Tottenham should have more settled possession, while Coventry can move the contest forward without building through the middle. The important battle is between Tottenham's first pressure and Coventry's direct passes toward advancing wide players. First contacts and the next loose ball should matter as much as the possession totals.
Rushworth's distribution to Dasilva produced Coventry's winning move at Forest without relying on a central striker to hold the ball. Van Ewijk's long throw supplied another route against Newcastle, with Cherif finishing after the clearance. Those actions meet a Tottenham side that lost the first contact and following combination against Villa.
Bergvall and Savio played against United but are now officially unavailable, removing demonstrated pressing and cutback contributions. Porro is also out and Bentancur is suspended. Fernandes, Maddison and Marmoush are projected replacements, while Tonali's delivery and Kudus's wide creation remain established home weapons.
Coventry's replacements have already played through the absences of Wright, Amenda, Eccles and Woolfenden. Van Ewijk has returned to the side, and Awoniyi's availability adds another forward option alongside Cherif and Simms. Their recent wins show different ways of reaching the box rather than a need to dominate the ball.
The match should alternate Tottenham's settled attacks with Coventry seeking quick wide exits and support from Rudoni. That's why I'm siding with Coventry to keep the contest close, with protection for a narrow Tottenham win.
