Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to return to winning ways after a humiliating 7-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League as they lock horns with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
In the Premier League, the visitors will come into this clash on the back of a narrow win over Southampton. However, that was their only defeat in their last five matches in all competitions. Hence, a win will be imperative as the Lilywhites look to recover from their erratic start to the campaign.
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Defence
Mauricio Pochettino isn’t expected to make too many changes at central defence despite conceding seven goals against Bayern Munich. However, Serge Aurier’s suspension means Kyle Walker-Pieters might get a spot in the starting lineup.
The youngster will get the nod ahead of Davinson Sanchez at right-back. Danny Rose, on the other hand, may get a breather, making way for Ben Davies on the opposite flank.
An unchanged central defence means both Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will both retain their place at the heart of the four-man backline. The Belgian defensive duo will need to be extra careful having had a nightmarish game against the Bavarians on Tuesday.
Hugo Lloris, meanwhile, will retain his place in between the sticks.
Midfield
The midfield will remain unchanged as well, with Pochettino unlikely to recall any one of Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama or Oliver Skipp to the starting eleven.
That means Harry Winks will once again sit at the base of the 4-3-1-2. The young midfielder will look to influence the game in the middle with his excellent passing and ball distribution. He will be partnered by the French midfield duo of Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko.
Sissoko will be in charge of disrupting Brighton’s rhythm in the centre of the pitch. He will also play a key role in Tottenham’s second line of press alongside Ndombele, whose driving runs into the final third could create problems for the opposition.
Attack
Dele Alli was given a surprise start against Bayern in midweek. Pochettino could revert that change, meaning the England international might make way for Christian Eriksen. The Dane will operate as the lone attacking midfielder.
He will look to support the attacking duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, though the latter might drop in, almost forming a 4-3-2-1. Son’s offensive movements, coupled with his ability to breach the opposing defence using quick one-touch football, will be paramount for the Lilywhites this weekend.
