**Tottenham’s Challenge Against Manchester City**
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side requires a significant boost ahead of their Carabao Cup tie against Manchester City on Wednesday evening. After suffering a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Tottenham needs to bounce back, not just with a victory but with a much-improved performance. Spurs struggled to find their rhythm at Selhurst Park as Oliver Glasner’s team presented significant challenges for the north London club. The upcoming cup tie against the reigning Premier League champions could be an ideal fixture for Spurs to elevate their game, aspiring to make it to the fifth round. Postecoglou has emphasized his track record of securing a trophy in his second season at clubs, raising hopes for ending Tottenham’s prolonged trophy drought. Regardless of Manchester City’s approach, it is crucial for Spurs to field a strong side if they aim to advance in the Carabao Cup and potentially claim the trophy at Wembley in March.
**Son Heung-min’s Fitness Dilemma**
The fitness of Son Heung-min will be the primary conversation point concerning the Tottenham lineup against Man City. Missing recent matches against AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace due to injury, the absence of the South Korean forward has been felt in both attack and leadership. Ange Postecoglou explained the situation surrounding Son:
Ange Postecoglou said “‘It’s not really a hamstring injury, but he was out for a while and wasn’t feeling right after the last game, so we’re just being conservative with him.'”
With Son’s fitness in question, there’s uncertainty over who will occupy the left-wing position, potentially depending on Son’s readiness to play.
**Young Talent and Other Considerations**
A third consecutive start for 17-year-old Mikey Moore might be excessive, as Postecoglou had mentioned caution over fielding him in successive matches due to his developing experience. Moore’s performance against Crystal Palace showed promise, though opportunities for impactful plays were limited. Reflecting on Moore’s Premier League debut, Postecoglou expressed:
Ange Postecoglou said “‘Like I said it, wasn’t really a great game for anybody out there from our perspective. Mikey every time he’s out there he’ll be a better player and the more we can get him out there in the right sort of environment then he’ll keep thriving. I’m sure he’ll learn a lot today.'”
Additionally, question marks linger over certain players’ availability and performances, such as Werner, who missed the squad against the Eagles and needs a strong showing if to start. Richarlison, capable of playing from the left, could be more effective as a central player or substitute.
**Looking Forward**
Facing a must-win situation, Tottenham hopes for Son’s availability to be pivotal as they host City. Historically, Guardiola’s team struggled at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, previously losing their first five games without scoring a goal until breaking the pattern last season. As Postecoglou seeks to lead Tottenham to success in his second season, the agenda remains to have Son and the entire squad fit and ready for the challenge.
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