Marine to have something to remember
In what has been dubbed by some pundits as 'the greatest mismatch in FA Cup history', eighth tier Marine will take on José Mourinho's Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur in what undoubtedly constitutes the biggest game in the hosts' long and storied 127 years to date. Unfortunately, the Lilywhites faithful won't be able to attend the clash at Rossett Park because of the lockdown, but there's every chance it will still live long in the collective memory. Read our preview here:
Community spirit
Thankfully, in the absence of attendees in person, both clubs' supporters have come together through various fundraising projects to ensure that the Crosby outfit are not out of pocket for what would've otherwise been a huge financial boost to the Northern Premier League North West Division side's coffers. On the pitch, manager Neil Young will set his stall out in a 4-3-3 shape with the ball, which will flex into a 4-5-1 during the many spells his charges can expect to be trying to win possession back. Main striker Niall Cummins, who also happens to be an avid Arsenal follower, will be the focal point of the Merseysiders' attacks, with many crosses whipped in to the 27 year-old if space is vacated by Spurs' marauding wide men. Elsewhere, it will almost certainly be a case of keeping things tight in defence, and not allowing wherever possible the visitors to operate in between the lines.
Alli, Alli, Alli!
Mourinho, having successfully negotiated the threat of Brentford in midweek to progress to the EFL Cup final, will ring the changes for their trip north, with possibly only Colombian centre-back Davinson Sánchez surviving from their 2-0 victory. Matt Doherty's red card in his last appearance doesn't apply to this fixture, and the tie represents a perfect opportunity to go some way to atoning for his needless dismissal. 19 year old anchorman Harvey White could be given his first start in domestic competition alongside Harry Winks as the double pivot that will attempt to strangle the midfield. The forgotten figure of Dele Alli will play off Vinicius in the final third, with speculation continuing to mount as to whether he'll still be even at the north London giants at the end of the month. He'll do his chances of finding regular first team football elsewhere no harm at all by taking Marine seriously and chipping in with a goal or two in the process.
Marine dream
There have typically been a lot of patronising articles written about the non-league side with their part-time squad. Certainly, the gulf between the teams is massive in every respect, and it is a crying shame that fans can't be there, but it will still be a very memorable occasion. Spurs will almost certainly win at a canter, but the second-string defence are not infallible, which is why 888sport's odds of 3.30 are a much better bet than trying to determine their margin of victory.
