Tottenham Hotspur take on Southampton in the FA Cup this weekend.
The game is something of a banana skin for Jose Mourinho’s men, especially considering their history with the Saints at St Mary’s this season.
Spurs lost 1-0 on the south coast on New Year’s Day in a game that has had far-reaching consequences for the club.
Harry Kane thought he had levelled the scores after firing a volley home following a free-kick but he sustained a serious hamstring injury as he sent the ball into the back of the net, while it was then ruled out for offside.
Spurs have subsequently been operating without a central striker and have struggled for goals in the meantime – they went three league games without scoring before their 2-1 win over Norwich City in midweek.
What team should Mourinho select this weekend, then? Football FanCast takes a look below.
Hugo Lloris made a surprising return against the Canaries and he could do with building up his match fitness following an injury lay-off; he should play in goal.
Serge Aurier was one of the best players on the pitch in midweek, laying on an important assist, and is another who should play.
The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?
In central defence, it is tough to imagine Jan Vertonghen playing two games in three days; Davinson Sanchez should replace him and partner Toby Alderweireld.
At left-back, Ryan Sessegnon struggled in midweek, leading to the ire of fans, but he is more of a left winger and should be deployed further forward, allowing Japhet Tanganga to play at full-back.
Harry Winks sustained an injury against Norwich meaning he could miss out; this, then, is a perfect opportunity to build up the fitness of Tanguy Ndombele. One cannot expect him to finish the game due to his lack of match practice but starting him here would be a sensible move.
Partnering him with Eric Dier would be a shrewd tactical decision, allowing the England international to drop a little deeper and mop up any loose balls.
With Sessegnon on the left, Christian Eriksen may as well play in attacking midfield if he remains at the club.
Inter Milan, per FFC sources, continue to attempt to sign him but no deal is done; it does not make sense to risk the £81m-rated Dele Alli and the Dane should play instead provided he is still employed by the club.
On the right, Lucas Moura ought to return to his natural position, allowing Son Heung-Min to operate through the centre.
The Brazilian has not scored since December, while the South Korea international netted in midweek; playing the latter up front makes all the sense in the world.
This, of course, is a strong team but the FA Cup is perhaps Spurs’ only true chance of silverware this season; they can ill-afford to play a weakened XI.
Meanwhile, one image has to force Spurs into the transfer market.