Brentford to give Spurs a real scare
Championship high-flyers Brentford are potentially just 90 minutes away from a domestic final at Wembley, which would be their first ever in either of the two major cup competitions. To progress, they'll need to beat a Spurs outfit who are almost certain to be at full strength, with rotation very much on José Mourinho's mind for the very different prospect of non-league Marine in the FA Cup at the weekend. The Bees are one of many neutrals' favourite teams to watch outside of the top tier, and they already have the quality to go toe-to-toe with their Premier League brethren in one-off games. It could be a classic cup semi-final. Read our preview here:
Moussa needs to be set
With Erik Lamela not being considered for selection on Tuesday night and Gareth Bale similarly unavailable, the XI is unlikely to differ much from the side that got back to winning ways in the bread and butter of the Premier League after a poor patch of form. Mourinho places heavy emphasis on both the EFL Cup and winning the trophy, so there's little reason to suggest he'll deviate either tactically or in terms of personnel. The probable lineup is as strong as any other club in England, perhaps with the exception of Moussa Sissoko as half of the double pivot in midfield. Not lacking in talent, the French international remains somewhat of an enigmatic figure, driving forward with peerless energy and stamina in one match, and making a clumsy challenge in another. Being paired with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg does afford him the comfort of knowing he's alongside someone who can screen and initiate attacks on his own. The best way of combatting this from an opposition perspective would be to out-counter a side set up to do the very same.
Setting the right Toney
A fairly indifferent start to the second tier campaign has been swiftly forgotten on the back of a 14-match (and counting) unbeaten run, plus their furthest foray in the EFL Cup in their entire history. Sitting six points off leaders Norwich City with a game in lieu, they are in prime position to go at least one better than their play-off heartache in 2019/2020, and perhaps most tantalisingly of all, they could be playing European football even if they don't lift the trophy; UEFA are introducing a tertiary competition next season, and the sport for an English side would go to the winners. With one of the Manchester sides in the other half of the draw, it's almost certain that all three participants besides Brentford will be plying their trade in the Champions League or Europa League in 2021/2022. On the pitch, the enterprising 4-3-3 beloved by Danish head coach Thomas Frank might have parity of possession as the adversaries will trade blows on the break. Ivan Toney has been razor-sharp thus far, amassing 16 goals already this season. Lethal in the air despite not being the tallest, he allies that with excellent all-round contribution in multiple phases of play, and left-sided forward Sergi Canós has hit the goal trail too, hitting a hat-trick on Boxing Day. Few teams truly keep three players up to press the opposition backline, but that could be the Bees' best route to exposing the weaknesses of Sissoko and retaining a foothold in the game.
Let's be Frank
As already alluded to, there is a ceiling at that the current, very forward-thinking Brentford continue to break through, thanks to a recruitment strategy that has been emulated by many others in the years since. Tuesday night marks another history making moment, and far from being some plucky underdogs or upstarts, they're there on merit, and continue to get stronger in an organic fashion. Mourinho will be paying Frank a huge compliment by putting out his preferred starting side, and that will be returned in kind with an effort that's almost certain to be an entertaining watch for fans. The London outfit from the south of the Thames are more than capable of inflicting a shock, and at the very least, a goal against Spurs. 888sport are offering generous odds for Sergi Canós to score anytime of 5.40.
