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After another disappointing away performance in the Premier League, the Carabao Cup offers Tottenham a pathway to success.

Tottenham need to overcome big Carabao Cup

Ange Postecoglou’s goal is to coach Tottenham to the level of the best teams in England and of course, win trophies. Spurs have put in some imperious performances against lower and mid-table sides, but have often failed to secure results against the top teams during Ange’s tenure so far, currently leaving them 8th in the Premier League table.

The Carabao Cup, which is Tottenham’s next competitive fixture, still contains many of the best sides and presents itself as an opportunity to take that step.

In addition to their R16 opponents, Manchester City, the cup still contains many of England’s most prominent clubs, including; Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Additionally, there are Newcastle, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Leicester, all of whom Spurs have dropped points to this season.

City at home is a fixture steeped in chaos

Of course, Manchester City presents the greatest challenge. They are still ranked #1 in Uefa’s club coefficients and are capable of dismantling anyone. However, Tottenham have a history of snatching wins against Pep’s side when playing at home.

Manchester City have only managed 2 wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since it opened. Furthermore, only one other side who Pep Guardiola has managed against more than 5 times (Liverpool), has managed to take more points from Manchester City on average.

Although, within that, Tottenham have failed to win against Manchester City in their last three attempts. The psychological hold, Tottenham previously possessed over Pep Guardiola, may no longer be an advantage Spurs can exploit.

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So far this season, Manchester City have a steadily growing injury crisis, missing some of their most influential players and are looking more vulnerable to threats in transition. Tottenham have struggled to maintain consistent form, but have generated more goals from counterattacks than any other side and hope to have a full-strength line-up available with the potential returns of Son Heung-min and Wilson Odobert.

It is a game which has the potential to go in any direction. With both sides looking at a hectic schedule of tough Premier League matches and European away games ahead of them, it is a match-up which could be decided by whoever gives the game a greater priority.

If Spurs can get past City, the sky is the limit

It is foolish to dismiss the challenge Manchester City present, however, if Tottenham were to manage this heroic Carabao Cup feat, there is no telling how far they could go.

In spite of the wealth of imposing clubs still in the competition, Tottenham would only have to bypass another two of them to reach the final. As is the case with all competitions, you can only play who you are drawn against, so the difficulty of your cup run is the luck of the draw.

Tottenham should not shy away against difficult cup ties. They will never reach the standard of the strongest clubs if they do not test themselves against the best opponents. Each of the teams still in the Carabao have recently inflicted wounds against Tottenham and the Spurs’ players should relish the chance for vengeance in a knockout system.

Both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, two of the Premier League’s most successful managers used the League Cup as an opportunity to instil a trophy-winning mentality amongst their teams. This could be Postecoglou’s opportunity to set Tottenham on his projected path to glory.

Tottenham Hotspur have a tricky task on their hands as they take on Man City on Wednesday night, but Spurs will be fancying their chances as Pep Guardiola insists the cup matters less than other competitions.

Pep Guardiola on Man City vs Spurs

Supporters were not best pleased when Spurs drew Pep Guardiola and Man City in the Carabao Cup, after only edging past Coventry City in the previous round thanks to late goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson.

The Citizens caused misery for Spurs last season, defeating them twice at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in both the league and the FA Cup, ending their record of having never scored a goal at the ground.

But Tottenham’s chances of making it to the quarter-final looked to have increased when Pep Guardiola revealed that the League Cup is not a priority for his side, and that he will not waste energy on the competition, meaning he could field a second time (MEN).

Pep Guardiola’s latest comments on Spurs match

Guardiola has since revealed that first-team players may be involved in City’s squad if they are not injury doubts, but he has doubled down on his stance that the Carabao Cup is not his side’s main focus.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after his side’s 1-0 win against Southampton, he said:

“I would love to have everyone [fit], it’s not the position we’re in, we are few people and we’re going to do what we have to do.

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“I’m going to think about Spurs, maybe some players from the Academy. We will see tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, we have four days not three.

