Tottenham Hotspur’s European form has been in sharp contrast to their domestic run in. In the English Premier League, Spurs have been condemned to three defeats in four big games with the only win coming against Liverpool. Losses to Manchester United, Chelsea and most recently to their bitter rivals Arsenal have left everyone questioning the credibility of the young Tottenham Hotspur side to actually deliver when it matters.
Things in Europe however, have been very different. In what was considered to be one of the toughest groups, Tottenham Hotspur has proved everyone wrong by sitting pretty at the top of the table. They are the only unbeaten side in the group. They dispatched Apoel Nicosia and Borrusia Dortmund before the double-header against Real Madrid. In what was considered to be Pochettino’s first big European test, Tottenham came out in flying colours. They fought Real Madrid to an evenly contested 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu before routing the reigning European champions 3-1 at Wembley.
Pochettino’s men will face a struggling Dortmund side for the mid-week clash, knowing that a win will help them secure top spot in the group, an achievement that can be considered remarkable, given that they had to beat Real Madrid as well to claim the top spot. Pochettino is likely to be without Toby Alderweireld again, as the Belgian is expected to be out until the end of December. He will also be missing Victor Wanyama who is a long-term absentee. Though Erik Lamela finally played an hour of football for the under-23 side, Pochettino is unlikely to rush him back so fast into the first team fold.
Here is how Tottenham Hotspur will look to line-up for their clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Defence
Hugo Lloris is expected to play in goal for Spurs again.
The defence is likely to see Eric Dier playing as the centre back with Jan Vertonghen on his left side and Davinson Sanchez to his right in absence of Alderweireld.
The right wing back is likely to be Serge Aurier, who has impressed largely since his arrival from Paris Saint Germain this summer. The left-back position has been well marshalled by Ben Davies for so long in the absence of Danny Rose, however, with Rose ready to play first-team football again, he will most probably be seen at the left wing-back position.
Midfield
Mousa Dembele played in the weekend clash against Arsenal and he is again expected to be one of the central midfielders for Tottenham, as he continues to rediscover his old form after his lengthy injury lay off. The other central midfielder is likely to be young Harry Winks.
Attack
Harry Kane will obviously be expected to lead the line with Dele Alli as his second striker and Christian Eriksen in behind, supplying balls to them.
