We have attempted the impossible… guessing what is in the mind of Spurs boss Pochettino.
Tottenham v Asteras Tripolis live streaming & Europa League preview
Tottenham Hotspur host Greek side Asteras Tripolis in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Premier League outfit are looking for their first win in Group C, while Asteras are top of the table with four points from two games.
With Spurs needing a victory to get their European campaign back on track, here are the players we reckon Mauricio Pochettino will select in his starting XI…
Goalkeeper: Michel Vorm
Hugo Lloris was a minor doubt for Saturday’s trip to Manchester City with a thigh strain, but he overcame the knock to take part in the 4-1 defeat at the Etihad.
The Frenchman is likely to be rested against Asteras, though, clearing the way for Vorm to make his second Spurs start.
Left-back: Ben Davies
Davies has only made one appearance in the Premier League for Spurs – a 20-minute cameo in the 3-0 loss to Liverpool. However, the Welshman has been Tottenham’s first choice left-back in the cups.
Centre-back: Federico Fazio
Former Sevilla skipper Fazio will be suspended for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United, after being sent off at City.
Therefore, the Argentine should play on Thursday, as Pochettino looks to manage his resources efficiently.
Centre-back: Vlad Chiriches
Chiriches has put in some shocking performances so far this season, but, with Younes Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen being saved for Sunday, he should be get a chance to redeem himself.
Right-back: Eric Dier
Dier is Tottenham’s only fit right-back, with Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton out with pelvic and ankle issues respectively.
Midfield: Benjamin Stambouli
Stambouli is another one of Tottenham’s cup specialists. He should provide the midfield muscle.
Midfield: Paulinho
Paulinho is not deemed worthy of a Premier League start, due to reasons only known by Pochettino. However, the Brazil international should at least be given a game on Thursday.
Attacking midfield: Andros Townsend
Townsend’s pace and direct approach could well be the key to unlocking the Asteras defence, which has kept three clean sheets in its last four games in all competitions.
Attacking midfield: Harry Kane
Kane is a striker by trade, but he has been used in a slightly deeper position in this season’s Europa League.
Attacking midfield: Aaron Lennon
Speedy Lennon could captain Spurs.
Striker: Roberto Soldado
Emmanuel Adebayor is fit again after missing the City clash, but Pochettino may persevere with Soldado.
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Premier League’s Top 10 Most Fouled Players.
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