“Of course, we will go there to compete but the main target is Bournemouth, Sporting and Brighton before the international break, this is the focus.

“We will take a decision and if the players are fine we will play them against Spurs but if there are any doubts I’m not going to take a risk against Spurs, that’s for sure.”

Man City injury problems mean more youngsters will play

Manchester City have been plagued by injuries this season, which has included Rodri being ruled out for the rest of the season. Key players such as Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku are all likely to miss the midweek clash, while it remains unknown when Kevin De Bruyne will return from the sidelines (Standard).

With a busy fixture list coming up for City, Guardiola will look to his sides’ academy players, many of whom represented the first team on their pre-season tour in the United States, when the champions of England faced European heavyweights Barcelona, AC Milan, Chelsea and Celtic (Man City).

Midfielders Nico O’Reilly and James McAtee have both played in the Carabao Cup this season, in City’s 2-1 win over Watford in the previous round, and are likely to feature in the starting lineup. McAtee will be relishing the challenge, having scored on Europe’s biggest stage as Man City thrashed Slovan Bratislava at the start of the month.

While City’s starting XI will probably still have plenty of first-team players, there could be a host of youngsters in the squad, likely including Jacob Wright and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, who both have a number of goals and assists in Premier League 2 this season and impressive young centre-backs, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Kaden Braithwaite, may also make the squad.

Man City predicted starting XI vs Spurs

GK Stefan Ortega

RB Rico Lewis

CB John Stones

CB Manuel Akanji

LB Nathan Ake

CM Nico O’Reilly

CM Ilkay Gundogan

RW Savinho

CAM James McAtee

LW Matheus Nunes

Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, aiming for a crucial comeback after their recent Premier League setback against Crystal Palace.

Who will start for Tottenham?

Ahead of the Manchester City game, we expect Ange Postecoglou to make calculated changes. Starting in goal, Guglielmo Vicario looks set to retain his spot despite Fraser Forster’s recent strong performance in the Europa League against AZ.

In defence, Pedro Porro who had a difficult outing against Palace, is likely to take up the right-back position. Meanwhile, Archie Gray may return to the eleven and could feature as the left-back, with Radu Dragusin and Romero expected to form the central defensive pairing.

The midfield trio will likely consist of Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Dejan Kulusevski, with Bentancur’s recent form offering crucial composure, while Kulusevski will look to spark creativity, with his range of passing in the middle of the park.

At the tip of the attack, Richarlison should start as the main striker, supported by Brennan Johnson and Werner on the wings. Richarlison’s pace and physicality could prove instrumental, especially as City’s high line offers chances for counters.

In the absence of Son Heung-min, who remains Tottenham’s most versatile forward, this selection suggests Postecoglou will seek a balanced approach, focusing on pressing City’s midfield while ensuring quick recovery in transitions.

We will have to hear from Postecoglou whether Son is fit enough to start the match in his press conference today, but a report from Tottenham this week suggested it was touch and go.

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Due to his devastating record against the Citizens, Spurs fans will certainly be hoping to see the South Korean starting on the left wing, but Postecoglou may proceed with caution.

Predicted Tottenham XI vs Manchester City

Who do you think will start for Tottenham against Man City?

One of Tottenham’s star performers this season has unfortunately made it into the worst Premier League eleven of the week.

Spurs star has come into his own

Most people would agree that Dejan Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s best player so far this season, with the Swede becoming the Lilywhites’ main creative outlet since being moved into the attacking midfield role.

Such has been the 24-year-old’s rise that in a matter of months, he has gone from a slight misfit in Tottneham’s system to one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s teamsheet.

Outing to forget for Dejan Kulusevski

However, on Sunday, Kulusevski failed to live up to the high standards he has set for himself this season, struggling to impose himself on the game against Crystal Palace.

He was one of several Spurs stars who had off days as Ange Postecoglou’s men struggled to break down a well-organised Eagles side.

