In the English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur have been condemned to three defeats in their last six games with only one win and two further disappointing draws. The only win came against low lying Crystal Palace. In the battle against the top six, their only win came 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 side to actually deliver when it matters.
Spurs are falling behind the chasing pack in the league with Manchester United and Chelsea pulling away and Manchester City already gone far off. Moreover, they also have Liverpool and Arsenal breathing down their neck and if Pochettino’s men want to keep playing in the Champions League next season, they must get their act together in and start winning matches irrespective of the competition.
Tottenham’s European form has been in sharp contrast to their domestic run in. Things in Europe have been very different. In what was considered to be one of the toughest groups, Tottenham has proved everyone wrong by sitting pretty at the top of the table.
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. Erik Lamela finally played an hour football for the under-23 side and has also had some decent game time for the first team will be once again featuring in the squad but unlikely to start.
Here is how Pochettino will look to line up in 3-4-2-1.
Defence
Hugo Lloris is expected to play in goal for Spurs again. The defence is likely to see Eric Dier back in the defensive fold and playing as the centre back with Jan Vertonghen on his left side and Davinson Sanchez to his right in the absence of Alderweireld.
The right wing back is likely to be Serge Aurier who has impressed largely since his arrival from Paris 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, as was the case against Apoel Nicosia.
Midfield
Mousa Dembele who came back to full playing time in the weekend against Arsenal was rested against Borussia Dortmund and hence he is again expected to be one of the central midfielders for Tottenham Hotspur this week 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.
