Predicted Tottenham XI to face Barcelona: Who starts for Spurs?
Things have gone reasonably well for Mauricio Pochettino’s men in the Premier League so far and Tottenham Hotspur continued their merry way with a 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Spurs were going all guns blazing in the first few games and were in high spirits after that 3-0 drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, defeats at the hands of Watford and Liverpool, followed by an opening day debacle against Inter Milan in the Champions League, just seemed to derail their campaign. But they did well to get back to winning ways with victories over Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield.
But Pochettino’s men face an uphill battle when they welcome Spanish giants Barcelona on Wednesday for matchday two of the Champions League. Having gone down to Inter Milan on opening day, Spurs should be looking to bag their first points.
But considering the quality of players the Catalans have in their ranks, things certainly won’t be easy.
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The long injury list should be a huge concern for Mauricio Pochettino. Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele are the latest casualties after the weekend’s game.
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Serge Aurier will not be available for selection due to various injuries but Hugo Lloris has an outside chance of making it to the starting line-up on Thursday.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI to face Barcelona
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Paulo Gazzaniga (GK)
The Argentine has put in some decent shifts between the sticks in the absence of Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm and he must continue in the Champions League.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
The English international has impressed on both ends of the pitch and will be a key player against Barcelona.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
The veteran Belgian centre-back has shown good levels of composure and Spurs will need his reliable presence at the back in the Champions League.
Davinson Sanchez (CB)
The Colombian has let the team down with occasional lapses in concentration but he is the best option that Pochettino has to cover for Vertonghen’s absence.
Danny Rose (RB)
He had a good game against Huddersfield and contributed equally to the attack and the defence. He should start ahead of Ben Davies.
Eric Dier (CDM)
Dier has been a bit sloppy with his passing lately but he has stamped his authority with his physicality in the midfield. With Dembele out injured, Pochettino should hand him a start.
Harry Winks (CDM)
The youngster has shown promise in the limited game time he has received. He has been neat and tidy with his passing and Pochettino should hand him a start.
Lucas Moura (RW)
The Brazilian has been in good form this season and created a lot of chances against Huddersfield, which should be enough for him to start on Wednesday.
Heung-min Son (LW)
The Korean put in plenty of hard yards against Huddersfield and set his teammates free with some good passes. Pochettino should hand him another start.
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Moussa Sissoko (CAM)
Given that Christian Eriksen is injured, Spurs do not have too many other options to fill in the playmaker’s role.
Harry Kane (ST)
England’s golden boy grabbed a couple of goals over the weekend and continues to remain a key figure in the final third.
