Tottenam Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama has only just returned from injury.
Tottenham Hotspur were unprepared for a physical onslaught that saw London rivals West Ham United complete a marvellous comeback in the Carabao Cup last time out.
The Hammers bullied Spurs at Wembley during the second half back in October, after Moussa Sissoko and Dele Alli had given Spurs a 2-0, half-time lead. But three second-half goals from the Hammers earned a place in the semi-finals.
The likes of Angelo Ogbonna, who scored the winner with a bullet header, as well as Cheikhou Kouyate and Andy Carroll proved too physical against a more technically-gifted Spurs side – but that must change on Thursday night.
The bitter enemies lock horns for the third time this season, as West Ham travel to Wembley for the second time this season. Mauricio Pochettino’s side will be in confident mood after five wins in six games.
But if the Argentine boss is to have any chance of continuing such an immaculate record, he should start a team capable of combating West Ham’s physicality. That means he must throw Victor Wanyama in at the deep end.
The 26-year-old Kenya captain has only just returned from a long-term knee injury which kept him out for more than four months, last playing on August 20 against Chelsea. However, he came on as a sub against Swansea City last time out.
His speed in the middle of the park, twinned with his explosive power, aerial prowess and dogged determination is just the kind of physical attributes Tottenham need if they are to match up with West Ham’s strength.
Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate could start again in midfield after doing so against West Brom on Tuesday night, and the duo are known for their strength. With Mousa Dembele sidelined with a hip injury, the gauntlet falls to Wanyama.
He must play to his powerful strengths to combat the duo, potentially playing alongside Eric Dier with Harry Winks toon lightweight for what is likely to be a battle of power, rather than of the mind.
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