Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Spotland stadium as they face Rochdale in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday. If they emerge victorious in this outing, they would reach the quarter finals for the second time in a row, after 16 years. The newly made pitch will attract some pace from the wingers and frontmen of the Lilywhites.
Spurs have been dropping points due to draws in previous games but nonetheless, dug out a helpful draw against Juventus. They could plot a second team and exploit their alternatives and depth. They will know that they possess the quality to overcome an upset by a grappling third division team.
Pochettino trusted some unlikely names against a giant Juventus side, like the idea of starting Erik Lamela on the left-wing. Some obvious replacements will be there but otherwise, Spurs have an almost full squad to choose their lineup from, with Michel Vorm being a doubt due to illness. Alderweireld didn’t travel with the side for the UCL game but is in line to start this one.
One could expect Pochettino to revert his formation to 3-4-3 to play according to the players available to rotate. He will utilise the depth present in their ranks; an extra centre-back and a couple of changes up-front. They were forced to replay by Newport County and the Argentine mastermind will not want the same.
With Vorm not available, Gazzaniga might get a chance to impress Pochettino here.
The exciting, young and the formidable Juan Foyth should play at centre-back.
The solid Alderweireld will organise and set up an ominous defensive scheme.
Dier will retain his spot and play at centre-back. His versatility and man-marking skills will be crucial.
Trippier will surely replace Aurier after the latter put up a horror show against Juventus.
Sissoko could play alongside Wanyama. He is pacy, safe in possession and is a dribbler full of potent.
Wanyama is one of the strongest players in the game and will sit back and protect his centre-backs. He is an indirect set piece threat too.
Rose could play at left wing-back. In his previous appearance, the Englishman showed how dangerous he can be when going forward.
Moura’s pace and precision along with his technical abilities could grant him his first start in a Spurs shirt.
Son was benched for the all-important game against Juventus and is a sure starter against Rochdale. He adds the cutting edge, drives forward with pace and works until the final whistle.
Llorente is strong, almost unbeatable in the air and is a fine finisher. He can hold the opposition defendera and allow the wingers to get into goalscoring positions. With all his experience and unselfishness, Llorente is in line to destroy the opposition defence.
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