Prediction: Tottenham win
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The FA Cup is back in our lives as we celebrate the new year being upon us, and while 2020 may be a year of great uncertainty for many, it s also going to be a year full of excitement and joy in the world of football. Of course, for English football fans that always tends to be the case when it comes to third round weekend. Today we ll be taking a look at what is set to be a really intriguing clash between Championship side Middlesbrough and Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.
Middlesbrough
It hasn t exactly been a season to remember up to this point for Boro as they re closer to the relegation zone than the possibility of making a push for the top six. While that may be the case, though, there are still some optimistic fans out there who believe they could surge into the top half especially after securing four wins on the bounce. They ve got the quality in their squad necessary to do it, but the Championship is much more competitive these days.
Team News
Ayala is expected to miss out on the game through injury whereas Shotton, Friend, Dijksteel, Randolph and Assombalonga have also been ruled out as Woodgate attempts to scramble together his best possible starting XI.
Tottenham
The introduction of Jose Mourinho was expected to be a success for Tottenham, but the inconsistency shown since the Portuguese boss came through the door has been worrying to say the least. They re still in with a shout of finishing in the top four and they re in the last 16 of the Champions League, but if they re serious about going after a trophy, their best bet might be to put everything they ve got into trying to win the FA Cup.
Team News
Injury problems have been an issue for Spurs this season and that ll continue to be the case with Kane, Ndombele, Rose, Davis and Lloris all ruled out with Dier being a doubt through an illness.
Factors to Consider
In their last meeting back in February 2017, Tottenham beat Middlesbrough 1-0.
Middlesbrough have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
Tottenham have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
Middlesbrough have scored nine goals and conceded five in their last six games.
Tottenham have scored seven goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
Conclusion
Middlesbrough are probably going to take their time and try to settle into the game, which is the wrong way to approach this when you consider how fragile Spurs are right now. We think Mourinho is going to give some of his fringe players a shot, and while that s a risk, we believe it ll pay off. Tottenham will score early and hold onto the lead before scoring again late on, which won t exactly make for the most exciting of games, but Spurs fans aren t exactly going to care about that.
Prediction: Tottenham win
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