Tottenham Hotspur will look to kickstart their recovery after a disappointing start to the campaign as they host Sheffield United on Saturday. The Lilywhites are coming on the back of a morale-boosting victory against Crvena Zvezda in midweek’s Champions League fixture. They will be confident of their chances of securing all three points this weekend.
Here is how Mauricio Pochettino’s side could feature against the newly-promoted Premier League outfit.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Tottenham will continue to miss out on the services of Hugo Lloris as the Frenchman is nursing his dislocated elbow. Paulo Gazzaniga will once again deputise him in goal.
We could expect Pochettino to make one or two defensive changes in this fixture after his side had to travel to Serbia in midweek. Serge Aurier will likely replace Juan Foyth at right-back. The Ivorian will be starting ahead of Kyle Walker-Peters.
Ben Davies could also return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Danny Rose. The ex-Swansea star will be looking to make an impression after a disappointing start to the campaign. He will operate as the left-back.
Pochettino will miss out on Jan Vertonghen in this fixture. The veteran defender is a doubt due to his thigh problem and will likely be replaced by Davinson Sanchez, though Foyth is also an option. The Colombian will be partnered by the ever-present figure of Toby Alderweireld at the heart of Spurs’ four-man backline.
Midfield
Harry Winks could once again miss out this weekend as we expect Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Dembele to retain their place in the side. They will form the double-pivot, which could be crucial against a Sheffield United team, which will desperately try to minimise the time and space on the ball.
Pochettino could opt for Giovani Lo Celso as well. But, it’s unlikely that the Argentine, who scored his first goal for the club in midweek, will be risked, having just returned from a long injury absence.
Attack
Son Heung-Min’s red card against Everton last weekend was rightly overturned. That means the South Korean international is in contention to start. He might retain his place on the left flank, while Lucas Moura could operate on the opposite flank. Christian Eriksen, meanwhile, could return to the bench, paving the way for Dele Alli to occupy the number ten role.
And finally, the Tottenham Hotspur attack will be led by Harry Kane. His form in front of goal will pretty much dictate Spurs’ fate in this fixture.
