The Tottenham Hotspur lineup that should start against Marine
By Max Parsons
Jose Mourinho takes his Tottenham Hotspur side to Northern Premier League side Marine on Sunday evening, in one of the more anticipated FA Cup ties on third round weekend.
The hosts will be inspired by the prospect of a giant killing and the fact that they've won their last two games. However, they haven't played since Boxing Day as their league season has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. At least they're rested?
Meanwhile, Spurs go into the tie having also won their last two, including an EFL Cup semi-final victory over Brentford in midweek to reach Wembley. Mourinho isn't expected to let up in the cup competitions though, and will field a strong(ish) side against Marine.
Here's how they should line up.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Joe Hart (GK) - The former England number one is Mourinho's second choice at Tottenham, and has been the preferred option in the Europa League this year.
Matt Doherty (RB) - The Irishman is back from suspension, having been sent off against Leeds earlier in the month. He's expected to come in for Serge Aurier on the right of the back line.
Joe Rodon (CB) - The 23-year old has enjoyed a pleasant start to life at Spurs, but has not featured since coming on against Arsenal in early December. He'll be looking forward to the minutes against Marine.
Japhet Tanganga (CB) - The defender has struggled with injury this campaign, but came onto the pitch late on against Brentford, and will likely get a start on Sunday.
Ben Davies (LB) - The Welshman has started the last two games for Spurs, and will look to build upon an impressive four assists so far this season.
2. Midfielders
Harry Winks (CM) - Despite speculation, Winks looks likely to start in the centre of the pitch as Moussa Sissoko could be rested after an impressive showing in midweek.
Harvey White (CM) - Mourinho has promised a couple of debuts against Marine, making Harvey White a likely partner to Winks in midfield. The 19-year old has ten goal contributions in 11 games in the Premier League 2 this season - one to watch for sure.
Dele Alli (AM) - The Englishman has been out of favour this season, making just 11 appearances in total. He could be in line for a start in the FA Cup tie, however, and could dominate the non-league defence in front of him.
3. Forwards
Gareth Bale (RW) - He hasn't hit the heights Spurs fans had hoped so far but, boy, the Marine back line could be in for a rough time if the Welshman starts on Sunday. He's told his boss he wants to play, so expect him in the front three if fitness allows.
Vinicius (ST) - The Brazilian has come on in the late stages of both the last two matches and is likely to start this one, with the hope of building on six goal contributions in ten Spurs appearances so far.
Lucas Moura (LW) - The winger came off with 20 to go against Brentford and looks set to start again for Spurs. He's played 25 times this campaign, notching five goals and two assists in total - a real chance to improve that tally against Marine.