Strong XI likely to be named.
Tottenham Hotspur carry a 2-1 advantage into tonight’s Europa League playoff second leg with Cypriot side AEL Limassol.
Here is the starting XI we think Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino will go with at White Hart Lane.
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
Michel Vorm has not been included in the squad for this round of the Europa League. Pochettino could use tonight’s game as an opportunity to give 43-year-old Brad Fridel a bit of exercise, although he will probably stick with Lloris just to be safe.
Left-back: Ben Davies
Made his Spurs debut in last week’s first leg. He should get the nod ahead of Danny Rose, who will probably start Sunday’s Premier League game against Liverpool.
Right-back: Kyle Naughton
Naughton was suspended for last Sunday’s 4-0 win over QPR, during which Eric Dier excelled at right-back. As a result, Dier could be saved for Liverpool. Kyle Walker is still injured.
Centre-back: Jan Vertonghen
With Michael Dawson having moved to Hull City and Vlad Chiriches incapacitated, Spurs are a bit light at centre-back. Pochettino will want Younes Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen to be as fresh as possible for the big Liverpool match, so he could opt to semi-rest both, giving them just a half each.
Centre-back: Milos Veljkovic
Pochettino may give the highly-rated 18-year-old a chance to shine in front of a fairly big White Hart Lane crowd. He is more than capable of doing the job, especially if playing alongside an experienced campaigner.
Midfield: Mousa Dembele
Nabil Bentaleb has started all three of Tottenham’s games so far this season. He is due a rest, while Dembele needs to get some minutes under his belt.
Midfield: Paulinho
Like Dembele, Paulinho needs minutes to get him up to full fitness. He could start, while Sandro may also make an appearances, probably off the bench.
Attacking midfield: Lewis Holtby
Linked with a move away from White Hart Lane by some sections of the press, but Holtby, who played in all five of Tottenham’s preseason friendlies, is rated highly by Pochettino. The German international started the first leg and he should make the first XI again.
Attacking midfield: Andros Townsend
Townsend’s direct approach and lightening pace will terrorise Limassol’s shaky defence. Former Barcelona trainee Cristian Ceballos, 21, may be given his Spurs debut as a sub.
Attacking midfield: Harry Kane
Traditionally a forward, but Kane may well play in a slightly deeper role to accommodate Roberto Soldado in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Forward: Roberto Soldado
Scored in the first leg and could do with a couple more tonight to build his confidence.
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