Tottenham Hotspur begin a hectic run of three games in seven days this evening when Aston Villa visit White Hart Lane.
Spurs, who face Anderlecht and Arsenal later in the week, can move above West Ham United into fifth place – and nine points clear of Chelsea – in the Premier League table by beating struggling Villa.
With such a busy period ahead, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has plenty to think about in terms of team selection.
Here’s how we expect Spurs to start against Villa…
GK: Hugo Lloris
After missing the 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on the opening day, Lloris has played every minute of every Premier League game this season. Spurs are unbeaten in the 10 league matches in which the Frenchman has featured.
RB: Kyle Walker
The former Villa loanee seems to have put last year’s fitness problems behind him. He has started all 10 of Tottenham’s league games so far, looking strong and sharp.
LB: Danny Rose
Rose was Tottenham’s first-choice left-back last season, but he has had to battle hard with Ben Davies for that spot this term. However, Rose has started the last two league games, so it is likely he will continue in the no.3 role.
CB: Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen
The Belgian pair have formed a strong partnership this season, linking up in every league match. The former Ajax teammates are one of the main reasons Spurs have conceded just eight goals – the joint-fewest in England’s top division.
CM: Eric Dier
Dier has been one of the surprise stars of the 2015-16 Premier League season. Playing in defensive midfield, the young Englishman is now one of the first names on Pochettino’s teamsheet. He has missed just one game in all competitions – and that was enforced by suspension.
CM: Mousa Dembele
Injuries to Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb, plus Dier’s suspension, forced Pochettino to play Dembele in defensive midfield against Liverpool last month. He excelled in a 0-0 draw with the Reds, earning him another start against Bournemouth. He then scored in the 5-1 win over the Cherries.
The former Fulham star’s recent form makes him a prime candidate to partner Dier tonight. Mason is fit to start, having made his return from injury at Bournemouth last weekend, but the England midfielder is likely to be on the bench, with a place in Thursday’s starting XI potentially on the cards.
AM: Erik Lamela
Lamela has been rejuvenated this season. His four goals in all competitions make his Tottenham’s joint-top scorer, alongside Harry Kane.
AM: Dele Alli
The teenager has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water since his move from League One MK Dons. Nineteen-year-old Alli is already a firm fixture in Tottenham’s first XI and he has two England caps to his name too.
AM: Christian Eriksen
With three goals in his last four Spurs games, Eriksen’s form is very strong.
ST: Harry Kane
Pochettino’s easiest selection decision is up front, with Kane his only recognised striker. Son Heung-min is still injured, while Clinton Njie has yet to show that he has what it takes to lead the line.
SEE ALSO:
Tottenham player ratings from 5-1 win over Bournemouth: Perfect Harry Kane gets 10/10 after hat-trick
Tottenham scout former Chelsea winger ahead of potential January transfer
Tottenham player ratings from 0-0 Liverpool draw: Belgians boss things in White Hart Lane stalemate