Football365 have come up with the worst eleven of the week, based on the players who had the worst rating on Whoscored, and the Swede, unfortunately, makes it into the side.

The outlet wrote about Kulusevski: “His one shot-creating action against Crystal Palace was a pass for James Maddison to shoot from 33 yards for 0.02 xG. Both players were taken off in a triple substitution about seven minutes later so Ange Postecoglou obviously didn’t think much of it.”

Tottenham’s creative struggles against Palace

Spurs have not had any issues when it comes to creating chances so far this season, but the game at Selhurst Park was an exception, with the away side struggling to play through the Palace low-block.

That was undoubtedly down to the fact that both Maddison and Kulusevski had off days, with neither player managing to really take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Ange Postecoglou’s comments about Heung-min Son’s fitness offer Tottenham fans some hope that the forward could play a part in the Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City.

Huge clash coming up for Spurs

The Carabao Cup undoubtedly represents Tottenham’s best chance of ending their 16-year trophy drought this season as the Lilywhites are now potentially just three games away from a Wembley final.

However, they would first need to get past the Man City juggernaut, who will roll into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Wednesday.

For Spurs to have their best chance of overcoming the Premier League champions, they will need Heung-min Son back, and Tottenham fans will be sweating on their captain’s fitness ahead of the game.

What Ange Postecoglou has said about Heung-min Son’s fitness

Son has missed Tottenham’s last two games against Alkmaar and Crystal Palace, with Postecoglou confirming ahead of the club’s trip to Selhurst Park that the 32-year-old is expected to be back in action this week.

He said prior to kick-off on Sunday (via the club’s official website) about the forward: “It’s not really a hamstring injury, but he was out for a while and wasn’t feeling right after the last game, so we’re just being conservative with him. All things being well, he should be all right for next week.”

Postecoglou was asked again about the South Korean after the full-time whistle, and he responded: “He seems to be progressing well so, hopefully, he’ll be available for one of the games (against Man City and Aston Villa).”

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Will Spurs take a risk with Son?

One can argue that the Carabao Cup clash against Man City is just as important (if not more) than the six-pointer against Aston Villa on the weekend.

Even if Heung-min Son is lacking some fitness, one would expect him to be named on the bench for Wednesday’s game so that Postecoglou has the option of calling on his captain if he needs him.

Apart from his qualities as a forward, the South Korean’s inclusion will hand a psychological boost to Tottenham, particularly given his impressive record against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on a player who is considered the best young talent in Serbian football but they are not the only club who have made advances.

Spurs eyeing move for teenage attacker

Tottenham have secured some of the best young players in world football over the last 18 months and it looks like they are now plotting a move for another highly-rated youngster.

According to TBR Football, the Lilywhites are now eying a move for Red Star Belgrade starlet Andrija Maksimovic, who has been extremely impressive since breaking into the club’s starting eleven.

The 17-year-old has already been capped twice by the Serbian national team and it seems like a bidding war might soon ensue for the youngster.

Tottenham could face plenty of competition

TBR Football say that not only Spurs, but also Newcastle United and Chelsea have taken a ‘keen interest’ in Maksimovic, who is considered by many to be one of the top young prospects in world football.

Apart from those three sides, a host of other Premier League clubs have also allegedly checked in on the attacking midfielder, while Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Marseille, and Juventus are also keeping tabs on him.

The publication adds that even if any of these clubs were to strike a deal for the Red Star Belgrade youngster, he would not be able to leave Serbia until next summer when he turns 18.

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Andrija Maksimovic’s playing style

Maskmivoic is a number ten by trade but he can operate deeper as an eight or even on the right flank.

In a scouting article, Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig likened him to Colombia icon James Rodriguez for his creative ability and his natural talent to find space between the lines.

He described the silky left-footer as someone who is ‘extremely elegant’ on the ball and possesses ‘a truly futsal-esque technique’ and a ‘very high football IQ’

Paul Robinson reveals what he has heard about Tottenham’s resolute plan amidst interest from a Premier League rival in one of their key players.

