Tottenham: Pundit makes ‘brutally honest’ Ange Postecoglou risk verdict pre-Burnley FA Cup tie
We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou would be taking a “risk” by changing too many of his regulars for the Burnley FA Cup tie and blooding some of his young talent, says Alan Hutton.
Spurs welcome Premier League strugglers Burnley to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday (5 January) for the third-round clash.
Traditionally, the Premier League big hitters use the early rounds as an opportunity to give minutes to those on the periphery of the starting XI, while for Spurs impressive youngsters such as Jamie Donley may come into consideration.
However, former Spurs defender Hutton – speaking to Tottenham News – thinks Postecoglou shouldn’t tinker too much, pointing to the fact he made wholesale changes in the Carabao Cup against Fulham earlier this season and saw his side knocked out on penalties.
“I think it’s a risk to change too many if I’m brutally honest,” he said.
“I think when you look back at the Fulham game when they went out the cup I think that’s his only blip, I know they went through a wee run where they didn’t win but I think in terms of Tottenham winning a trophy you need to be focused on it and really go for it.
“It will be interesting to see if he does make a few changes if he’s learned from the Fulham game or if he thinks, ‘no I’m going full strength’, that’s what I would do if I’m totally honest.
“I understand it’s a good opportunity to bring in these young players and give them a little taste of these sorts of games, but Tottenham have to win something.”
Spurs head into the fixture on the back of a 3-1 triumph over Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve, which saw them rebound from the 4-2 reverse against Brighton.
That result left Tottenham fifth in the table, only a point back of fourth and just six points back of leaders Liverpool.
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs expert has tipped one Spurs player to depart after a Fabrizio Romano update.