Tottenham have won the League Cup on four previous occasions, most recently when beating Chelsea 2-1 back in 2008. They were only beaten on penalties by Manchester United the following year and will to return to Wembley if they get at least a draw against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
The competition, now in the guise of The Capital One Cup, is low on the list of priorities for the top Premiership sides but Spurs have every reason to chase silverware. Mauricio Pochettino is in his first season in charge and the club’s aim is to gain a Champions League spot. They are still in contention for a top four finish as well as battling way in the Europa League. Taking them to Wembley would certainly be a feather in Pochettino’s cap as he aims to stem the flow of managers from White Hart Lane in recent years.
Their prep for this match was not ideal, losing 2-1 at home to Leicester in the FA Cup. With the shock exit of Chelsea and Manchester City to opposition from lower leagues, few even noticed the eclipse of Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Just as Mourinho paid the price for making wholesale changes at Stamford Bridge, so did Pochettino. He made nine changes from the side which had performed moderately in the first leg against the Blades.
Tottenham will be back at full strength on Wednesday as they look to protect their slender 1-0 lead. Only a penalty from Andros Townsend spared their blushes last week but that could be enough. Nigel Clough’s team will not go through unless they attack and that will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack.
Spurs were laboured in the first leg but will be looking to Harry Kane to make the most of any opportunities that come his way. Sheffield United are eighth in League One but Clough took a risk by resting key players for the trip to Preston in the FA Cup at the weekend. His makeshift side escaped with a draw so they are still alive in that competition.
Tottenham look good value at a shade of odds-on to win this match, although I expect it to be difficult in the first half. Harry Kane is bound to get an opportunity at some point while it may be worth taking a chance at a 3-1 score-line at long odds.
Harry Kane scores and Spurs win @9-5 Paddy Power
Tottenham to win @5-6 Bet365
Sheffield United 1 Tottenham 3 @16-1 Coral
