There’s a bit of a feeling here in the Transfer Tavern that this upcoming schedule of games for Spurs could be the most important in Mauricio Pochettino’s career at the club so far.
Up until this season the Lilywhites had largely gone under the radar. They had been quietly improving, working on the training ground and signing good players.
That all came to a head last season as they challenged for the title which, whilst they ultimately lost out on, suggested they were ready to hit the big time.
Naturally, then, people expected more from Spurs for this season for the first time in a while and whilst they’re still in and around the title race, there’s been murmurings that they’ve actually lost their way a bit.
It seems ludicrous to suggest given they are still unbeaten in the league but, certainly, performances haven’t been brilliant in recent weeks and Pochettino may have to shake things up to improve results.
Our landlord agrees, then, and thinks this 3-5-2 could be the answer against Chelsea this weekend…
GK: Hugo Lloris
Lloris has been top drawer this season despite the rest of the side’s criticisms and so he’s always going to start when fit, regardless of what is in front of him.
CB: Kevin Wimmer
The jury is very much still out on the Austrian who fans want to see more from. Maybe playing in a back three will allow him to grow into the side a little more whilst Toby Alderweireld is out.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen will have to be the leader in this back three. With his Belgian team-mate Alderweireld missing it’ll be on him to ensure Spurs keep it tight against the league leaders.
CB: Eric Dier
Whilst Dier has operated more as a holding midfielder during his time at Spurs he can play as a centre-half. He’ll have to here again as Pochettino shakes things up.
RM: Kyle Walker
Walker will be given a slightly more advanced role to allow him to wreak havoc. He’ll have to be alert, though, as ill-discipline could leave the back three terribly exposed against the Blues.
CDM: Mousa Dembele
The Belgian will have to be at his dynamic best for Spurs to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. When he plays well, Spurs as a whole tend to and that will be needed even more so in this new formation.
CDM: Victor Wanyama
The summer signing from Southampton has impressed so far this season and should play. He’ll be tasked with stopping Chelsea from playing in this new system.
CAM: Dele Alli
Alli has been missing through injury but it’s time the club throw him back into the mix in order for them to get a result against Chelsea. He’s a top player and will want to remind everyone of that here.
LM: Heung-Min Son
Son has a bit of a point to prove now after his earlier good form this season seems to have dissipated. The White Hart Lane club have had a few players go missing this season and they can’t afford another one to with the South Korean.
ST: Harry Kane
Kane has got straight back to scoring after his injury, albeit with three of the four being from penalties. He’ll be key to taking Spurs chances against a recently very water tight Chelsea defence.
ST: Vincent Janssen
Janssen needs to prove himself and so what better way to do it than against Chelsea?
He’s been unlucky at times this season and may benefit from playing in a new system, which may give him a bit more room to get his shots away.
Agree Spurs fans? Let us know below…
