Tottenham Hotspur host Fiorentina in the second leg of their Europa League tie on Thursday and they are still in a great position to qualify for the next round. They drew 1-1 in the first leg and were lucky not to have been reduced to 10 men when Dele Alli kicked his opponent. Spurs are missing Harry Kane and Moussa Dembele through injury and these players will be missed – Spurs will now have to rely on someone else for their goals.
Formation 4-2-3-1
GK – Michel Vorm
The keeper is set to keep his place as Tottenham’s cup keeper.
Defence
RB – Keiran Trippier
CB’s – Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer
LB – Ben Davies
Spurs changed their defence for the weekend defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup and it looks like Pochettino will put Trippier back in the right-back position. Alderweireld and Wimmer had formed a solid partnership since the injury to Vertonghen and with this a must-win game, it looks likely these two will start in defence. Ben Davies was also rested at the weekend and Rose and Davies have both been playing well recently but it looks like the latter could be chosen to start at left-back.
Midfield
CDM – Eric Dier
CDM – Ryan Mason
Eric Dier has been brilliant for Spurs this season and Pochettino is likely to call upon him once again. His defensive awareness helps to create a solid base in midfield and he also helps out in defence when the opposition attack. Mason played in Florence last week and is likely to be used in the Europa League again.
RM – Son Heung-min
CAM – Dele Alli
LM – Christian Eriksen
Son has been in good form lately, his pace will be vital to how Spurs will attack without Kane playing. He will be one of the players expected to help provide the goals because he has also played as a striker previously for Spurs. Dele Alli has become an hugely important player for Spurs and he is lucky not to be banned for this game after he kicked out at a Fiorentina player last week. He will need to play well if Spurs are going to progress in the tournament. Eriksen is likely to be playing at left midfield and his technical ability will be key in creating chances.
ST – Nacer Chadli
Chadli played in this position in the first leg because Harry Kane was rested. He managed to score a penalty to give Spurs the lead in that game and will need to impress again with Harry Kane injured.