Team News
Stevenage manager Gary Smith has no injury concerns ahead of his team’s FA
Cup fifth-round clash against Premier League giants Tottenham on Sunday.
Smith is likely to stick with the same XI that beat Sheffield Wednesday on
Tuesday, meaning there will be starts for former Spurs goalkeeper Chris Day
and ex-Arsenal man Luke Freeman.
Chuks Aneke, who is on loan from the Gunners, is not available under the terms
of his deal with the League One club.
Rafael van der Vaart has failed to overcome a calf injury and will miss the
tie.
Younes Kaboul is struggling with a knee injury and Ledley King is likely to be
rested, meaning Ryan Nelsen should start his first game for the club.
Louis Saha did not play for Everton in the FA Cup earlier this season and he
is therefore available this weekend, but long-term absentees William Gallas
and Tom Huddlestone are out.
Match Notes
They will certainly not underestimate a Stevenage side that knocked Newcastle
out last season and have lost just one of their last 20 games.
And, in Darius Charles, Stevenage have a talent who has journeyed through the
non-league back-waters waiting for this chance to impress.
Betting: Home 8-1, Away 1-4, Draw 15-4.
Stats of the game
Spurs have not lost in the FA Cup to a lower division side since they were
beaten by Leicester in 2006.
Stevenage have yet to concede a goal in the FA Cup, in four games this season.
Tottenham have kept clean sheets in three of their last four FA Cup ties.
Jermain Defoe has scored eight goals in his last 10 FA Cup starts.
Gap between the teams: 47 places.
John Ley’s prediction: Stevenage 1 Tottenham Hotspur 2.
