Projected Tottenham Line Up To Face Atletico Madrid In The International Champions Cup

Tottenham will take on Atletico Madrid at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29^th July. The club are currently touring Australia as part of their preparation for the upcoming Premier League season but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Tuesday. Spurs fans were left frustrated last season as an end of season slump, not only wiped out any of their title ambition but also resulted in them finishing below their arch-rivals Arsenal in third place. There is no doubt that Pochettino has done a superb job at White Hart Lane, however, if they want to compete on top, they must take these matches against Atletico and Juventus very seriously as a way of assessing where the squad is at right now.

The match against Juventus was Tottenham’s first open to the public friendly, which also marked the debut of new signing Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama. Players like Harry Kane, Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen, Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier, and Kyle Walker are yet to return for preseason training after having been handed an extended holiday by the manager following their involvement in European Championship and Copa America. Here is the expected starting XI that Pochettino might opt for.

Goalkeeper: Michel Vorm

In the absence of Lloris, Vorm will continue between the sticks for the match against Atletico. The Dutchman made just 7 appearances for the club last season, with one of them coming in the Premier League.

Defenders: Carter-Vickers, Kevin Wimmer, Luke Amos and Kieran Trippier

Wimmer did well last season, whenever he was called on to cover for the injured Jan Vertonghen, he will start in central defense alongside Carter-Vickers. The 18-year old has been very impressive in the limited opportunities he has got this summer and will be looking to impress the gaffer for an opportunity in the first team next season. With first team regulars missing the trip to Australia, Tottenham will probably start with Luke Amos at their left-back spot with Kieran Trippier as the right-back.

Midfielders: Wanyama, Ryan Mason, Son, Lamela and Tom Carroll

Tottenham’s new signing Wanyama will continue in central midfield alongside Ryan Mason. The former Southampton player had an excellent first half against Juventus. There are doubts regarding Mason’s future at White Hart Lane, therefore this will be a perfect opportunity to show Pochettino what he can bring to the table. Christian Eriksen missed the match against Juventus and is a major doubt for the 29^th Carroll is most likely to start in that number 10 role with Son and Lamela on the left-wing and right-wing respectively.

Striker: Vincent Janssen

Newcomer Janssen tried his best to create an opening against Juventus but failed to create any chance worth noting. He will play an important part next season, therefore it is important that he finds his goal scoring touch before the main kick-off on August 13^th.