On a week where Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool dropped points, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur side failed to take full advantage of the situation as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Sunderland earlier this week in the Premier League. This result kept Spurs in the 2nd place, 9 points off Chelsea at the top of the table and they will know that they cannot be complacent if they are to fight for the title.They face a chance to keep the pressure up on their opponents when they welcome Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side that took a point from the previous fixture in the competition against the Baggies. Boro are currently 15
They face a chance to keep the pressure up on their opponents when they welcome Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side that took a point from the previous fixture in the competition against the Baggies. Boro are currently 15th in the points table, just a couple of points off safety and Spurs will hope that they give them no chance on the night. Here is the predicted lineup Pochettino might field for this game:
Here is the predicted lineup Pochettino might field for this game:
Team News:
In early team news, Pocehttino is expecting first choice shot-stopper Hugo Lloris to be back in action this week after he missed the previous round. Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier and Jan Vertonghen are all ruled out of this tie while Erik Lamela remains the only other absentee for this game.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Hugo Lloris:
Though missed the previous game, Lloris is expected to be fit and should start this game against Middlesbrough.
Kyle Walker:
The English defender has been superb for Spurs this season and he will hope to have a comfortable time this weekend at the back for his side.
Toby Alderweireld:
The senior defender in the side, Alderweireld will be responsible in keeping Boro out of danger and give his side a shot at all three points.
Eric Dier:
With Vertonghen injured, Eric Dier is the first choice center back for Pochettino who uses the Englishman to good effect.
Ben Davies:
With Danny Rose picking up an unfortunate injury, Ben Davies will get his chance to prove himself on the flank for Spurs.
Victor Wanyama:
The midfield powerhouse of Spurs, Wanyama is not expected to be tested to his full potential, but he will have to be on his toes should the visitors throw any dice.
Mousa Dembele:
The midfield maestro for Spurs, Dembele has been decent in the last few games and will hope to have an impact on the game and give his side all three points.
Heung Min-Son:
The Korean winger has not been able to create enough chances from a wide position but Pochettino should stick with him for this tie against Middlesbrough.
Dele Alli:
The English attacker has been sublime in front of goal for Spurs this season and will have to play an important role if his side are to take all three points from this game.
Christian Eriksen:
The chief creator from the wing for Spurs, Eriksen will be up against the likes of Barragan on the night and will hope to have a productive game.
Harry Kane:
Currently in a decent goal scoring form, the English attacker will be the biggest threat for the visitors on the night at the Lane.