Tottenham face Swansea this Saturday at 12.15pm in the FA cup. The cup now represents the only realistic hope of silverware for the North London side. Meanwhile Welsh side Swansea City are only four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with 30 games played. It is uncertain how seriously the Swans will take the competition. With such a frantic and vital last two months of the campaign ahead it is unlikely Swansea will put out too strong a side and risk injury or suspension. Tottenham may feel that they have an easy task. However, they would have felt similarly in the last two rounds before being taken to replays by lower league opposition on both occasions.
Preview: Tottenham vs Swansea
“How Many Trophies?”
Anyone who follows Tottenham on social media will be all too familiar with this common troll from rival fans. The current Tottenham side is undoubtedly the most talented in years. However, as their players and fans are constantly reminded, they have no silverware to show for this. There is a atmosphere of when, not if, the trophies will come, with many feeling that once one comes the rest of the trophies will soon follow. If Tottenham are to put an end to this drought then the Swansea game and every FA cup game after are of critical importance.
As well as pride, there seems to be a mental weakness among Tottenham players in relation to big games. Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is the most recent to point out that the club’s players lack a “mental toughness”.
FA Cup Winnable for Tottenham
The FA cup appears ‘winnable’ this season with only one club, Manchester United, ahead of Spurs in the Premier League and still in the competition. As well as United, London rivals Chelsea are also still in the cup. This could be a massive chance for Spurs to end the trophy drought that has plagued the club since 2008 and finally answer a few critics, as well as convince the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli that they are at a club who can compete for titles.
Kane not Able
Star striker and Premier league top scorer Kane has been ruled out for a month following an ankle injury he picked up at the weekend against Bournemouth. The striker is expected to be replaced by South Korean international Heung Min Son as striker. Son has been in fantastic form this season scoring seven goals in his last four games across all competitions. Fernando Llorente appears to have fallen out of favour at Tottenham but may be selected to face his former club tomorrow.
Injury News
Kane is the only Tottenham player definitely out. Toby Alderweireld was recently called up by Belgium for their upcoming friendlies so may feature. Midfielder Harry Winks’ ankle is still bothering him, Pochettino said earlier in the week. It is unclear if he will feature or not.
For Swansea, Angel Rangel, Wilfied Bony, Renato Sanchez and Leroy Fer are all out injured. Jordan Ayew and Federico Fernandez are both suspended. Fellow Ayew brother Andre is cup-tied. The Ghanaian appeared in the competition earlier this season at old club West Ham United.
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