Mauricio Pochettino has admitted his side need more attacking reinforcements, ahead of Saturday’s game with Leicester City.
Clinton Njie signed from Lyon last weekend and could make his debut against The Foxes, but despite his arrival, Spurs’ boss remains adamant there is no doubt over where he feels he needs to strengthen further.
“It is obvious we need to add some more (players) in our offensive positions, he said. “We identify our targets and the chairman (Daniel Levy) is working hard to bring them in.”
A bid for West Brom striker Saido Berahino was swiftly rejected earlier in the week with Baggies chairman Jeremy Pearce claiming the 22-year-old was not for sale, whilst the sale of Roberto Soldado and imminent exit of Emmanuel Adebayor has left Pochettino’s attacking arsenal sparse.
The Argentinian did not comment on whether he would return to the West Midlands club with an improved offer, but irregardless of his next move, it is highly unlikely that any move would be concluded before the trip to Claudio Ranieri’s side.
That means Harry Kane is likely to start as a lone striker despite being taken off with just an hour gone against Stoke last weekend because of ‘tiredness’, however Pochettino will be without Andros Townsend.
The winger looked set to return after three weeks on the sideline with a shoulder injury, but he has now suffered an ankle injury that will prevent him from travelling on Saturday.
Likewise, Leicester have one fresh injury worry with Christian Fuchs facing a race against time to be fit for the match after missing training on Thursday.
Claudio Ranieri will be hoping to field an unchanged team for the third successive week after wins in his side’s opening two league games, and the Italian is hopeful that his left-back will be available.
The arrival of Gokhan Inler may tempt changes, however, with the midfielder set for his debut after arriving from Napoli in a three-year deal this week
Match facts:
– The previous five meetings between the sides have churned out a massive 26 goals, which is an average of 5.2 a game.
– Last season was the first time Spurs have completed the league double over Leicester since the 86/87 season.
– Harry Kane’s hat-trick in March’s White Hart Lane meeting is the first time a Spurs player has struck three against the Foxes since Les Ferdinand in 2000.
– There has been a goal in every one of the last 80 meetings beteen the sides, with the last goalless draw coming as far back as in 1948.
Predicted XIs:
Leicester: Schmeichel, de Laet, Schlupp, Morgan, Huth, Albrighton, Mahrez, King, Drinkwater, Okazaki, Vardy
Spurs: Lloris, Walker, Rose, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dier, Mason, Dembele, Chadli, Eriksen, Kane
Match odds:
Leicester (6/4), Draw (12/5), Spurs (17/10) – Source: SkyBet
