Tottenham kicked off their 2016-2017 season with a draw against Everton at Goodison Park. Spurs went behind early in the 5th minute from a Ross Barkley strike. It wasn’t until the second half that Tottenham managed to level the score thanks to and Eric Lamela header. While Wanyama started the match, other summer signing Vincent Janssen had to settle for a place on the bench. With deadline days coming closer, Pochettino is under some pressure to get new players in or improve the performance. The next game Crystal Palace could be very crucial in setting the tone for the season. Here is the expected Tottenham starting XI for the match against Palace.
Goalkeeper:Michel Vorm
Had to come off the bench to replace Hugo Lloris in the last match and now with the French international expected to be out for around 4 weeks, Vorm might get his chance to shine. It is unfair that a talented goalkeeper like him has to sit on the bench.
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld
Walker was the best performer in the defense on a day when everyone else struggled. His contribution in the final third is phenomenal, will continue on Saturday against Palace. Though Vertonghen struggled a bit, one feels with some more game time he will be back to his solid best. He will start in central defense alongside fellow countrymen Alderweireld. Danny was guilty of playing the suicidal ball to Vorm, which almost cost Spurs after Deulofeu snuck in between, however he failed to capitalize. It’s difficult to judge where his focus lies whether in the attacking third or in defense. However, he was excellent last season and Pochettino will be hoping the Englishman returns to form soon.
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama, Eric Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli.
Dier looked a bit tired in that last match but still carries a huge potential justified clearly by his excellent performance as a makeshift center back. He will continue in central midfield alongside Victor Wanyama. The former Southampton player is a great physical presence in the game but his discipline often costs the team. One more game before Pochettino thinks about giving Dembele a run. Lamela will continue on the left wing, from where he was so threatening in the last match. Alli will slot in the right wing, he disappointed against Everton with a very lethargic performance but doesn’t deserve to be dropped. Eriksen will continue in the number 10 role.
Striker: Harry Kane
He looked much better in the last match after the introduction of Janssen. This is a big season for Kane after the criticism he has come under recently. He will continue up front.