As Tottenham Hotspur prepares to host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on October 30, all eyes will be on manager Ange Postecoglou’s lineup decisions. Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Spurs are eager to bounce back and claim silverware, and it appears that Son Heung-min may be the only significant change in the squad for this crucial fixture.
In their last outing against Crystal Palace, Postecoglou fielded a team that included many players who had contributed to the impressive 4-1 victory over West Ham United. However, the match against Palace did not go as planned, as Oliver Glasner’s team effectively stifled Spurs’ attacking efforts, leaving the North Londoners to regroup for the upcoming cup tie. Despite this setback, it is unlikely that Postecoglou will overhaul his lineup drastically. He is expected to stick with a strong team, reflecting the importance of the match in their pursuit of silverware.
While Fraser Forster typically takes the reins in goal for cup competitions, it seems that Guglielmo Vicario may retain his starting position after a solid performance against Crystal Palace, where he made five crucial saves. This decision underscores Postecoglou’s faith in Vicario, who has proven himself a reliable presence in goal.
The defensive lineup is also anticipated to remain unchanged, featuring Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Udogie stood out in the previous match, winning nine duels, completing two successful dribbles, and creating a chance. His performance highlights his potential to impact the game significantly, and Postecoglou will likely rely on this defensive solidity against a formidable Manchester City attack.
Radu Dragusin, who has had limited opportunities this season, is unlikely to feature in such a high-stakes match, as he has only played a full 90 minutes three times so far. Given the importance of the fixture, Postecoglou is expected to favor more experienced players in his starting XI.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma is anticipated to take on the role of the holding midfielder. His performance against Crystal Palace was solid, as he completed 84% of his passes while also contributing defensively with one tackle and winning an aerial duel. The midfield duo of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison will likely support him. Both players were substituted around the hour mark in the previous match, indicating that Postecoglou may rely on their energy and creativity against City, despite considering options like Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur for added depth.
One of the most significant changes expected is the return of captain Son Heung-min to the attacking lineup. Following his recent fitness concerns, Postecoglou hinted that Son could be available for the match against City. The South Korean star has been instrumental for Spurs this season, evidenced by his 84% pass completion rate and two chances created in the 4-1 victory over West Ham. His ability to find the back of the net, combined with his leadership on the pitch, will be crucial as Tottenham seeks to establish dominance against Pep Guardiola’s side.
In attack, Brennan Johnson has been in outstanding form, boasting an expected goals (xG) tally of 4.03 in the Premier League across eight starts. He has become a vital asset in the Spurs lineup. Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke has made a strong impression in his recent outings, having started the last six league matches and consistently contributing to the team’s attacking play.
Richarlison, who recently returned from injury, faced challenges in making an impact as a substitute against Palace, only managing two touches in the opposition box. While he possesses the talent to change the course of a game, his fitness levels and form will be crucial in determining his role in the match against City.
Micky Moore earned his spot in the lineup after an impressive performance in the Europa League, but he struggled to make an impact during the defeat to Palace. This inconsistency puts pressure on Postecoglou to select a forward line that can effectively challenge City’s defense.
As Tottenham prepares for this high-stakes encounter in the Carabao Cup, the prospect of Son Heung-min’s return adds a layer of excitement for Spurs fans. His ability to influence the game on the biggest stage is crucial, especially after his recent fitness issues. With Postecoglou expected to field a strong squad, Spurs will aim to capitalize on their home advantage and make a statement against Manchester City, reaffirming their ambitions for silverware this season. The match is set to be a thrilling contest, and fans will be eager to see how their team responds after a frustrating defeat.