Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for their virtual knockout game against PSV Eindhoven tomorrow. The Lilywhites have been uncharacteristically poor thus far in the tournament in a number of areas. Based on their display last season, many people were counting them as favourites to qualify from this group along with Barcelona. But with one point from three games as it stands, Spurs need an almighty effort to make that come true.
To be fair, they haven’t performed that badly but have repeatedly failed to capitalise on their dominance. And that is something manager Mauricio Pochettino will want his team to rectify tomorrow. This is a match they should win on paper but then football matches are rarely won or lost on paper, are they?
TEAM NEWS
Pochettino has been boosted by the return to training of Dele Alli. The mercurial England international hasn’t had a particularly productive season, failing to reach the high standards he has set for himself. He missed the 3-2 win against Wolves due to a hamstring injury but is likely to be a part of the proceedings tomorrow.
Mousa Dembele’s name has been added to that of Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose, all of who will miss out through injury.
Hugo Lloris, meanwhile, is suspended after his costly red card in the previous fixture.
PREDICTED TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR LINEUP VS PSV EINDHOVEN (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Paulo Gazzaniga will get his fifth start of the season and will be keen to impress the manager.
Kieran Trippier is likely to start this crucial fixture and his big-game mentality will come into play on the night. Davinson Sanchez is expected to get the final nod having sat out of the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He will partner Toby Alderweireld. The duo will look to cut down on individual errors which is their main reason for this predicament.
In Rose’s absence, Ben Davies is an automatic starter in the left-back slot.
MIDFIELD
With Wanyama a doubt, Eric Dier absent and Dembele also missing out, Spurs’ lack of quality back-up might come back to haunt them. But at the same time, this gives the likes of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko a chance to make an impact and answer the naysayers. The duo is likely to pair up in midfield and sit at the base of the midfield.
ATTACK
Harry Kane is an automatic choice up front. Christian Eriksen will also start, most likely in the No. 10 role in case Dele Alli is not risked from the beginning. Lucas Moura is in fine form and should start while Son Heung-min might be preferred over Erik Lamela.
