Predicted Tottenham Line-up To Face APOEL Nicosia In The Champions League
Tottenham Hotspur will look to grab their second win in this season’s UEFA Champions League when they clash against Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia, away at the GSP Stadium, on Tuesday.
The Lilywhites began their European journey in fine fashion, beating a strong Borussia Dortmund side 3-1 at the Wembley Stadium a couple weeks back. They come into the game on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 win over West Ham United in the Premier League over the weekend. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that his troops carry on in the same vein of form and add to their strong start in Europe against APOEL.
Team News
Midfielder Mousa Dembele is set to miss out for Tottenham due to an ankle problem. Erik Lamela and Danny Rose are the other injury-enforced absentees for the North London outfit, along with Victor Wanyama. Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli are suspended for the encounter. Christian Eriksen has been left back at home due to illness.
Here’s how Spurs may take the field in Cyprus on Tuesday night:
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Formation: 3-5-2
Hugo Lloris (GK)
The club captain is the undisputed No.1 choice in goal for Tottenham. That is highly unlikely to change coming into the game.
Serge Aurier (RWB)
The Ivorian picked up a red card at the weekend, but his performance was quite encouraging and with him being unavailable for the coming league game, Pochettino might look to stick with him ahead of Kieran Trippier.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
The Belgian is one of the best in the business currently and with Vertonghen absent, he will have to marshall the defence with more responsibility.
Davinson Sanchez (CB)
The Colombian has settled in nicely since his summer move and looks like the real deal. Will partner Alderweireld in the heart of the defence.
Juan Foyth (CB)
With Vertonghen set to miss out, Foyth is the natural option for Pochettino to use. Would be a massive experience for the massively inexperienced youngster.
Ben Davies (LWB)
The Welsh left-back returned from injury this past weekend and had a decent outing. Should complete the backline for Spurs.
Eric Dier (CM)
With Wanyama out injured and Dembele a doubt, the onus will be the shoulders of Eric Dier to hold the fort in the middle of the park.
Harry Winks (CM)
Given the number of injury absences, we could see Harry Winks make his first Champions League appearance of the season, in the midfield, alongside Eric Dier.
Moussa Sissoko (CM)
The Frenchman is on a resurgent run at Tottenham, showing glimpses of what he can do if given a prolonged run. Should start on the right-hand side.
Son Heung-Min (ST)
The South Korean was benched for the league game on Tuesday, but will return to the starting setup for Tuesday’s clash. Scored against Borussia Dortmund in the previous game and would be keen on adding another goal or two.
Harry Kane (ST)
The Englishman continues to prove that he is easily one of the best marksmen in Europe. Has scored 6 times already in all competitions, despite having gone the entire month of August without a goal. Should lead the line ahead of Fernando Llorente.