FAC: Tottenham v AFC Wimbledon preview

Tottenham v AFC Wimbledon preview

Tottenham are expected to make several changes when they host League One AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the FA Cup.

Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen are all likely to be rested by Spurs after a busy period, which saw them beat Swansea and draw at home against West Ham in the last week.

With Manchester City now 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the FA Cup would seem to represent Tottenham's best chance of ending their 10-year run without a trophy.

 

"If we can win the cup that's going to be good for the club because I think it's been a long time since we won a trophy," said midfielder Moussa Sissoko.

"Of course, we can [go far]. We have a massive team and a strong squad. We can compete with everyone and we have to show it on the pitch. That's what we will do."

 

AFC Wimbledon are 21st in League One but have taken seven points from the last 12 on offer to edge closer to safety.

They also have a good record at Wembley, winning a League Two play-off final on their last visit in 2016 and winning a pre-season friendly in 2008 to mark the 125th anniversary of Corinthian Casuals.

 

Fernando Llorente, Erik Lamela and Juan Foyth are among those in contention to come in for Tottenham.

Toby Alderweireld remains out with a hamstring injury while Danny Rose is also struggling with pain in his knee.

Dons boss Neal Ardley confirmed captain Barry Fuller's ankle injury was not as bad as first feared and that "with a bit of luck" the veteran defender will be able to face Tottenham.

 

Fellow defender Jon Meades, who missed Monday's 2-0 win over Southend, and striker Cody McDonald, who has been playing with a fractured metatarsal, were also able to train on Friday and are in contention for Wembley.

However, it remains to be seen when Kwesi Appiah (hamstring) will return with Ardley confirming the Ghana striker requires surgery to get back to full fitness.