Tottenham Hotspur’s away form continued to worsen as the Lilywhites went down yet again on a European night, this time against Jupiler Pro league side KAA Gent. The guests missed a host of chances before the home side went ahead by a goal with half an hour to go and Pochettino’s men couldn’t find a way back into the game.
While it has already made their second leg complicated, the FA Cup fifth round clash away at Craven Cottage against Fulham could give Pochettino another team selection headache. Though Europa League will always get the first preference over the FA Cup, Spurs would definitely not want to miss out on either of them.
We expect Pochettino to rest his main players for the all-important second leg next midweek, but playing the second team away from home, given their away record, doesn’t bode well for Spurs. Despite having one of the most complete squads in the league, Tottenham’s bench lacks real depth. They had just escaped by the skin of their teeth against fourth-tier side Wycombe Wanderers last round as the match ended 4-3 in their favour.
The boss would expect an improved display from his often unused core of players this time.
Predicted 4-3-3 Tottenham Hotspur Line-Up
Defence
Michel Vorm is expected to start the game under the bar replacing Hugo Lloris. The Frenchman’s fitness will be key to Tottenham’s progress in the European tournament.
The left defensive flank is a position of crisis for the manager. With Danny Rose out with an injury, Ben Davies is the only viable option left in that position. And with hardly any time to rest between the matches, the manager will be cautious about using him. Kieran Trippier is expected to take the right defensive flank, replacing Kyle Walker.
The central defensive duo is expected to be Kevin Wimmer and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Midfield
The three-man midfield is expected to feature Eric Dier, Josh Onomah and Harry Winks. Dier is expected to start in the pivot position this time after under-performing at centre-half against Liverpool.
Onomah and Winks should start in the attacking midfield position. The duo was impactful in the last FA Cup round and the boss is expected to entrust them with the job once again.
Attack
Heung-Min Son is expected to start on the left flank with Georges-Kevin N’Koudou on the other. Both started from the bench in the midweek and should be fresh for the game. Victor Janssen is expected to start up front spearheading the attack.
Son – Janssen – N’Koudou
Onomah – Dier – Winks
Davies – Wimmer – Carter-Vickers – Trippier
Vorm
