Tottenham should finally start Marcus Edwards against Gillingham

Tottenham need to hand their starlet his big chance

Tottenham have a unique opportunity ahead of them this Wednesday when they take on Gillingham. They have the opportunity to give one of their prized youngsters, Marcus Edwards, meaningful game time that he so desperately needs.

It also happens to be game times that the diminutive attacker richly deserves. He proved his mettle with the senior squad during the club’s preseason tour, and Wednesday is the perfect time to put him in the fire in earnest. Allowing him to start against a League One squad in Gillingham would provide a low-pressure, but intense contest that could further his development.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is likely to feature a heavily rotated squad in the EFL Cup’s Third Round. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see an entirely new attacking midfield compared to the last time out versus Sunderland.

In particular, it would seem wise to allow Edwards to play out wide in the match. Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen seem best-suited to play more centrally, which leaves Edwards an opportunity on the wing. Erik Lamela, Moussa Sissoko and Son Heung-Min will certainly play regularly there, but there’s room for another attacker in the rotation.

The club hasn’t given any indication as to whether or not Edwards is in line for a start, but they did tip their hand in regards to striker Shayon Harrison. He was left out of Tottenham’s U23 squad against Liverpool which is a clear indication he’ll be involved with the senior squad Wednesday.

If Harrison is able to impress against Gillingham, he may be able to parlay his performance into inclusion in the Premier League squad. Current Spurs starter Harry Kane is certainly going to miss some amount of time with his ankle injury, leaving the club short of options at number nine. Vincent Janssen figures to start in his absence, but it’s conceivable that Pochettino could look to Harrison to come off the bench.

Wednesday will be a big day for a number of young Tottenham players. Hopefully, Marcus Edwards and Shayon Harrison both are given opportunities to impress.