League Cup Semi-Final: Adebayor Returns to Spurs Starting XI and Captains Side
By BBC Sport
London – 21 January 2015
Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been handed a surprise start—and the captain’s armband—for Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg against Sheffield United at White Hart Lane.
The Togo international, who has seen limited playing time this season, will lead the line alongside Harry Kane, Spurs’ standout performer in recent weeks. It marks a significant vote of confidence from manager Mauricio Pochettino, who also entrusted Adebayor with the captaincy for the clash.
The 30-year-old striker made his return to the starting XI in last weekend’s Premier League match against Sunderland, and despite continued speculation linking him with a move away from North London during the January transfer window, Adebayor appears set to remain part of Pochettino’s plans.
The former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward has faced a challenging campaign so far, but tonight’s selection suggests the manager still sees a role for him as Spurs pursue silverware.
Also named in the starting XI is French midfielder Benjamin Stambouli, who joins Ryan Mason in central midfield. Spurs will look to take advantage of home ground in this first leg before the return fixture at Bramall Lane.
Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI:
Vorm – Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Davies – Townsend, Mason, Stambouli, Eriksen – Adebayor (c), Kane
Substitutes: Friedel, Kaboul, Rose, Dembélé, Lennon, Paulinho, Soldado
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:45 GMT as Spurs aim to reach their first domestic cup final since 2009, when they were runners-up in the same competition. Sheffield United, meanwhile, will be looking to cause another upset after their giant-killing run in last season’s FA Cup.
