Tottenham Hotspur reporters put forward their preferred lineups for the cup encounter with Charlton Athletic
Roberto De Zerbi is getting his Tottenham squad ready for the EFL Cup tie against Charlton
Spurs will be aiming to bounce back immediately from their weekend Premier League loss at Brentford when Charlton visit midweek for cup competition action.
The Italian boss will be looking to secure his side’s inaugural win of the campaign before Saturday’s home match against Newcastle, though Charlton have begun their Championship season in impressive fashion, collecting two victories including one at West Ham.
The club captain will be among the substitutes while Pedro Porro is also set to return to the matchday squad.
Spurs have received clearance for Savio to feature following his expensive transfer from Manchester City, but Mohammed Kudus remains unavailable.
James Maddison is set to miss out after damaging his shoulder during the Brentford match. Here are the predicted XIs from chief Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold and Ryan Taylor.
Alasdair Gold – Tottenham correspondent
There needs to be careful consideration when selecting a side to avoid an early cup exit while also ensuring those who didn’t feature on Saturday accumulate needed minutes given the busy fixture schedule. However, given how poor the display was at Brentford, alterations could prove beneficial.
The goalkeeper will probably have been promised at least cup appearances and it makes sense to keep him sharp in case he’s required in the league. There’s an argument for pairing both centre-backs, but I’m leaning towards giving the Argentine another start as he trails behind in terms of pre-season minutes. This allows the captain to come on as the match progresses while Davies replaces the left-back who might tire.
In the centre of the park, those two need match fitness. The Brazilian is eligible and if match-ready I’d give him an hour to begin adapting to the manager’s tactics, then distribute the left-sided minutes between the Frenchman and the young winger.
Up front the striker requires a start to rediscover form and there’s a choice between the two midfielders in the number 10 position. Both were withdrawn at half-time on Saturday so should both be capable of beginning this match.
Gold’s Tottenham XI vs Charlton: Dubravka; Gray, Danso, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Fernandes; Savio, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke.
Micky van de Ven will be among the substitutes for Tottenham against Charlton(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
Ryan Taylor
Generally the reserve goalkeeper should feature in the opening round of the League Cup.
However, I actually believe the Czech stopper could benefit from rebuilding confidence before the Newcastle match following the three goals conceded at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The young full-back should continue at right-back with the two centre-backs alongside him. The left-back requires game time and condition to mount a serious challenge for the Scotland international.
In the centre of midfield, those two South Americans should form the double pivot and in front of them, I’d give the new arrival his bow so he can get straight into action.
Then I’d give the Swede the opportunity to thrive as the number 10 after his struggles at Brentford. I remain uncertain about his effectiveness in a deeper position, he operates more naturally as an attacking player, so this would provide a useful opportunity to evaluate him in a more advanced role.
The French forward retains his spot on the left flank and I’d deploy the striker through the middle as he needs to start scoring as quickly as possible.
Taylor’s Tottenham XI vs Charlton: Kinsky; Gray, Danso, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Fernandes; Savio, Bergvall, Tel; Solanke.