The Tottenham lineup that should start against Brentford in Carabao Cup semi-final
By Mitch Wilks
Despite a title charge that lasted the best part of three weeks coming to an end in the eyes of many, Tottenham still have a strong chance at winning silverware this season in cup competitions.
Spurs host Brentford in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, where a win is enough to send them to Wembley following a rule change that saw the two-leg system scrapped ahead of this season.
Jose Mourinho is the joint most successful manager in the League Cup having won it on four occasions, and if Spurs are to finally fill their trophy cabinet with anyone in charge, it has to be with him.
With a place in the final up for grabs against one of the Championship's top sides, here's how Spurs should line up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Hugo Lloris (GK) - There's no time for backups in the hunt for a trophy. Lloris started in the quarter-final victory against Stoke and retains his place in the semi-final.
Serge Aurier (RB) - Matt Doherty's red card against Leeds hasn't ruled him out of selection. However, Serge Aurier has been the more dependable option this season and will be needed in an important fixture.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) - Sanchez has been limited to just 14 appearances in all competitions this season, but gets the nod in the Carabao Cup. A solid outing is needed in order to put his Spurs career back on track.
Eric Dier (CB) - Welshman Joe Rodon is cup-tied and therefore unavailable for Spurs in the Carabao Cup, thus Eric Dier keeps his spot at the back.
Ben Davies (LB) - Sergio Reguilon was found to have broken COVID-19 protocol over Christmas and has some brownie points to earn before finding his way back into the starting XI.
2. Midfielders
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (DM) - Hojbjerg dominated proceedings against Leeds and will no doubt become the enforcer yet again versus Brentford.
Moussa Sissoko (DM) - Sissoko came off the bench against Leeds, but will retake his place in the starting XI in the cup having thrived under Mourinho's tutelage.
Dele Alli (AM) - The cup provides a rare chance for Dele to prove his worth for Tottenham, or boost his stock a little further ahead of a potential January exit.
3. Forwards
Lucas Moura (RW) - Moura has struggled to find enough threat in front of goal to keep his name in the headlines this season but remains a solid option, especially in the wake of the injury to Gareth Bale.
Harry Kane (ST) - You don't drop your best players, no matter the competition. Kane has taken it to a different level under Mourinho and bagged against Stoke in the quarter-final; he starts again.
Son Heung-min (LW) - Son has been key to Kane's red-hot form this season. The pair have developed into a lethal strike force and have already managed a combined 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions this season.
