Just two Non-League teams remain in the FA Cup third round, with Tamworth facing a historic cup bout against Premier League Tottenham Hotspur. Matthew O'Regan previews the game with his best bet.
Tamworth are playing in the FA Cup third round for the fourth time in history and the first time in 13 years. The Lambs are riding the wave of back-to-back promotions, romping to the National League North title ahead of Scunthorpe last season. Legendary manager Andy Peaks has his side sat in 16th place, seven points clear of relegation and nine off the playoffs.
Tamworth started their cup run with a 4-2 win over Northern Premier League side Macclesfield before being rewarded with a home tie with League One Huddersfield in the first round. An own goal from goalkeeper Chris Maxwell before halftime gave the hosts the lead - a lead they were able to hold on to for the rest of the game.
A trip to Staffordshire rivals Burton Albion was next, with The Lambs holding firm for a 0-0 draw. Mason Bennett put the Brewers 1-0 up two minutes into extra time before Ronan Maher equalised two minutes later. The visitors survived until penalties, where Haydn Hollis' penalty sparked jubilant scenes in the away end.
The visit of Premier League Tottenham was the reward, with the town rife with FA Cup fever. Despite the scandalous ticket prices, it should be a packed Lamb Ground for a historic game.
As Spurs are a Premier League side, they are entering the cup in the third round, so are playing their first game of the competition. It has been a poor season for Ange Postecoglou's side who sit 12th in the Premier League, with the thin squad stretched by an injury crisis.
Tottenham have as many as nine players out injured, including their starting two centre-backs and goalkeeper. New signing Antonin Kinksy debuted in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Liverpool but is expected to be rotated on Sunday. They have been the league entertainers this year, scoring the second most goals in the Premier League (42). Their games have seen an average of 3.6 goals, so another high-scoring game is expected in Staffordshire.
Tommy Tonks went viral for his long throw against Huddersfield, with it the sole reason The Lambs scored against Huddersfield. Tonks is a technical, tenacious midfielder, who is not afraid to get stuck in. While the 3.50 about for him to be booked looks fair based on his six cards in 22 league games, he has also been booked in two of Tamworth’s three FA Cup games thus far. In addition, 29 central midfielders have been booked against Spurs this season, so Tonks looks a good price to make it 30.
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