After an impressive last two seasons where Tottenham Hotspur was close to winning the title, it seems Pochettino’s men have fallen well off the pace now. They have failed to replicate their league form this season and with five defeats and four draws in the first 21 game weeks in the English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur are far away from the title. 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 and table toppers Manchester City 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 competing hard for the fourth spot and Burnley on their heels 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.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will look to set things in terms of their winning form, something they have been trying to recreate in the last few games. In a potential European spot deciding match against Burnley, who have performed beyond everyone’s dream saw Spurs win 3-0. They followed it up with a 5-2 hammering of Southampton on Boxing Day with Harry Kane breaking a particularly fascinating record by beating Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the pole. They most recently defeated Swansea City 2-0 with Harry Kane demoted to the bench with a cold. As for tonight’s game against West Ham United, Pochettino will look to claim another 3 points.
Here is how Pochettino will look to set his team up.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Hugo Lloris will be expected in goal for Spurs. The four-man defence is likely to be Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen at centre-backs with Toby Alderweireld still out.
Danny Rose is likely to miss out with a knee injury and Ben Davies is likely to take his place at left back with Serge Aurier as the right back.
Midfield
Eric Dier is likely to play alongside Victor Wanyama who has just returned from his injury and will want to start his first league game at home since August. Mousa Dembele will be missing out in midfield once again. Christian Eriksen is likely to play from the left flank with Son Heung-min as the right winger.
Attack
Harry Kane will be expected to lead the line with Dele Alli in behind him operating as the second striker.
