Tamworthvs.Spurs

Ange Postecoglou's side visit their National League hosts on the back of a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, although the result was marred by a serious head injury to Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Uruguay international was sent to hospital for further checks after being stretchered off, but Spurs at least issued the reassuring in-game update that he was conscious and communicating as he left the stadium.

While the severity/nature of Bentancur's problem is not yet known, he will be one of eight guaranteed absentees for this battle alongside Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Cristian Romero (thigh), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Ben Davies (hamstring) and Richarlison (hamstring).

Backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster is also uncertain due to illness, but Postecoglou should side with Brandon Austin for the trip to the Lamb Ground, as new signing Antonin Kinsky has surely played his way into a North London derby start with his display against Liverpool.

A lack of alternative defensive options means that Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin should not enjoy any respite in defence, but the time is surely nigh for Sergio Reguilon and Alfie Dorrington to come into the starting side.

Pape Sarr and James Maddison could also form part of a strong midfield trio after serving suspensions in midweek, potentially joining match-winner Lucas Bergvall, who struck the only goal of the game against Liverpool straight after avoiding a possible second yellow card.

If Mikey Moore is fully recovered from the debilitating illness that rendered him unavailable for several weeks, the teenage phenom could start alongside fellow starlet Will Lankshear in attack, where Timo Werner should also go in search of a confidence-boosting goal or two.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Austin; Gray, Dorrington, Dragusin, Reguilon; Maddison, Sarr, Bergvall; Werner, Lankshear, Moore

Written by

Ben Knapton