Antonin Kinsky is set to grace the pitch for his second Tottenham Hotspur appearance this Sunday in the FA Cup’s third round, where Spurs will take on Tamworth. Having made an impressive debut in Spurs’ Carabao Cup triumph against Liverpool on Wednesday, the Czech keeper aims to make it a perfect two victories in two as his new team faces a National League challenge.
While Tottenham are heavily favored to progress to the fourth round, Kinsky’s trip to The Lamb Ground won’t lack challenges, particularly with long-throw specialist Tom Tonks in the Tamworth lineup. The Staffordshire side has already shown their propensity to upset the odds in this year’s competition, and Spurs will have to be on their toes against Andy Peaks’ determined squad.
Brandon Austin, who dazzled in goal during Tottenham’s home tie against Newcastle United last weekend, might have hoped for another start. However, he will be settling into a spot on the bench this Sunday. Ange Postecoglou addressed the media on Friday and provided insights on his decision to once again start Kinsky.
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“I don’t see the need to disclose my team here, but Toni will definitely start,” the Australian manager stated. “Toni hasn’t played competitively since December, so this match presents an excellent opportunity for him to regain his match fitness.”
Postecoglou continued: “He’ll benefit from the playing time. Having last played on December 15/16, it’s crucial for him to find his rhythm again, and this match is perfect for that.”
Pity poor Austin, whose man-of-the-match performance against Newcastle coincided with Kinsky’s arrival, pushing him down the pecking order immediately. With competition set to tighten further once Guglielmo Vicario returns, Austin’s opportunities may dwindle.
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Kinsky was poised for a crucial appearance at Tamworth, yet it seems his ongoing match fitness will take precedence as he secures further game time. With Vicario not anticipated to come back until late February, Kinsky has a golden chance to stake his claim for the No.1 shirt during Vicario’s rehabilitation from an ankle injury suffered last November.
Yet, the 21-year-old’s involvement will be somewhat curtailed as he misses out on two vital Europa League ties this month. UEFA regulations prevent clubs from altering their 25-man squad until the league stage concludes.
Despite Kinsky’s prior Europa League experience this season with Slavia Prague, he can still be one of three new faces for Tottenham’s knockout phase, provided they navigate successfully through to the next round. This scenario leaves Kinsky sidelined for clashes against Hoffenheim and Elfsborg, thus providing an opening for Austin to return to action.
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Postecoglou has Fraser Forster to consider as well, but Austin will be hopeful that his Newcastle performance has put him back in contention for a second Tottenham start. Yet again, it will be a waiting game for the experienced goalkeeping option.
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