Tottenham star now a wanted man

Pedro Porro has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers of the Ange Postecoglou era and he has arguably been the best right-back on show in the Premier League so far this season.

The defender’s performances have reportedly caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the January transfer window.

Over the last two weeks, both Real Madrid (The Athletic) and Manchester City (Football Insider) have been credited with an interest in the Spain international.

Tottenham fighting to keep Pedro Porro

However, it has been suggested by some sources that Spurs are desperate to keep the 25-year-old at the club and are even preparing to offer him a new contract in the hope of tying him down (TBR Football).

That is exactly what Robinson has heard, with the former Spurs number one claiming that the right-back is the sort of player the Lilywhites need to hold on to if they harbour hopes of challenging for the biggest trophies.

When asked about Man City’s rumoured interest in Porro, the pundit told Football Insider: “[I] Wouldn’t like to see it from a Tottenham point of view. He’s certainly one that is on the radar for Manchester City.

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“From Tottenham’s point of view, they are fighting tooth and nail to keep him. If they want to be competing in those Champions League places, you need players like that and you certainly don’t need to be selling, I’m going to say, to ‘rivals’.

“Now Tottenham aren’t really title contenders are they? So they’re not really a direct rival, but actually, a player like Poro would fit into that Manchester City team.”

“When he plays in that hybrid role, he’s a player who often finds himself isolated up the pitch, high up the pitch, but his quality lies in the final third with his delivery, with his visions, with his passes.

“And he’s got great delivery as well and he’s not afraid to shoot. He’s definitely a player that you could see working in that Pep Guardiola system, as much as that pains me to say it.”

Tottenham well protected

Porro is contracted to Spurs until the summer of 2028, which is why the North London club would not be losing sleep over the transfer interest.

There is no doubt that Daniel Levy would price Manchester City and Real Madrid out of a deal if they make a move in January or next summer.

Beyond that, the club’s chances of tying down the Spaniard for the long-term depend on whether there are genuine signs of progress.

Tottenham Hotspur may struggle to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Vitor Reis, who has made up his mind on the kind of club he wants to move to, according to his agent.

Tottenham eyeing Brazilian starlet

Spurs are reportedly keen on reinforcing their options at the back in January and one player who is thought to be on their radar is Vitor Reis, who has impressed since breaking into Palmeiras’ starting eleven.

It seems like only a matter of time before the 18-year-old makes the switch to Europe and it was reported by TBR Football earlier this month that Tottenham were considering a move for him.

The report asserted that the teenager is ready to leave his boyhood club at the turn of the year but it would take the right kind of offer to persuade Palmeiras who are not in a hurry to cash in on him.

Agent’s comments come as a blow to Spurs

Agent Claudio Fiorito, CEO of P&P Sport Management Brasil, which is the agency that represents Reis, has now made an admission about the defender’s future, which comes as a blow to Tottenham’s chances of signing him.

Fiorito explained that the centre-back is ready to make the jump to Europe but has his heart set on moving to a club which can offer him Champions League football.

When asked about Reis’ future, the agent told CNN Brazil: “We try to work on this in a very natural way, also because of the athlete’s anxiety, so that it doesn’t interfere with his day-to-day life. So that he can always stay focused.

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“Vitor has a dream of playing in the Champions League and we will work to make this happen somehow. I think he has already planted this [idea in his head] in the last few years, and the results are starting to appear.”

Do Arsenal have an advantage in the transfer race?

TBR Football had previously revealed that Spurs are not the only Premier League side after Reis, with London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea also thought to be on his trail.

If the centre-back does decide to leave Palmeiras in January, that would give the Gunners an advantage as they can offer the youngster Champions League football this season.

However, Spurs can perhaps convince the teenager that he can play in Europe’s premier club tournament next season if they are in and around the Champions League places by January.

Strong performances from Tottenham squad players in the Europa League is creating a pool of individuals eager for more minutes. However, one in particular is being advised to remain patient at this stage.

