Tottenham have not won a trophy since winning the League Cup in 2008 but are now just two matches away from a Wembley final.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have not always been convincing in the first half of the season but they are still in three competitions and in sixth place in the Premiership. Pochettino’s target for the season will be a top four place and Champions League qualification but any trophy would be seen as a triumph.
North London rivals Arsenal finally ended their long wait for Cup success when beating Hull in the FA Cup last season. Tottenham have been handed a gilt-edged opportunity to follow them after being drawn against League 1 side Sheffield United in the semi-final. Liverpool and Chelsea will fight out the right to meet the winners at Wembley.
Pochettino has been able to rotate his squad in order to navigate the early rounds of the Europa League. That competition could yet come back to haunt him in the second half of the season and they also have to prepare for a clash with Leicester in the FA Cup on Saturday. Harry Kane was largely responsible for the 5-3 win over Premiership leaders Chelsea and he will be expected to provide the killer touch on Wednesday evening.
It is typical of Spurs that they lost to Crystal Palace soon after that Chelsea victory but they still have some momentum going into the semi-final. Kane has scored in all the previous rounds and looks a good bet at even money to score in another Spurs win here. Spurs will be hoping to get at least a two-goal cushion for the away leg so that they can approach that game in some comfort.
Sheffield United are no mugs when it comes to Cup ties. The Blades have already beaten Southampton and West Ham in this competition and reached the FA Cup semi-final last year before that dramatic 5-3 defeat against Hull. Nigel Clough will have his team well prepared to try to frustrate the home side but it is difficult to see them holding out for 90 minutes.
Tottenham could also be a good bet on the handicap to overcome a one-goal deficit and take a step closer to Wembley.
Harry Kane to score and Spurs win @2.0 Paddy Power
Tottenham (-1.0 handicap) to win @19-20 BetVictor
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