Tottenham XI vs Coventry: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Carabao Cup

There will probably be an unusual degree of scrutiny on Ange Postecoglou's XI for Tottenham 's Carabao Cup third-round tie at Coventry on Wednesday.

A meeting with a Championship club -- even one with Coventry's class -- would typically be regarded as a good opportunity to rotate the squad but Postecoglou is under pressure to name a strong side.

Spurs fans are desperate to win a first trophy since 2008 and the club's disappointing showings in the domestic cups last season was one of the major frustrations of a largely encouraging first year under the Australian.

Postecoglou's decision to heavy rotate his squad for the EFL Cup tie at Fulham in August, which Spurs lost on penalties, felt like one of the only missteps in his brilliant start in north London, and there would be enormous frustration -- and no little anger -- from supporters if they crashed out with a weakened team on Wednesday night.

Postecoglou, though, is naturally conscious of his side's gruelling schedule as they begin a run of seven games in 21 days, including the start of the revamped Europa League, and the need to protect certain players and give opportunities to others.

The manager has already made clear that he needs to be cautious with first-choice defence of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie, suggesting he could make changes at the back. But rotating all four defenders would surely be a risk, particularly given Spurs' lack of cover defensively.

Radu Dragusin, who has proved a capable understudy at centre-half, will likely come in, while Djed Spence -- who has been left out of the Europa League squad -- could be given his first competitive Spurs start.

Ben Davies is the obvious starter at left-back, but Micky van de Ven could keep his place, as he did at Fulham last season.

Summer signings Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, both 18, would be exciting picks (Gray can play in midfield or at right back), giving them a chance to stake a claim to start in the Premier League, while Wilson Odobert -- another teenage summer signing -- and Pape Sarr could return to the XI.

"They're ready to play and we're keen to get them some game time," Postecoglou said when asked about teenagers Gray, Bergvall and Mikey Moore.

"That's why we brought them to the club.

"Wilson who hasn't played much so far, Pape and a lot of these guys, we're keen to get them playing because we're going to need them."

James Maddison will be desperate to feature against his former club, while Rodrigo Bentancur may keep his place in midfield, particularly with Yves Bissouma (groin) still sidelined and the Uruguayan facing a possible suspension in future .

In the front line, Timo Werner needs minutes, and Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke could both do with a goal to kick-start their season.

Can Postecoglou afford to rest captain and talisman Heung-min Son?

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Postecoglou ultimately must strike a balance between rotating his squad and ensuring he does not fall into the trap of so many of his predecessors by playing an unfamiliar and undercooked team, and crashing out of a cup complacently against lower-league opposition.

"The main thing is that we want to win tomorrow night and so you are looking at which players are in the best position to do that," Postecoglou said.

"You do take into account there was a game a couple of days ago so we are looking at how the guys to see how they’ve recovered. We’ve got guys who haven’t played much and are looking contribute and get the job and that’s what we will do tomorrow?"

Tottenham predicted XI (4-3-3) : Vicario; Spence, Dragusin, van de Ven, Davies; Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Werner, Solanke, Odobert

Injured : Bissouma, Richarlison

Time and date : 8pm BST on Wednesday 18 September, 2024

Venue : Coventry Building Society Arena

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