Big Match Breakdown: Tottenham v Rochdale
Published:
Dale have earned a replay at Wembley
Tottenham Hotspur have come a long way under Mauricio Pochettino. But they haven’t won any silverware under the Argentine yet. They’ll fancy their chances of changing that in this year’s FA Cup.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are already out. And Tottenham are 9/4 second-favourites to lift the trophy at Wembley.
But first they face Rochdale at home in a fifth round replay, following the 2-2 draw at the Crown Oil Arena.
The Coral News Team have all the pre-match info…
Head to Head
These two clubs had never met before they were drawn together for this tie.
There’s a huge gap between them in league standings. Spurs are fourth in the top-flight. Rochdale are bottom of League One, but they have nothing to lose here.
Likely XIs
Pochettino’s likely to make some changes here with a busy schedule ahead. Fernando Llorente will try to find some form up front and Harry Winks is looking to build up his fitness. Lucas Moura could also start on the right to help him continue his adaptation.
Rochdale boss Keith Hill will be without the likes of Niall Canavan and Keith Keane. He could opt for the same side that did so well against Spurs the first time out.
Key Battles
Spurs’ biggest problem here could be complacency. Rochdale are under no pressure and will want to make the most of their trip to Wembley.
If the home side aren’t fully focused, this could be a harder night than they expect.
They will need more from Llorente in attack though. He’s only got two goals in 20 appearances in all competitions since arriving from Swansea City. The veteran was supposed to ease the burden on Harry Kane. But he’s not scoring or causing problems for the opposition.
If the Spaniard has another quiet game, Rochdale will see an opportunity to cause an upset.
Match Odds
There’s little value in backing an outright Spurs win. Spurs to win with a -2.0 Handicap is 3/4.
Pochettino’s side are also 4/7 to Win to Nil and Fernando Llorente is 13/5 to score a much-needed goal Anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
