Tottenham kick off their FA Cup campaign against fellow Premier League side Burnley on Friday evening…
In Spurs’ anticipated starting against Burnley, “monster” and No. Johnson receive debuts.
On Friday, Tottenham Hotspur will kick off their FA Cup campaign against a struggling Burnley team. Ange Postecoglou’s team is in excellent shape following a recent Premier League comeback.
Burnley, led by Vincent Kompany, has struggled since entering the Premier League. After 20 games, they are five points behind Everton in 17th place, having won only three games overall.
Postecoglou will be eager to wade deep into this competition after falling at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup; moreover, last year’s eighth-place finish means Spurs sit this year out on the continental stage.
Heung-min Son, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will all be absent after heading off to the Asia Cup and African Cup of Nations, though several regular starters should retain their spot as Postecoglou looks to avoid a potential banana skin tomorrow night.
In light of this, it is anticipated that the hosts will make six changes from the squad that won their most recent league match, defeating Bournemouth 3-1.
Although Postecoglou may decide to give Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, his first appearance outside of the Premier League, the seasoned Fraser Forster should start in goal against the Clarets after starting during the Carabao Cup penalty defeat against Fulham back in August.
Although Emerson Royal, a right-back, hasn’t played at right back in a while, Pedro Porro’s dominant play and injuries along the backline have made the Brazilian’s versatility necessary to cover for the absences.
Emerson, who has been fluctuating like the tide in the wind but has recently shown signs of increased stability, should be able to revert to his natural role on Friday night and provide the team’s starting right flanker with a much-needed respite.
When asked about Eric Dier’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Postecoglou remained ambiguous. Although the seasoned England international has been largely inactive this season—making only one start all season—he will undoubtedly get the start against Burnley.