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. They are the only unbeaten side in the group. They dispatched Apoel Nicosia and Borrusia Dortmund before the doubleheader against Real Madrid. In what was considered to be Pochettino’s first big European test, Tottenham came out in flying colors. They fought Real Madrid to an evenly contested 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu before routing the reigning European champions 3-1 at Wembley. They dispatched Dortmund twice and now face Apoel Nicosia in an inconsequential tie having already won their group.
Mauricio side will look to set things in terms of their winning form, something they have craved for in the last few games. A comparatively easy match against a side yet to register a win in the tournament this season should give Tottenham plenty of confidence to find their winning touch again.
Here is how Pochettino will look to set his team up.
Formation: 3-5-2
Defence
Hugo Lloris will be expected in goal for Spurs. The three-man defence is likely to be Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, and Jan Vertonghen.
Danny Rose is likely to play left wing back with Kieran Trippier as the right wing back.
Midfield
Harry Winks is likely to play alongside Mousa Dembele in the midfield. Christian Eriksen is likely to play in front of these two as the attacking midfielder.
Attack
Harry Kane will be expected to lead the line with Son Heung-min.
