Spurs have got a very important Champions League game on their hands on matchday 3 of the European elite competition. Group leaders Bayer Leverkusen host Tottenham at the BayArena on Tuesday and it’s a game the visitors must get at least a point from in order to boost their chances of topping the group at the end of the preliminary rounds.
Here are 3 changes Mauricio Pochettino must make if Tottenham are to win or at worst secure a point on the road.
Play Dier ahead of Wimmer or Carter-Vickers in central defence
With defensive lynchpin Toby Alderweireld out of contention for even a place on the bench following Saturday’s injury, settling for a more experienced and reliable player out of the options available will be best bet for Poch.
And that will be Eric Dier. The England international was brought on as Alderweireld’s replacement against West Brom after the Belgian was stretchered off at the weekend. Against Leverkusen, there shouldn’t be a need not to continue Dier in defence alongside Vertonghen even though he isn’t a natural defender.
While Carter-Vickers impressed during the pre-season tour and did great against Gillingham in the EFL cup, it’s not likely the Argentine tactician will trust him enough for a starting berth in such an important game. Perhaps he is the other option to be likely considered if Dier also becomes unavailable, but at the moment, the 18-year-old got enough rope learning to do.
Kevin Wimmer is another option, and given he appeared 5 times for the club in Europe last term, his experience could count. However, with only a few minutes under his belt this season, a lack of match fitness and a little bit of rustiness could stand his way.
Dier remains the perfect man for the job.