Tottenham will encounter something rather alien to them when they take on Tamworth in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

A classic FA Cup encounter takes place at the Lamb Ground, with the non-league side welcoming a Premier League giant to their tiny home. Four thousand people will pack into the Tamworth home ground to watch Spurs take on the National League Premier Division outfit.

But it is not just playing in front of a much smaller crowd that Spurs will have to get used to. The Tottenham players may also have to change their footwear, as Tamworth play on a 3G surface.

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The use of 3G pitches is not permitted in the Football League or Premier League as Sutton United found to their cost in 2021. They had to rip up their synthetic pitch and re-install grass upon promotion to League Two.

Tamworth have never been a Football League side and installed a 3G surface in 2016. It is an extremely useful source of income for non-league clubs, who can rent out the pitch to interested parties without it being ruined for the first team.

There are a number of non-league sides up and down the country who play on 3G pitches now because of the revenue streams they can bring in - and the all-weather aspect which means games are less likely to be called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Ange Postecoglou's side will be well aware of the conditions and the restrictions around which type of boots the players are allowed to wear on the day. The Australian will also be hoping, given Spurs' lengthy injury list, that he is not bemoaning the surface being the reason for any more players picking up injuries on Sunday.

3G surfaces have regularly been in the news over the years when it comes to players suffering injuries because of the difference in surface compared to grass. Players like Richarlison and Mikey Moore, who are just coming back from injury, may not be risked as a result, as Postecoglou makes careful considerations when it comes to his starting lineup.