Spurs to progress but not without some bumps
Tottenham Hotspur will hope their fortunes in the other domestic competition are better than the 2-0 defeat they suffered against Chelsea in the EFL Cup midweek, a scoreline largely self-inflicted by defensive mistakes. Morecambe will be the visitors to north London in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, and whilst the League One strugglers don't pose the same threat, they're unlikely to just roll over, regardless of who Antonio Conte decides to pick. Read our preview here:
Scarlett's Dane-law
Conte is likely to react to that first leg loss by handing out more opportunities to fringe players and younger prospects. The squad has a deficiency in the striker department with regards to any real alternatives to Harry Kane or Heung-min Son with first team, senior experience, and this is one area that might be rectified in the current transfer window. However, they also have exciting 17 year old Dane Scarlett coming through. The youngster already has a fantastic goal return for England U19s, and could be handed a start with Gio Lo Celso and Dele Alli supporting him. Joe Rodon and Tanguy Ndombele's futures are uncertain, but both should line up on Sunday.
Stockton exchange
The Lancashire outfit snapped out of a four-game winless run in totally dramatic fashion, overturning a three-goal deficit to eventually beat Doncaster Rovers 4-3, hauling them out of the relegation zone in the process. Stephen Robinson has to operate on a tiny budget compared to most third and even fourth tier outfits, and they have largely been competitive because of the goals of Cole Stockton. Having found his groove at the Mazuma Stadium, he is on the radar of Championship sides, having crashed in 18 goals already this term. Sunday represents his chance to test his credentials in front of a far larger audience than he's used to, but unlike many contemporaries, he is also a menace outside of the area.
Shrimpin' ain't easy
There is no prime creator for Stockton's huge haul, so Spurs' task to shut down Morecambe might not be quite as simple as it could have been. Progress will be both expected and demanded, and whilst the chance of a shock is low, don't be surprised if it doesn't go all the hosts' way. betway have odds of 5.75 for Stockton to score anytime for the Shrimps.
