Tottenham Hotspur have marched to 4th position in the Barclays Premier League, and this weekend face Leicester City, in an FA Cup tie which holds more significance than anyone may have anticipated at the beginning of the 2015/16.

Rarely ever has a tie against the foxes been as significant. Like Spurs , their opponents sit in the top four of the Premier League, and having been touted as favourites to go down following the sacking of Nigel Pearson, Claudio Ranieri has inspired a previously low-key group of players into ones who've recorded famous results such as a win against champions Chelsea and draws against both Manchester clubs. They sit second after 20 games - higher than they would have ever anticipated.

Hence, this will be far from an easy game for Mauricio Pochettino's men, but having lost only two league games this season, they will come into this gam brimming with confidence that they can set the record straight after an embarrasing defeat to Leicester in the fourth round of the same competition last year, having been 1-0 up at home.

Tottenham have a genuine shot at a high finish

Contrary to previous disappointing campaigns, this season has new hope for Tottenham. This is mainly due to the dynamic, high-intensity action taking place on the pitch, which has made them a particularly fearsome opposition contributing to their fantastic record thus far in domestic competitions.

They must avoid defeat this weekend in order to avoid their potential performance this season to be stunted. Having to play Leicester again at the same venue on Wednesday, means that the result of the first game will have a large bearing on the second one,with Sunday's victor likely to go into Wednesday's game filled with confidence.

Squad rotation could prove a motivating influence

Furthermore, this game seems a perfect opportunity for Spurs to rotate their squad, in order to give game time to the likes of Son Heung-Min, Nacer Chadli and Nabil Bentaleb, who have featured little besides substitute appearances. Such is the strength and stability surrounding the current unit that for the first time in a very long time Spurs have a settled starting eleven, and one which doesn't feature an expensive summer signing and two mainstays in last year's starting team.

Harry Kane has been on top form this season (Source: Independent)
Harry Kane has been on top form this season (Source: Independent)

All three have struggled with injuries, but now back to fitness will be desperate to impress if given the chance on Sunday. Bentaleb came into criticism before his long injury lay-off as a result of a few shaky performances in which his passing and tracking of attackers looked culpable for several goals which were conceded, but the quality he showed in high-profile wins last term serve as reminders that he has a huge future at Tottenham Hotspur.

With Dele Alli breaking through as Spurs' first choice number ten, Christian Eriksen has been forced to occupy a position out wide. While Chadli and Son may struggle to displace in form Erik Lamela from Spurs' starting side, they both offer a more direct option out wide to Eriksen, who looks more comfortable in the middle of the pitch. His final ball and guile in build-up play may be superior to the two aformentioned, however his ability to beat a man and force an opening more conventionally is below that of Son and Chadli, and they will be hoping that they will be able to earn further appearances in this sort of role as a result of that.

Will Spurs rest hotshot Harry Kane?

Whether Harry Kane starts or not will be an interesting sub-plot, as it is felt that he needs a rest, however Spurs' depth up front may not make this possible. Erik Lamela or Nacer Chadli have been touted as potential options to fill in up front by Pochettino, however it goes without saying that without Kane Spurs look a less menacing prospect.

Both sides have a genuine opportunity to mount a title challenge this season. Spurs have been in this situation before, most notably in Harry Redknapp's last season in charge in 2011/2012, when results fell away and momentum tapered in the second half of the season. This is something Spurs must avoid, and an FA cup win will provide the hope and multiplier effects which will facilitate this.

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About the author
James White
Understanding the complex is hard. Delivering that which is complex is genius.