Tottenham Hotspur will seek to rekindle their title challenge when they face Cardiff City tonight in a must-win match. The Lilywhites are coming on the back of a disappointing 1-3 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Pochettino cannot afford any more slip-ups with unrelenting Liverpool threatening to run away with the title.
Tottenham Hotspur team news
Spurs will miss out on the services of key midfielders Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier. Victor Wanyama is sidelined as well, leaving Mauricio Pochettino with very little resources in the midfield department while Jan Vertonghen’s absence will be a huge blow too. Erik Lamela is doubtful for this game.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur lineup vs Cardiff City
Defence
Serge Aurier has returned to training and there is a chance he could replace Kieran Trippier in the right-back position. The English international was awful against Wolves and Pochettino will hope Aurier’s return will bring some stability to the backline. Danny Rose should replace Ben Davies on the opposite flank.
Following an underwhelming display against Wolves, it’s likely that Davinson Sanchez could be rested today. In his stead, Juan Foyth will be introduced in central defence, where he will be starting alongside the highly experienced Toby Alderweireld.
Hugo Lloris will be the man between the sticks for the Lilywhites as he searches for his eighth clean sheet of the season.
Midfield
Pochettino could be tempted to start with Oliver Skipp in the double pivot of Tottenham’s 4-2-3-1. The 18-year-old has impressed in the few opportunities he has got this season and could be an interesting choice against Cardiff.
He will be starting alongside Moussa Sissoko, whose work-ethic could be key as Spurs seek to avoid another humiliation. However, the Frenchman certainly needs to improve his overall gameplay if he is to dominate the Cardiff midfield.
Attack
Harry Kane is expected to lead the line for the visitors this week. The English superstar scored an extraordinary goal against Wolves last weekend but will be hoping to get more freedom when he faces Cardiff.
Kane will be supported by the attacking trio of Son-Heung Min, Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura, who will return to the starting lineup, after featuring as a substitute last weekend.
Eriksen, however, will be tasked with the responsibility of providing the creative spark going forward. The Danish international already leads the team in terms of key passes per game while Pochettino will seek to make full use of Son before he departs for international duty this month.
