Three matches, two countries and handful of players later – Saturday’s Premier League opener against Manchester United is almost here.
Whether Mauricio Pochettino’s side is ready for their date with destiny remains to be seen, but before then, the Argentinian has a tough decision to make in selecting who will take to the field at Old Trafford.
In the first of multiple features to be published surronding the eagerly-anticipated fixture , Ashley Thornton-Jones gives us who he thinks the Spurs boss will opt for:
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
Spurs’ captain was expected to sit out a lengthy period after breaking his wrist at the beginning of pre-season, but he has seemingly made a miracolous recovery after coming on as a second-half substitue in the side’s final pre-season game on Wednesday evening. How fit the Frenchman is remains to be seen, but it is unlikely that Pochettino would’ve risked his number one if he didn’t think the stopper would’ve been available on Saturday.
Right-Back – Kyle Walker
After the summer signing of Kieran Trippier, doubts began to surround the future of the pacey right-back who has had his fair share of problems at White Hart Lane, whether that be due to form or fitness. The former Sheffield United man has been one of the club’s most consistent performers during pre-season however – posing a real threat bursting from deep – and his powerful running should pose problems to a shakey United back four.
Left-Back – Danny Rose
12 months ago, the former Leeds man’s White Hart Lane career looked in doubt as the club splashed £9m on Swansea City’s Ben Davies. However, Rose has since maintaned his place as the side’s number one left back, and he will be hoping for a positive showing against Louis van Gaal’s men at the weekend to further stamp his authority on the position.
Centre-Backs – Jan Vertonghen & Toby Alderweireld
Vertonghen and Federico Fazio lost just one game as a partnership last year, but the Argentinian is likely to lose his place to summer signing Alderweireld, for now at least. The Belgian was a key cog in a Southampton side that enjoyed the league’s second best defensive record last season, and before that, in an Atletico Madrid team that won La Liga with the league’s best defensive record. Despite their simialirities, Pochettino will hope the pair hit it off, but his mind well rest easy knowing he can call on his compatriot if need be.
Centre-Midfielders – Eric Dier & Nabil Bentaleb
The departures of Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli have left the club’s midfield bare to the extent that youngster Dier – traditionally a centre-back – has been used as a deep midfielder. With no arrivals seemingly on the horizon, expect the 21-year-old to line-up centrally once more in Saturday’s curtain-raiser alongside Bentaleb. Such a youthful pairing may be considered a gamble by many, but the duo are more suited to the more forward-thinking alternative – Moussa Dembele – in a game which Spurs are likely to be under much pressure.
Right-Midfield – Moussa Dembele
That’s not to say the Belgian won’t player – however – for he is the most likely candidate to fill the right-flank berth whilst Andros Townsend is injured, Aaron Lennon remains out of favour and Erik Lamela continues his search for full-fitness after a near non-existent pre-season. Yedlin could be considered as an alternative to balance a flank that may lack the pace of Walker should Trippier be given the nod, but the American is yet to impress in a Spurs shirt and won’t be thrown into such a high-profile game so early in his White Hart Lane career.
Left-Midfield – Nacer Chadli
Compatriot Chadli is a dead cert to open the match on the opposite flank and he is likely to be relied on as one of the team’s most potent threats cutting inside. The 26-year-old will be up against debutant Matteo Darmian, so expect Pochettino to direct as much play as he can through the former FC Twente man in order to test the Italian right-back’s pedigree.
Attacking-Midfield – Christian Eriksen
One of the first names on the teamsheet – the Dane will occupy his free role between the midfield and attacking lines as was so often the case last season. If Spurs are to win, Eriksen will need to be on form – more so on Saturday due to the absence of the pacey Andros Townsend and lack of other attacking options should Pochettino need a Plan B – but that’s a pressure that a player of Eriksen’s calibre should be able to deal with.
Striker – Harry Kane
Likewise, Tottenham’s leading man will need to replicate the kind of form that fans became so accustomed to last season if they are to have any chance of getting something from Old Trafford. With Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado no longer in contention, his responsibility will be not just leading the team out on Saturday, but also getting the goals.
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