Tottenham Hotspur will once again face their cup nemesis, Manchester City, in the Carabao Cup tomorrow. Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Ange Postecoglou discussed who could occupy that left-wing position.
Spurs and Man City have history
While it would be going too far to call Spurs and City rivals, there has certainly been a degree of healthy competition between the two teams in recent years.
Guardiola famously was unable to score, let alone win, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until last season, when his team finally broke that curse.
In doing so, City also ended Tottenham’s hopes of putting together a meaningful run in the FA Cup, dumping Ange Postecoglou‘s side out in the fourth round of the competition.
The Blues are also the last team to defeat Spurs in a cup final, securing a 1-0 win in the Carabao Cup final of 2021, shortly after Jose Mourinho’s unceremonious exit from the club.
Things could be a little different this time around, though, with City boss Guardiola already insisting he will field a weakened team as he cannot afford to take the Carabao Cup seriously this season.
Postecoglou comments on Man City strength
Still, Postecoglou will not be expecting an easy ride against City tomorrow. In his press conference today (via Football.London), the Spurs boss hinted at who could fill in at left-wing, with Heung-min Son out for another game.
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He said: “I think Richy has obviously played a lot of his football on the left and he’s definitely an option there for us and an option through the middle as well. He’s getting some good match minutes now so hopefully next couple of weeks we’ve still got a good game schedule.
“Like I said, he’s only just getting his season started so the more we can expose him without overburdening him in the early stages he’ll be able to contribute even more.
Spurs have to take advantage of Man City complacency
A month ago, I suggested Spurs drawing City in the cup was a win-win situation for the Lilywhites — win the game and you’ve knocked out one of the strongest teams, lose and it gives you more time to focus on more important competitions.
Now the game is upon us, I am much more inclined to say Spurs have to win this game. Guardiola’s comments about not taking the game seriously will haunt Postecoglou if he fails to defeat them, and it would be a real shame not to go further in this competition.