Yang Min-hyeok and two others to make debuts – Tottenham predicted XI v Tamworth
Ange Postecoglou could hand Yang Min-hyeok his Tottenham debut when they face Tamworth in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Spurs’ squad have been stretched thin due to injuries in recent weeks and the trip to the National League side in the third round of the cup on 12 January offers Postecoglou to give his best players a much-needed rest.
The Greek-Australian manager could, therefore, make 10 changes to the team that beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tie on Wednesday (8 January), with Yang, Maeson King and Callum Olusesi potentially in line for their debuts.
Alfie Dorrington could be handed his first start for the North London giants, while Sergio Reguilon, James Maddison and Timo Werner may inject some experience into the lineup.
Djed Spence may be the only player to keep his place in the XI.
Sergio Reguilon to be handed rare chance in Tamworth v Tottenham
There is a strong case to be made for Antonin Kinsky after his impressive debut against Liverpool. The 21-year-old made six saves and completed 32 of his 35 passes (FotMob). Postecoglou may not have thrown the goalkeeper straight into the lineup only two days after signing him had it not been such a big game.
Therefore, Brandon Austin could go back in goal on Sunday. It would not be a surprise if Dorrington and King start as the centre-back pairing ahead of him. The former made his Spurs debut in the 5-0 win against Southampton on 15 December, making three recoveries.
Postecoglou could be forced to name Spence in the starting lineup due to lack of options, while Reguilon might be given a rare opportunity to impress at left-back.
The Spaniard is evidently not in the manager’s plans for the future, but has come back into the fray amid the mounting injuries in the squad, making substitute appearances in their last two Premier League games.
He played the second half of the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday, 4 January and registered 55 touches of the ball, including two in the opposition half. The full-back completed 28 of his 35 passes with 80 per cent accuracy.
Reguilon was heavily involved in the game, winning seven of his nine ground duels (78 per cent) and three of his five attempts in the air. He registered seven defensive actions, including three recoveries and two interceptions, while also winning each of his three tackles.
James Maddison to wear captain’s armband
Meanwhile, Olusesi could finally make his debut for Tottenham after appearing on the bench 13 times across all competitions this season. He may then be supported by Maddison, who is likely to captain the side on the afternoon.
Mikey Moore returned to the squad against Liverpool on Wednesday and could start in an advanced midfield position against Tamworth.
Starting Will Lankshear would allow Postecoglou to rest Dominic Solanko, who provided the assist for Lucas Bergvall’s winner against the Reds. New arrival Yang appeared on the bench on Wednesday and might make his bow at The Lamb Ground.
It would not be a surprise if Werner returned to the starting lineup despite his ineffective performance in the 2-1 loss against Newcastle. He had only 21 touches of the ball despite being on the pitch for 62 minutes that day, failing to register a single shot.
In other Tottenham news, Liverpool are in chaos after their EFL Cup defeat at Spurs.
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