The gap between Spurs and Chelsea remains 10 points, so the aim for Mauricio Pochettino’s men this weekend as they host Everton is to keep winning.
Fans of the Lilywhites frequent the Transfer Tavern regularly and even those that were thoroughly dejected last term as their title challenge collapsed have picked themselves up this season, with some encouraging performances from the north London club – especially during the dark winter months – helping them to get back to their boisterous best.
Last time out a Harry Kane hat-trick, and a Dele Alli effort, inspired Tottenham to a 4-0 victory over Stoke, with the manner in which they put the Potters away as impressive as the overall scoreline.
But, that win will count for very little if they don’t follow it up by beating Everton, and here is the XI ‘Poch’ should choose as he aims to keep the heat on Chelsea, utilising his effective 3-4-2-1 formation…
GK – Hugo Lloris
Nothing to see here… move along. Barring a late injury Lloris will surely start in goal for the Lilywhites and his shot-stopping prowess could come in handy against Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley.
CB – Eric Dier
Dier’s form hasn’t been overly impressive this term, with the England international moved out of the holding midfield role he occupied so well for the bulk of last season. Alas, he’s by no means a poor centre-back, and in a three-man set-up he’s proven to be effective throughout 2016/17.
CB – Jan Vertonghen
With reports suggesting that Spurs are confident Vertonghen will be fit in time for this weekend’s clash, it’s likely Pochettino will thrust him back into the action. The Belgian was withdrawn vs. Stoke, but it’s believed that this was just a precaution and a full week’s rest may be sufficient enough to ensure he’s ready.
CB – Toby Alderweireld
Like his international team-mate Vertonghen, Alderweireld limped out of the win over Stoke and, again like his compatriot, reports suggest he’ll be back in time for Everton. The ex-Southampton and Atletico Madrid man’s fitness issues were initially believed to be more concerning, so if he is unable to make the XI Pochettino may have to look at Kevin Wimmer.
RWB – Kyle Walker
Arguably the best right-sided defender in England, Walker is a shoo-in to start at White Hart Lane. His energy and pace offer Spurs a genuine attacking outlet on his flank, while his defensive nous has improved over the years.
CM – Victor Wanyama
As each week passes Wanyama looks a better and better summer signing, with the powerful Kenyan forming the bedrock in midfield that allows his more technically adept team-mates to get forward. The former Celtic and Southampton man may not be the best footballer around, but his robust playing style and sheer strength make him a formidable opponent for attacking midfielder.
CM – Mousa Dembele
Alongside Wanyama, Dembele is sure to start. The Belgian is enjoying another fine season at White Hart Lane, with his explosive playing style complimenting his more rugged central partner. Everton have Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin in the middle of their team, so the ex-Fulham man will need to be at the top of his game if his side are to dominate possession.
LWB – Ben Davies
With Danny Rose likely to be unavailable again as he continues his recover, Davies looks the obvious choice for the left-sided wing-back role. The Welshman had a torrid time vs. Liverpool at Anfield a few weeks ago, which may offer Everton’s attackers some encouragement, so he’ll need his closest centre-back to offer him some protection.
RAM – Dele Alli
With 10 goals to his name since December 18, Alli is in decent form and will be a threat Everton are all too aware of. The Englishman is a spiky character, as shown by his recent red card vs. Gent in the Europa League, but as long as he can control his temper he’ll be a vital man at White Hart Lane when the Toffees come to town.
LAM – Christian Eriksen
The Dane is quietly one of the Premier League’s most effective playmakers his two assists vs. Stoke have taken Eriksen to a not too shabby tally of 10 in the Premier League this season, and it will be vital Spurs get the ball to him in enough space to feed the final man in our XI…
ST – Harry Kane
There’s not even a conversation to be had regarding this selection, with Kane the first name on Pochettino’s team-sheet. His hat-trick last week vs. Stoke will leave the England international full of confidence and he’ll fancy his chances against an Everton backline that’s been breached 27 times in the league this season.
