Tottenham take on Stevenage in an FA Cup fifth round replay on Wednesday night looking to book a clash with Bolton in the last eight. The sides drew a blank at Broadhall Way on February 19 but the home side are strong favourites to take care of business this time around (Spurs 1/5, Stevenage 14/1, draw 5/1 – Match Prices).
Spurs have enjoyed a superb season and had just beaten Newcastle United 5-0, but they were unable to get past an inspired Stevenage side in the first match, who deserved the draw and earned the right to play at White Hart Lane.
Spurs were not at the best, with the north London derby possibly on their mind, and it showed as they were kept at bay by a hard-working Hertfordshire side.
If the tie follows the rule book then the hosts should triumph comfortably in midweek as it is widely regarded that the minnows will only get one crack at victory, with the bigger teams not taking them so lightly next time around.
And Harry Redknapp’s men will not want to slip up as they are now out of the title race following their hammering at the Emirates Stadium and loss to Manchester United, and will see the FA Cup as a good chance to land some silverware this term (Spurs 5/2 – FA Cup Outright).
It is likely that Redknapp will play a strong side, while resting a few stars, with the weekend’s Premier League clash with Everton in mind.
It remains to be seen whether the managerial situation surrounding Redknapp does affect Tottenham’s performances over the remainder of the season, but at least the former West Ham chief has ruled himself out of the running for the Chelsea job.
Stevenage boss Gary Smith has already made it known that he feels his charges can pull off a major shock and beat Spurs on their own patch and it is true that he does have a decent set of players, who are currently seventh in League One.
But playing a side third in the Premier League away from home will be a tough ask for his men and class should tell in the end.
Smith insists there is an air of confidence among his squad that they can beat anyone on their day and he refused to rule out going through on penalties or in extra time. But they will have to face one of the hottest properties in English football, with Gareth Bale now recovered from illness and set to start.
The Welshman is being linked with several big foreign clubs and he will be tough to contain for the Boro rearguard.
Scott Parker is back from suspension and may play while William Gallas could feature after missing the last two months with a calf injury. Rafael van der Vaart faces a late fitness test but whatever side takes the pitch in north London, it will be confident of progression.
For the visitors, recent loan signing Jordan Slew is cup-tied, having played in Blackburn’s 2-1 loss at Newcastle earlier in the competition, while Chris Day is expected to start in goal, marking a return to the club where he began his career 17 years ago.
The FA Cup is a competition where dreams can come true but Smith will be hoping that this tie does not turn into a nightmare against one of the Premier League’s very best.
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