After a good start to the season, including a 3-0 whitewash of Manchester United away from home, Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a significant dip in their performance curve. The Lilywhites have lost two consecutive games against Watford and Liverpool and also made a poor start to their European adventure as they went down 2-1 to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
Spurs took the lead in the Champions League opener but could not maintain their stranglehold on the proceedings as they let their lead slip in the dying stages of the game. Pochettino’s team were far from their best against Liverpool and looked virtually non-existent for large quarters of the game.
It will be interesting to see how Mauricio Pochettino lifts the team’s spirits as Spurs face Brighton away from home on Saturday.
Dele Alli and Moussa Sissoko haven’t regained full fitness and are doubtful to feature in the matchday squads for the weekend game while Hugo Lloris will be unavailable due to a thigh muscle strain.
Michel Vorm (GK)
The veteran Dutchman hasn’t done a bad job for the Lilywhites in Lloris’ absence and he should retain his position between the sticks.
Serge Aurier (RB)
The Ivorian international was impressive in the Champions League game against Inter Milan and put up a good show both in terms of attack and defence. He should start in the next game.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
The Belgian did not make the trip to Italy for the Champions League game but should replace Davinson Sanchez in the heart of the defence.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
Although he gave the ball away on occasions, the Belgian had a decent game against Inter and should start against Brighton.
Danny Rose (LB)
Ben Davies had a relatively poor game against Inter and did not look solid at the back. Danny Rose should replace him in the starting line-up for the next game.
Mousa Dembele (CDM)
The veteran had a decent game against Inter and made some solid challenges in the midfield. He looked comfortable on the ball and Pochettino should hand him another start.
Victor Wanyama (CDM)
Eric Dier has been poor this season and he was horrible in the last two games. Wanyama hasn’t played much this season and Pochettino must rotate his players.
The Brazilian has been Spurs’ standout performer so far and Pochettino should start him.
Heung-min Son (RW)
Son is a lethal attacker and he must receive a start in this game. After winning the gold at the Asian Games, Son must work wonders for his club.
Christian Eriksen (CAM)
The playmaker was the brightest spark for Spurs in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Inter. He has been quite good in the Premier League so far and Pochettino should not hesitate to give his most creative player a start.
Harry Kane (ST)
He had a decent game against Inter but he should have scored. The talismanic No.9 was left to feed on scraps in the games against Liverpool and Watford as the midfielders failed to create enough chances. Pochettino should continue to hand him starts.