomas Frank in the FA Cup.
Unai Emery’s side were the team who knocked Spurs out of this competition last season, and Tottenham will be hoping for revenge this time around.
Rotation could very much be on the cards for both sides, and we have now attempted to predict how Thomas Frank could set up his side.
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa in the FA Cup
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Indeed, cup games often serve as an opportunity for Kinsky to get a rare start, but given the level of the opposition and the pressure Frank is under, it seems likely he will stick with his number one in goal.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard looks like he could do with a rest, given his recent performances, but a lack of adequate cover should see him start once again.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Frank has little other choice with Cristian Romero banned and Radu Dragusin linked with a move away.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Frank could look to set up in a back five as he aims to keep things tight at the back and nick a win.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: While Spurs fans may want to see their pacy centre-back rested, it seems unlikely Frank drops him if he opts for a back three, meaning Van de Ven should start.
Left-back – Djed Spence: Frank rested Spence recently and could do so again with Ben Davies an option and Destiny Udogie edging closer to full fitness, but a Spence start looks the likeliest outcome.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: Fresh off the back of a spectacular overhead kick against Bournemouth, Palhinha is expected to start here with Rodrigo Bentancur out injured.
Pivot midfielder – Archie Gray: The youngster was rested against Bournemouth after a consistent run in the side, but with injuries mounting, Frank’s options are thin and Gray should return to the starting XI.
Attacking midfielder – Xavi Simons: The Dutchman marked his return from suspension with an assist from the inside-left position, and with Lucas Bergvall nursing a knock, Simons looks almost guaranteed to start.
Striker – Richarlison: The Brazil international started on the bench against the Cherries last time out and hit the post after coming on. He remains Spurs’ most prolific forward and the favourite to lead the line against Villa.
Striker – Mathys Tel: A third consecutive start could be on the cards after his fine finish against Bournemouth, and if Spurs line up with a back five, he should operate from the left in attack.