Can't buy me luck

Last updated : 19 February 2005 By Alistair Murray

More than 20 new players have arrived at White Hart Lane since last summer as Tottenham build a side for the future. Yet a win for Martin Jol’s side on Sunday combined with another favourable draw and they will find themselves only one game away this season from semi-final day in Cardiff, and a step closer to European qualification on his debut attempt.

Looking ahead to the other weekend cup-ties there are also three all-Premiership fixtures that include both Manchester United and Chelsea playing away from home.

Jol: gripped by cup tradition

"Maybe we can go all the and win it this year. It's been a long time coming, but history does show that we are a cup side because we've won the competition eight times and only two teams have won it more.

"I've asked Chris Hughton to do the last five minutes of the team talk before we go out on the park for FA Cup matches. He tells a different story from each of the games in 1991 and it has worked so far," said Jol.

Jermain Defoe has netted three times in the FA Cup already this season and is excited at the prospect of making it to the last eight.

"The manager stresses to us that cup games are special," said Defoe.