Tottenham will host Burnley in 3rd round of English FA Cup. This competition has a long tradition and like my neighbor noticed there is no place where people love domestic cup like England. Tottenham was once in early 90ies club with the most FA Cup trophies won. We got eight of them. Last was won in 1990/1991 season during Paul Gascoigne time. Since than a lot of other clubs collected more than that including local rivals Arsenal.
Fans talk a lot about ownership which prioritize top 4 place over FA and League Cup. There is infamous example when coach Jose Mourinho was sacked few days before League Cup final against Manchester City because owner didn't like fact that coach wanted to rest some players in league game so they can enter fresh in cup final. If you ask any fan he'd like FA Cup more than top 4 spot, but I don't see why both things should not be reached. In last couple of seasons we were eliminated by clubs like Miidlesboro, Norwich and similar. It happen after performances during which I couldn't recognize Spurs players. They act on the pitch like someone forbid them to play or threaten he will torn their contracts a part if they go to next stage. I hope this will not be the case this time.
Opponent Burnley is better than they were in the beginning of the season when we won them 5:2 away. They are not so naive in defense any more and we have plenty of injured or players who went on African or Asian Cup. Son, Bissouma, Sarr will be all absent until February. Good news is fact that Van de Ven is back in full training and available. Madders and Romero could be ready after Man United game. Manor Solomon is also on the verge of recovery. Bentancur is already in squad.
Burnley was brutally robbed in game against Aston Villa which they lost 3:2 thanks to late penalty which was more dive than foul, but referee pointed to the spot. There was also red card during that game. We must not underestimate them!
Tottenham is better squad, there is no doubt about that, but only if we play seriously this game. Attack of Johnson, Richarlison and Kulusevski will probably go on the pitch with Lo Celso, Skipp and Hojbjerg in the midfield while Udogie, Davies or Van de Ven, Royal and Porro in defense and Vicario on goal. Gil, Donley and Phillips will wait their chance from the bench. Lo Celso was very good against Bournemouth and I hope he can show us some consistency in his performances.
One big 7 club will be surely out in this round because Liverpool will play Arsenal. Let's ensure Tottenham not join them in Cup exit! It is important to give everything in Cup game, to play on top of your ability because in cup you can't make things right in next game. There is only one and if you play bad you are out. In league you can play bad one game and take points in next, but in Cup you must be on top of your ability and skill in every game. I hope Ange will go out with the strongest team. If that happens I expect 3:1 victory for Tottenham.
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