Spurs visit the Liberty Stadium this weekend. The equivalent fixture at White Hart Lane finished 1-0 to Tottenham in August but was one of a number of early games where we struggled to create chances and the points were only secured after a 58th minute penalty from Roberto Soldado.

Swansea are having trouble replicating their success from last season and have not won in the league in seven games. Micheal Laudrup had been talked about as a possible future Spurs’ manager but their current form makes this look unlikely. They can still be dangerous though as evidenced by their recent victory over United in the FA cup.

Tottenham on the other hand have won their last three in the league and are unbeaten  under Tim Sherwood in this competition. Betfair have Spurs as favourites but not by as much as recent form might suggest, maybe because the game is at the Britannia Stadium. They are 2.46 to win, with the draw at 3.45 and Swansea at 3.25.

Swansea top the possession, total passes and pass success tables for the league so we should expect limited possession. This may suit Spurs, we often seem to run out of ideas with the ball and are usually more dangerous on the counter attack.

If we are to spring counter attacks and disrupt Swansea’s passing game we will need to win the ball in midfield. Sherwood seems averse to playing a pure ball winner but this game necessitates it. I would play Capoue in this role, although our manager doesn’t seem that keen on him. We will also need pace, so Lennon, Townsend and Lamela should all be considered if fit.

Swansea normally line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, packing five in midfield. Combine this with their possession and passing statistics and playing 4-4-2 looks like a mistake, especially away. Swansea are similar to Arsenal in these respects and the cup game at the Emirates is the one time Sherwood’s tactics have demonstrably not worked.

So my team, injuries permitting, would be:

What do you think?