Predicted XI

Son dropped for cup clash? – How Tottenham could line up against Stoke City

Jose Mourinho will be looking to get a huge reaction out of his Tottenham Hotspur side after a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend.

10:09am on Tuesday 22nd December 2020
By Stefan Bienkowski

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho will be desperate to do all he can to get his team back to winning ways, following their 2-0 defeat to Leicester City just a few days ago.

A League Cup tie with Stoke City may be the perfect opportunity to do just that. However, Mourinho will have to make sure he picks the right team to ensure victory and not another bitter defeat.

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The Tottenham manager is likely to stick with Joe Hart in goals. He has been given the responsibility of keeping the ball out in the club’s cup competitions this season.

In defence, Mourinho should also bring in Matt Doherty on the right and Ben Davies on the left in place of both full-backs used against Leicester. Eric Dier is expected to keep his place in the middle of defence but he should now be joined by Davinson Sanchez rather than Toby Alderweireld.

Similarly, the Tottenham manager is likely to stick by his midfield duo of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele, but drop Moussa Sissoko for Harry Winks.

Despite his fantastic form this season, Mourinho may then be tempted to drop Heung-Min Son to the bench for a brief rest and give Gareth Bale an opportunity to once again prove his worth to his new club.

As such, the Welshman should partner Steven Bergwijn in attack, as the two wide alternatives to Harry Kane as Tottenham’s typical No.9.