Last week proved to be disastrous for Spurs as Pochettino saw his team getting knocked out of the Champions League and then failing to hold on to their unbeaten run against Chelsea. Their rejuvenating comeback against West Ham United, which had everyone believe that the Lilywhites were back on track, breaking their frustrating run of draws, was after all a false beacon.
They face a comparatively easier opponent this week in Swansea City. Although Swansea have their confidence pumping after a win in a 9-goal thriller against Crystal Palace last week, Spurs are favourites to win. With most first-team players returning to the squad, Tottenham will hope to have a strong 11 welcoming Swansea.
Starting games has been a concerning aspect for Pochettino as Spurs have often seen drawing games after trying to push late on in the clash against West Ham was one such game. Spurs will look to strike first this time as they did against Chelsea and hope to hold on to the lead.
Defence
French first choice goalie Hugo Lloris will be the obvious choice under the bar for Spurs. With Toby Alderweireld back in training, Pochettino has a huge boost in his back line and the Belgian has a possibility of starting the game. With Ben Davies still out till mid-December with an ankle injury, we expect Alderweireld to partner with his Belgian compatriot Jan Vertonghen at the heart of the defence.
Danny Rose will return after serving his suspension in the last match and Kieran Trippier is expected to make way for him in the left-back position. Kyle Walker should start at the right-back.
Midfield
Tottenham have a very effective duo of Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele in the pivotal position, who balances the offensive and the defensive duties quite well. We expect the duo to start against Swansea.
Dele Alli finally returned against Chelsea after his long injury absence and will hopefully not take much time to get into the groove. The creativity has been missing of late and the likes of Alli and Dembele need to step up and provide the support to Kane.
Attack
Harry Kane has scored four goals in three games since making his comeback from an injury and is the ideal candidate to lead from the front. Son Heung-Min is likely to start on the right flank and will be a big threat with his pace and ability to finish although he was kept quiet by Chelsea for a large part of the game.
Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen scored a stunner against Chelsea and the same will be expected from him this time.
