On Thursday evening, we saw Tottenham Hotspur progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, with a 4-3 win at home to Manchester United. It was a game with plenty of drama, as Spurs very nearly surrendered what seemed to be a comfortable 3-0 lead. Certainly a game that neither goalkeeper will look back fondly on.
Due to the results on Wednesday night, where all three favourites progressed, Ange’s side were pretty much guaranteed a tough tie over two legs, and that is exactly what they have been given – as they face defending champions – Liverpool.
Not only that, but the second leg will be played at Anfield, on a weeknight, under the lights. As if the draw was not tough enough already. Furthermore, key midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison will be suspended for the first leg, as a result of the yellow cards they picked up in the win over United.
To make matters worse, had they drawn Newcastle United, a very good team but the most favourable side left, that would have been somewhat evened out – as Bruno Guimares and Fabian Schar are also suspended for the first leg of the semi finals. The idea of a North London derby final is pretty petrifying.
We saw Liverpool heavily rotate their side during their quarter final win over Southampton, as the likes of Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch were given the night off. However, Arne Slot has spoken about wanting to compete in all four competitions. That combined with Spurs being a harder tie, and one closer to the final, we can probably expect to see much less rotation.
Although the dates are still unconfirmed, the first leg is set to take place during the week commencing the 6th of January, and the second leg the week commencing the third of February.
The first leg will take place between the Premier League game at home to Newcastle United, and the FA Cup game away to Tamworth. With the game against Newcastle being a half 12 Saturday kick off, and the lowly nature of their third round hosts – this is handy for Spurs. They will have at least three and a bit days rest after their Premier League clash, and can go all out with their side, knowing they can rotate in the FA Cup.
The second leg will be played after an away game against Brentford, and before the FA Cup fourth round (well, god willing). We will get a taster of what to expect this Sunday, as Spurs host Liverpool in the Premier League. Although Ange’s side go into that game with one less day rest, and much less rotation in midweek.
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