Match Threads Spurs vs Brentford - Match Thread - EFL Cup Semifinal

[Bulletspur]

SPURS 2-0 BRENTFORD
Sissoko, Son​

Spurs: Lloris (C), Aurier, Sanchez, Dier, Reguilon (Davies), Hojbjerg (Tanganga), Sissoko, Ndombele, Lucas (Winks), Son (Vinicius), Kane.
Subs: Hart, Alderweireld, White, Dele, Bergwijn.

Brentford: & Subs Dasilva (red card)

Official Site Match Centre
Five changes from the weekend's win over Leeds - Aurier, Sanchez, Reguilon, Sissoko and Lucas come in for Doherty (suspended), Alderweireld, Davies, Winks and Bergwijn.

TEAM FORM: - Spurs - LLWDW ------Brentford - DWWWW --------(All Competitons)

We and Brentford square off in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night as we both look to move a step closer to claiming the first silverware of 2020-21. While we returned to the top four in the Premier League table on Saturday with victory over Leeds United, the Bees hold fourth spot in the Championship after their fixture with Bristol City was postponed.

Having already played nine fixtures in the Europa League this season, Jose will feel that our squad have been involved in more than enough matches since the beginning of September. However, we have only been required to come through two fixtures to reach this stage of the EFL Cup, three games fewer than our next opponents.

While we had edged past Chelsea on penalties and outclassed Stoke City, Brentford started their journey to the last four when we were still involved in pre-season. The Bees required penalties to see off Wycombe Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion along the way, but overcoming Southampton, Fulham and Newcastle United means that they will not be underestimated by us.

Tomas Frank’s team have not tasted defeat in any competition since a 3-2 reverse at Stoke on October 24, a run spanning 16 encounters. Frank will hope that the unexpected cancellation of Saturday's fixture with Bristol City does not have a negative effect on a group of players who have only benefitted from the unrelenting schedule in the Championship. That said, it has provided the squad with more preparation time, and Frank could consider making fewer changes than what may have been required after another second tier game in quick succession.

Barring any late fitness issues, Frank could start with the same XI which begun the win over Bournemouth on December 30. Tariqe Fosu-Henry is competing with Sergi Canos for a place on the left flank.

Having also been afforded a rest midway through the Christmas and New Year period, Mourinho is likely to take a similar approach as he bids to win this competition for a fifth time. Despite criticism of his playing style, two wins and a draw have been collected from tough contests against Stoke, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

Dele is among a number of our players who will be hoping for an opportunity to impress on Tuesday night. The England international, Sissoko andMoura could all be brought into the team, while Sanchez is likely to replace either Toby or Dier. Bale and Lo Celso remained sidelined through injury, and Doherty will miss out after his dismissal against Leeds.

Banner courtesy of @chrissivad

 

[Bulletspur]

I honestly think we will win this cup so therefore I had to vote for us progressing to Wembley. This makes it a must win game as its only one leg, so we cannot afford any banana slips!

 

[-Afri-Coy-]

I honestly think we will win this cup so therefore I had to vote for us progressing to Wembley. This makes it a must win game as its only one leg, so cannot we afford any banana slips!

Its been a long 13 years now since we last held this cup, it’s about time we get something new in the cabinet. I fully believe Jose will get the boys firing for this one.

COYS

 

[Athenspur]

I hadn't realized that this can go to extra time, and now I feel more optimistic. Straight to penalties is a minefield.

 

[spursfan77]

Our players have previous for not taking lower league teams seriously. This game worries me.

 

[lincspurs]

Our players have previous for not taking lower league teams seriously. This game worries me.

And me, but then I am a born worrier so no surprise there.

 

[Shadydan]

Our players have previous for not taking lower league teams seriously. This game worries me.

Jose ain't letting that happen.

 

[Thenewcat]

Our players have previous for not taking lower league teams seriously. This game worries me.

We’ve lost one game to lower league opposition since 2013 (Colchester last year).

 

[degoose]

We’ve lost one game to lower league opposition since 2013 (Colchester last year).

MYTH BUSTERS!!!!!

 

[KikoSpurs]

Brentford have been brilliant.

I don't expect an easy game.

 

[bubble07]

They are 16 games unbeaten

 

[TheChosenOne]

Wembley beckons !

Hit 'em fast, hit 'em hard !

No mercy !

OK! Enough with the clichés already ... COYLW's

Looking forward to this, a final in April hopefully.

Thanks @Bulletspur

 

[mightyspur]

Brentford have been brilliant.

I don't expect an easy game.

I expect it to be a little like the Leeds game as they like to play football and we like to give up possession and counter.

A couple of my closest mates are Brentford season ticket holders and reckon they will be playing 3 or 4 of their squad players, so we 'should' have too much for them, but this is football and anything can happen in a single game. Brentford fans are feeling rather confident though.

 

[dickieven]

This can really give us such a lift if we get through. The final is not until April so will be something we can just look forward to without worrying about it negatively impacting us if we lose the final which has happened to other teams in this comp in previous years. Keeps us pushing on all four fronts which Jose must love.

I am sure it will be a tough game but hopefully we will have too much for them. A strong team tonight and then rest a few for the FA Cup game at the weekend.

COYS

 

[Nine while nine]

The nerves have kicked in.

Last night, I was wholly confident we had enough about us to deal with Brentford. This morning, I'm like

 

[wirE]

There should be no discussion, face Brentford with our strongest XI. We got the FA Cup against Marine FC on Saturday. Plenty of young players to play then. I want that silver

 

[hughy]

Really looking forward to this. It'll be an intriguing tie. I watched Brentford play Bournemouth last week, and I think it was fair to say that Brentford didn't like Bournemouth coming at them, they couldn't handle Bournemouth at times in the first half and were lucky to still be in sight after 20-30 minutes. They got in to the game in the second half and it was a much closer contest.

I'd love to see us be aggressive from the off and take it to them. I don't think we'll get the freedom we did against Leeds, but there will be chances for us. With two of the most clinical strikers in England I think Jose will guide us through this.

 

[jonnyrotten]

I expect it to be a little like the Leeds game as they like to play football and we like to give up possession and counter.

A couple of my closest mates are Brentford season ticket holders and reckon they will be playing 3 or 4 of their squad players, so we 'should' have too much for them, but this is football and anything can happen in a single game. Brentford fans are feeling rather confident though.

They will surely go full strength. They had a rest at the weekend and have the fa cup up next.

 

[TOLBINY]

I have an uneasy feeling about tonight - especially since it was announced that Mike Dean is the referee. He clearly took some smug pleasure in his comment to Poch about our title chances being over after the defeat away at Burnley - what unbiased individual would say that?

 

[easley91]

José takes this competition very seriously. Plus with Marine at the weekend that is the game to rotate more. Go strong tonight please. No messing about.