Tottenham will look to bounce back and avoid losing three games in a row, as a visit to Coventry City could provide them with a much-needed victory.
Coventry City will face Premier League opposition in Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to gain access to the next round of the League Cup. Mark Robins’s side arrested their slump from their defeat to Norwich City prior to the international break but made amends with a point against Watford after the break.
Robins’s men have not had the best of starts this season in the EFL Championship, as they languish in 14th place. Should they continue on their inconsistent trajectory, they will again fall short of making it to the play-off spots, which will be Coventry’s realistic target this season.
However, they are hoping to have a decent cup run in the League Cup, having already beaten Bristol City and Oxford United. However, Robins’s side are now facing the prospect of a big clash with Tottenham at home, as the manager will hope to recreate the performance that saw them earn plaudits as they came close to beating Manchester United the last time they played a top-flight side in last season’s FA Cup semi-final.
Ange Postecoglou has come under tremendous pressure to stabilise Tottenham’s season after a morale-sapping loss to bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday. The defeat marked their third successive loss at home to their North London rivals, while also their second on the trot in the Premier League this season.
Tottenham are currently experiencing their worst start to a season, which is in total contrast to their performances this time last season. Postecoglou’s post-match comments have also been highlighted as the Australian claimed that he ‘always’ wins a trophy in his second season at any given side.
Whether they take those words with a pinch of salt or as a source of optimism will be decided once Spurs play Coventry. In truth, the team have looked weak ahgainst more vigorous opposition, meaning the League Cup might open up a big chance for Tottenham to end their long-standing and well-documented trophy drought.
Team News & Tactics
Coventry City
The big ongoing issue for Coventry City is the absence of midfielder Ben Sheaf, as they struggled for relevance without the midfielder when playing Watford the last time out.
There is also a fresh injury concern, as Joel Latibeaudiere was forced off with a knock, which does leave him a doubt to face Spurs. Japanese winger Tatsuhiro Sakamoto will miss out as well as he is out until at least October with an ankle issue.
Jamie Allen and Josh Eccles should take up the central midfield berths for Coventry, with Kasey Palmer the choice to play in the No.10 role. Manager Mark Robins will continue to rely on the goalscoring prowess of Ellis Simms, as the former Everton man will lead the line with the support of Ephron Mason-Clark and Haji Wright, attacking through the wide areas.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Wilson; Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching, Dasilva; Allen, Eccles; Mason-Clark, Palmer, Wright; Simms
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly use this game to bring some players up to speed and give minutes to fringe stars. This clash is also a chance to rest up some of his regular starters in the Premier League, including club captain Heung-min Son and many other vital stars.
Postecoglou could also hand starts to promising young stars like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, with the pair likely to form a midfield partnership alongside Pape Matar Sarr. Fringe attackers Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner are also expected to play, with star striker Dominic Solanke set to lead the line despite his full game against Arsenal at the weekend.
Postecoglou could continue to rely on Micky van de Ven at the back, although Cristian Romero could be rested as Radu Dragusin will start. Similarly, Fraser Forster is in line for his first start this season, while Djed Spence could get a spot at left-back.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Sarr; Odobert, Bergwall, Werner; Solanke
Key Stats
Tottenham have kept a clean sheet in their last four matches against Coventry in all competitions.
Tottenham have won six of their last seven matches against Coventry in all competitions.
Tottenham have suffered defeats in their last 2 games.
Coventry City were eliminated from the first round of last season’s League Cup.
Player to Watch
Dominic Solanke
Embed from Getty Images
After a lacklustre performance from Tottenham against Arsenal despite dominating the possession and chances, there were some questions asked of their attacking stars. One player, who still has some credit in the bank following an injury-led start to life at his new club, Dominic Solanke, will have to make a case for himself in these games against lower-league opposition.
He will be eager to get up to speed with his fitness and know Ange Postecoglou’s system better, which does make his case to start against Coventry. Solanke will want to get off the mark for Spurs as soon as possible, as the fans will want to see him score plenty in the season ahead, and this game is a big chance for the striker to shine.
Prediction
Coventry City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Coventry did have a brilliant game the last time they faced a top-flight team, as they came back from three goals down to hold Manchester United to a draw in last season’s FA Cup semi-finals. However, they have regreesed in the period since, as they are not expected to come out on top against Tottenham.
Spurs are desperate to arrest their recent slump, as Ange Postecoglou will target a win against Coventry in the League Cup. From a personal point of view, the Australian manager will likely remain serious in this competition, as it does represent a big chance to end Spurs’ trophy drought. Hence, when Tottenham travel to Coventry, they are expected to get past their hosts and into the next round of the competition.