If history is a guide, Tottenham will exit the FA Cup on Sunday. Not because of Spurs' record against Fulham, which shows eight wins in their past 10 meetings. Or, indeed, their past in the FA Cup, which only Arsenal and Manchester United have lifted more often. Nor, even, a recent record showing a mere two defeats and nine victories in 13 matches over all competitions.
But more so because of Mauricio Pochettino's personal history. The Argentine has forged a reputation as a manager who takes teams forward. He took over a Southampton side in 15th and left them in eighth.