Tottenham predicted lineup vs Aston Villa - FA Cup | OneFootball

Expectations were not high for Tottenham ahead of Thursday's trip to Anfield, but the sorry showing fell well below the low benchmark.

Very few backed Spurs to preserve their 1-0 lead from the first leg and join Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, but the manner of their battering would've greatly deflated an inherently pessimistic fanbase.

Just two competitions remain in Ange Postecoglou's bid to continue his trend of claiming silverware in year two. However, the drawers haven't done his side too many favours by forcing them to travel to Villa Park in the FA Cup fourth round.

It may be too much to suggest the Tottenham manager's job is on the line in the West Midlands, but there's no denying the significance of this cup tie for Postecoglou. Here's the team he could pick on Sunday evening.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-3-3)

Tottenham were put to the sword at Anfield / Carl Recine/GettyImages

GK: Antonin Kinsky - It's been an up-and-down start for Kinsky after an excellent debut, and it's safe to assume Guglielmo Vicario will return between the sticks once he makes his comeback from an ankle injury.

RB: Pedro Porro - The Spaniard finally earned some respite on Thursday after a relentless run in the XI. He's struggled through 2024/25 thus far, but he'll likely be back in the team on Sunday.

CB: Kevin Danso - Danso was one of very few bright spots for the Lilywhites at Anfield, and the Austrian will be hoping to enjoy a less harrowing outing this weekend.

CB: Ben Davies - It's not looking good for Micky van de Ven. With the Dutchman missing again at Villa Park, Davies will remain in the backline.

LB: Djed Spence - Spence has comfortably been Spurs' standout performer over the past couple of months in an unfamiliar role.

CM: Archie Gray - Tottenham's midfield was so bad on Thursday that Ange has to consider an overhaul. Gray deserves a shot in the middle of the park having been used anywhere but his preferred position since joining the club.

CM: Lucas Bergvall - After putting the Lilywhites in a position to win the tie, Bergvall was curiously dropped for the second leg at Anfield. He has to come back in on Sunday.

CM: Dejan Kulusevski - Kulusevski has been running on fumes for weeks and his form has suffered. If James Maddison is back fit, the Englishman should start ahead of the Swede. However, Ange needs a creative presence and if Maddison cannot feature, Kulusevski will be needed again.

RW: Mikey Moore - Moore has been a breath of fresh air amid a miserable season, and the youngster has shown he can thrive off both flanks. Spurs supporters would love to see one of their academy stars in the team this weekend off the back of Thursday's bleak evening.

ST: Mathys Tel - It was somewhat of a baptism of fire for Tel on debut, who played close to an hour as a result of Richarlison's calf injury. The young Frenchman produced a couple of tidy sequences and looks comfortable off one touch, but there's much more to come.

LW: Son Heung-min - It's time for the skipper to take on a reduced playing role, but Ange doesn't have the players available to limit Son's minutes.