Archie Gray is in line to start his first game for Tottenham Hotspur this evening against Coventry. The Lillywhites are looking to stop the rot having won just one of their opening four games this season.
Gray was signed over the summer from Leeds United for £30 million after starring in the Championship at such a young age. While he’s not yet been handed a full Premier League debut, his time to impress should finally come in the Carabao Cup tonight.
Archie Gray to make his full Tottenham Hotspur stadium
It’s been a disappointing season so far for Ange Postecoglou and Spurs, with the Australian perhaps putting undue pressure on his players. The 59-year-old has insisted that he always wins silverware in his second season as a manager with any club, so a victory tonight is now very important.
With Spurs now already eight points off top spot in the Premier League, their faint hopes of winning the league title appear to have already slipped away. So, all focus will now be on cup competitions, beginning with their Carabao Cup bout away to Coventry.
The Sky Blues have experience going deep in cup competitions having been millimetres away from an FA Cup final last season. So, while Postecoglou will wish to rest some of his first-team players, he must be careful to not rotate too much.
One player who looks set to benefit from an element of rotation is £30 million man Gray. The former Leeds man is capable of playing right-back or in midfield, and according to GiveMeSport, the teenager looks set to lineup from the start for Spurs this evening.
Ange Postecoglou intent on winning silverware
Gray has so far been afforded just 28 minutes of first-team football since his big-money move to North London. But with Spurs struggling and several players seemingly out of form, tonight could be the youngster’s chance to show he’s ready to be a regular under Postecoglou.
The 19-year-old didn’t enjoy much success when facing Coventry last season as Gray played 90 minutes in both fixtures but managed to pick up just one point. This is an opportunity that Gray can ill afford to let slip through his fingers because a first impression will mean everything to fans and potentially, his manager.