In their last game against Arsenal, Mauricio Pochettino came up with a plan to cope with the absence of some key players with a shift to a back three. The strategy did help Spurs to earn a valuable point at the Emirates with the Arsenal players admitting that they found it hard to break down their rivals’ defence.
The three-man backline does have its own set of advantages and with the fitness concerns over some players still persisting, the Argentine coach should again be looking to play a similar formation when the Lilywhites will face West Ham this weekend at White Hart Lane.
On Saturday, Spurs could again be without the likes of Erik Lamela, Ben Davies and Toby Alderweireld which will be crucial. Pochettino, nevertheless, can call upon Vincent Janssen, Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose as they could all overcome minor complaints to make Saturday’s squad – but Dele Alli will be more of a concern, having a late fitness test on a troublesome knee.
Just like he did against Arsenal, a similar looking 3-4-2-1 might be the best option again where having a double pivot of Wanyama and Dembele should be more than enough to get things rolling as the home side initiates the process of suffocating their opponent’s attacks high up, quite early or deep inside their own half by cutting out the passing angles.
West Ham under Slaven Bilić have shown that they are not afraid to resort to a 3-man backline of their own using the formation extensively last season and also this season with three variables of the 3-man defence structure in the Premier League so far. It is always a good thing to play against a 3-man defence with a 3-man backline of your own as it ensures that the midfield battle is not lost.
In fact, Tottenham should emphasise a lot more in making full use of the absence of West Ham’s key midfielder in Mark Noble for the clash due to suspension for accumulating 5 yellow cards. The attacking midfield duo of Eriksen and Son should be raring to make full use of that opportunity.
Despite the injuries Tottenham do look to be the side which can get a far better balance by reverting to a back three as Pochettino looks to get the upper hand in another London Derby. Saturday will thus be one of the rare occasions when we might experience two teams battling for supremacy with three at the back.
