Spurs v Cardiff - Mauricio's preview

Mauricio Pochettino sees similarities in style between Cardiff City and last week’s opponents Huddersfield Town - and he’s aiming for the same outcome at Wembley on Saturday (3pm).

The Terriers provided a tough, physical test at the John Smith's Stadium last weekend with long throws and set-pieces flying into our penalty area from all angles. Defensively, we dealt with the threat perfectly and a quickfire double from Harry Kane in the first half saw us take control, 2-0 the final scoreline.

Cardiff have their own long throw weapon via skipper Sean Morrison and will give everything at Wembley under Neil Warnock.

Mauricio said: “We are going to compete against Cardiff and it will be such a tough game. They have a similar style to Huddersfield, a very well-organised team, physical and they are very clear in their philosophy and how they are going to play.

“After the Barcelona defeat we need to recover the feeling of victory but we all know very well that in the Premier League, it’s always so tough to win.

“The effort was massive on Wednesday, not only physically but mentally too. We are confident we can arrive in good shape, fit and ready to compete. That’s most important.”

A strong first half last weekend paved the way to victory. “That is the objective, that’s the challenge, to be ready from the first minute to compete and try to perform well,” said Mauricio.

“It’s a massive challenge after a big game like Barcelona to feel fresh and compete again.”

Promoted last season, Cardiff are still waiting for their first win in this season’s Premier League with two draws and five defeats in seven so far.

They picked up draws against Huddersfield and Newcastle, pushed Arsenal all the way in a 3-2 defeat and lost 2-1 against Burnley last week.

Meanwhile, if all goes well, a win for us would make it six in eight.

“Yes, but first of all we need to play,” added Mauricio. “We need to be focused. We’re in a good position and if we win the three points it would be fantastic.”