Both teams suffered slight shockers in midweek, with Tottenham falling 2-1 to Norwich while Wigan lost to Bradford on penalties after failing to score in regular and extra time. Getting eliminated should have quite different effects on the teams: Wigan should be content to focus on their league struggles while on the other hand, Spurs will be disappointed to be out of contention of a cup competition as their Europa League adventure does not look very promising at the moment.
Tottenham looks set to send out a 4-2-3-1 which at times looks like 4-2-1-3 against Wigan who will in all likeliness field a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. A three man defence can at times be very narrow and this might work to Tottenham's advantage as they have two pacy wingers who can get behind the wingbacks and provide width to the attacks. This will likely be the source of goals in the match. With Dembele out injured, Tottenham will be even more reliant on the flanks due to the lack of an able creative force in the middle of the park and Wigan's centrebacks should be able to cope with the out of sorts Clint Dempsey who missed a penalty in the last match.
Wigan's main threat will be from Shaun Maloney, whose tricky runs and dribbles have provided a constant break from the mundane Wigan play. For goals, they will look towards hitman Arouna Kone, who has been involved in half of Wigan's goals.
Predictions:
Tottenham should recover from their midweek loss in time to beat a Wigan side which has already lost 3 matches on the road. With the quality in the team and the amount of space that will be afforded to Bale due to the formations, Spurs should run out comfortable winners. Back Tottenham to lead at half-time and clea
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