Players eager to prove themselves

The ideology behind Tottenham’s squad building has provided Ange Postecoglou with a collection of experienced senior players, supported by a number of Europe’s most sought-after young players.

The scouting department and Ange Postecoglou worked hard to identify potential signings like Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert, who could contribute to the squad now and in the future.

This balance gives Postecoglou the profiles he deems essential for a squad in his image as well as a fleet of individuals desperate for the opportunity to prove themselves in senior men’s football.

While still involved in multiple competitions, these young players will certainly earn themselves chances to demonstrate their value, but there will inevitably be rumours of frustration along the way.

However, many watching from the outside plead patience and say that these players are currently in the right place. This has been suggested in particular for one of Tottenham’s brightest prospects.

Big career steps take time

Olof Lundh, who is Fotbollskanalen’s Premier League specialist, has been speaking about the development of Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall. In regard to Bergvall’s place at Tottenham, he said (FotballSkonalen via Sport Witness): “He must be patient. Everything is pointing in the right direction.

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“It is so unusual for players to go from Allsvenskan to the Premier League and take a place. If you are so young, even if he has taken huge steps, and hasn’t played very many at the highest level even in Sweden – then you have to have a little patience.

“Otherwise, the gap between the Premier League and Allsvenskan is huge. And if you are his age, you get to see all the minutes in the first season as a bonus. Everything still points in the right direction.”

Although Bergvall has already managed to make multiple appearances this season, gaining significant minutes and showing he is clearly a part of Postecoglou’s plans, Lundh suggests there could still be plenty to come.

“I don’t think I would have pressed for a loan already until this spring. Tottenham play a lot of games, and it could open up with an injury or similar.”

This will all be a part of Tottenham’s plan

When Bergvall joined Tottenham, there were reports that he was convinced by the quality of Tottenham’s presentation, knowing his strengths and weaknesses and a plan on how to help him develop. This was followed in August with further reports that Bergvall’s impressive preseason had altered Spurs’ transfer plans as they believe he is ready to contribute.

While there is still some adjustment required for Bergvall to match the pace of the Premier League, playing with the Tottenham squad feels like the best place to achieve that growth. Under the guidance of the Tottenham coaching staff and compatriot, Dejan Kulusevski, Bergvall is likely to develop best in an environment focused on nurturing him.

Already well ahead of schedule in terms of his development, Lundh’s analysis is correct that Bergvall is moving in the right direction and that patience on his part is likely to reap significant rewards.

Tottenham Hotspur have now faced defeat in their pursuit of a 17-year-old forward, who is seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe by many in the game.

Tottenham’s policy of buying emerging talent

While Spurs signed a lot of experienced, readymade players under Antonio Conte, their transfer policy has changed completely since Ange Postecoglou arrived through the door, with the Lilywhites now preferring to sign young, up-and-coming players.

The likes of Alejo Veliz, Luka Vuskovic, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert have all been signed by the North London club under the Australian’s watch.

It turns out that Spurs also had their sights on exciting Georgian teenager Vakhtang Salia, but they have been beaten to his signature by a fellow Premier League side.

Spurs unable to seal the deal

This claim is being carried by HITC, who say that Tottenham are one of many big clubs around Europe who had expressed an interest in Salia, whose performances for Dinamo Tbilisi have impressed many scouts across the game.

However, it is Newcastle United who have reportedly been successful in agreeing a deal with the 17-year-old forward, who can play upfront, on the left or as a number ten.

The Magpies are thought to have reached a full agreement with the forward’s camp as well as Dinamo Tbilisi regarding a switch to St James’ Park.

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One that got away for Spurs?

Salia is considered to be a potential future star by many talent spotters, with the forward being likened to Georgian star Kvicha Kvaratskhelia for his direct and enterprising style.

HITC reveal that apart from Spurs and Newcastle, the youngster was also on the radars of Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.

The signing thus looks like a real coup for Newcastle and a big missed opportunity for Spurs.