Tottenham Hotspur have now dropped five points in their last two games in the domestic league, and have dropped to the 6th place on the points table, 14 games into the season. Pochettino’s men are low on confidence at the moment and it does not get easier for them this weekend when they travel to the Vicarage Road to face a Watford side in good form this season.
The Hornets lost to Manchester United in the previous round, but not without putting up a fight and are sure to push the out of form visitors until the end in search of all three points. Pochettino cannot afford to drop any more of them and here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News
Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama remain the only absentees from the first team for Pochettino, who has no new injury issues to worry about, ahead of this tie.
Expected lineup (3-4-3)
Defence
French international Hugo Lloris remains Pochettino’s first choice this season and he will hope for a better outing than at the King Power in the previous round. Pochettino has to stick with a 3-man backline in most of the recent games and is expected to do so yet again this weekend.
Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen have done well on either side of young Davinson Sanchez but they will have their work cut out against the likes of Richarlison, Troy Deeney and Andre Gray, who will make a nuisance of themselves in the box on a regular basis in this game.
Midfield
With Wanyma injured, Pochettino has had to chop and change his midfield for almost every game and Moussa Sissoko is one player who has failed to take the opportunity. He had a torrid time against the Foxes and could be dropped for this game. Young Harry Winks should replace him, partnering Belgian playmaker Mousa Dembele, who will have a huge role to play in this tie.
Serge Aurier had a decent time against the Foxes but he should be rested for the UCL tie next week, bringing Kieran Trippier back in the starting XI at right-back. Danny Rose started the game earlier in the week and could make way for Ben Davies at left-back.
Attack
Harry Kane has lost a bit of consistency but remains Spurs’ best goal scoring threat in this tie. He will have his usual help from English playmaker Dele Alli and Danish dazzler Christian Eriksen, both of who will have to improve on their productivity in front of goal if they are to take anything from this tie.
Here is how they might line up:
