Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld believes his side have momentum going into their FA Cup fifth round clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Lilywhites drew 1-1 against Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 clash at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Nacer Chadli opened the scoring for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the 37th minute of the game from the penalty spot, after defender Ben Davies was brought down inside the box by Nenad Tomovic.
The Florence outfit equalised through Federico Bernardeschi in the 59th minute, when the winger’s goal-bound shot took a deflection and looped over Michel Vorm.
Alderweireld has been a vital member of Pochettino’s title-challenging side this season, following his switch from Atletico Madrid, and the 26-year-old has racked up 34 appearances for Spurs this season in all competitions.
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The Belgian international believes their momentum and home fans will be a huge advantage in Sunday’s tie and although the defender acknowledged that the FA Cup is always difficult, he remained confident of their chances against the Eagles.
Speaking in an interview with Spurs TV, Alderweireld said: “We are in some kind of momentum I think, and it’s nice to play especially at the Lane with those supporters.
“Tonight’s game was a nice fixture, so we will recuperate for Sunday and then we will give our everything again.
“No [there’s no form book in the FA Cup], it’s always different the FA Cup, that’s good about the cup I think and so it’s going to be a tough game but we have to be ready for it.”
Sunday’s game between the Lilywhites and Crystal Palace could potentially mark the return of former Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor to White Hart Lane.
