Tottenham Hotspur will go in search of a third straight win when they visit Watford this afternoon.
Spurs have climbed into the Premier League’s top four courtesy of back-to-back victories over Southampton and Norwich City, and are building momentum in this wide-open title race.
Will Mauricio Pochettino risk that momentum by rotating his squad 48 hours after their match against the Canaries? Here, CaughtOffside predicts the Tottenham lineup at Vicarage Road…
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GK: Hugo Lloris
One place where Pochettino certainly won’t be rotating is in goal. Lloris has responded to his pair of mistakes against Newcastle United with two clean sheets.
DR: Kieran Trippier
Pochettino has shown that he trusts the former Burnley defender by playing him in the Europa League, and may hand him a first Premier League start for Tottenham, giving Kyle Walker a rest.
DC: Toby Alderweireld
Tottenham have the best defensive record in the division and the outstanding summer signing must take a lot of credit for that. Also a threat from attacking set pieces.
DC: Jan Vertonghen
In Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, Watford have one of the most dangerous strike forces in the country. Pochettino will not risk fiddling with his first-choice centre-back pairing.
DL: Danny Rose
One position where Spurs have two players who are easily interchangeable is left-back. Ben Davies has started the last two games but Rose may get a recall to provide some fresh energy.
CM: Eric Dier
Will have a very important role to play. Deeney often drops into the pocket to collect the ball and Dier must ensure that the Watford skipper does not get too much space.
CM: Mousa Dembele
The Belgian was substituted late on in the Norwich win as a precaution, but he will start if fit. Tom Carroll is on standby fresh off the back of his first Premier League goal.
AMR: Son Heung-Min
Erik Lamela has been a consistently good performer on the Tottenham right over the last couple of months, but a fresh Son is in reserve and may be given a chance to impress.
AMC: Dele Alli
The teenage prodigy is in outstanding form and has been a real difference-maker for Tottenham in recent weeks. He has two goals and two assists in his last three matches.
AML: Christian Eriksen
The Dane being spared the final 20 minutes against Norwich suggests that he is firmly in Pochettino’s plans – a blow to Nacer Chadli who may have been hoping for a start.
ST: Harry Kane
Broke Teddy Sheringham’s club record for Premier League goals in a calendar year with his 26th and 27 of 2015 against Norwich. Will hope to end a fantastic 12 months with a bang.
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