Preview: Sheffield United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Sheffield United in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday looking to defend their 1-0 first-leg lead.

There was little to separate the teams at White Hart Lane last week as a late Andros Townsend penalty gave Spurs a narrow advantage in the tie.

Tottenham's victory over United was part of a three-game winning run for Mauricio Pochettino's side, but that came to an end on the weekend when they were dumped out of the FA Cup in the fourth round by Leicester City.

It looked as if the North London club were going to seal a place in the last 16 of the competition before two late goals handed Leicester a 2-1 triumph at the Lane.

Sheffield United's form in all competitions has been inconsistent in the past few weeks, with Nigel Clough's team winning two, losing three and drawing one of their last six matches.

However, United have proved in recent times that cup football brings out the best in them. They have lost just three of their last 19 matches in both the League Cup and FA Cup.

While Tottenham have won the League Cup four times - including their last triumph back in 2008 - the Blades have never lifted the trophy.

The likes of Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen are all expected to feature for Spurs, who are unlikely to underestimate their League One opponents. The Premier League club have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.

John Brayford is cup-tied for the hosts after signing a permanent deal from Cardiff City on the weekend. Meanwhile, Jamie Murphy, Chris Basham and Louis Reed could all return after missing Saturday's 1-1 draw with Preston North End in the FA Cup.

Sheff Utd:

Form in League Cup: WWWWWL Form in all competitions: LWWLLD

Possible starting lineup: Howard; Flynn, Harris, Doyle, Brayford; Campbell-Ryce, Basham, Reed, Murphy, Scougall; McNulty

Tottenham:

Form in League Cup: WWWW Form in all competitions: DLWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Lloris; Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Davies; Townsend, Mason, Dembele, Eriksen; Soldado, Kane

Sports Mole says: 1-2