3 Changes That Pochettino Must Do For Tottenham’s All Important Champions League Game vs Leverkusen

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.

Start Son in place of Janssen

Vincent Janssen’s strength and work rate are commendable no doubt, but he couldn’t make anything out of them against West Brom. Son’s introduction sparked life into Tottenham’s offensive initiatives, and his cross having driven into the left side of the box gave Eriksen the opportunity to square up Alli for the vital equalizer.

Son has shown his ability to always come to Tottenham’s rescue every now and then, and why the EPL September player of the month is still yet to stake a permanent spot in the starting XI is discourse for another time, he should be an undisputed part of the team that faces the Bundesliga side from the get-go.

Besides, having gained prominence during his time at Leverkusen, unleashing Son Heung-min against his former employers could be the key to unlock needed victory.

Employ a 4-1-4-1 formation

Tottenham’s only win from their 2 Champions League games this season has come about largely because of this formation. CSKA Moscow are a tough nut to crack in their own backyard, and if a narrow win could be squeezed out on the road with the pattern, no hurt in putting it into trial again.

Against the Germans, playing Wanyama in front of the defence, the quartet of Sissoko, Alli, Eriksen and Lamela behind a sole striker in Son Heung-min could do a lot of unsettling for a side that is tough to defeat at home.