Tottenham open their first Champions League campaign since 2010/11 on Wednesday night, as they face Monaco at Wembley.
Spurs are set for a club a record attendance in the capital as ticket sales for their second ever only Champions League competition have sold out.
Their previous record attendance currently stands at 75,038 for an FA Cup sixth-round tie against Sunderland way back in 1938, but the club are hopeful they can smash that record, in what will be a historic night.
Having finished last season poorly, and having had a relatively slow start to this campaign despite remaining unbeaten thus far, Mauricio Pochettino will hope his Spurs side can kickstart their season with a win over their French opposition, and put them in a strong position going forward in the tournament.
Our local Lilywhites have been discussing who they think should start next week at Wembley, and they’ve come up with this XI that they think could topple Monaco and Leonardo Jardim. Do you agree?
GK – Hugo Lloris
There is really only one choice when it comes to keeper for the club’s biggest night in the past 5 seasons.
Their number one is usually Mr Reliable, although he hasn’t started the season brilliantly, so should hope to put in a big performance.
RB – Ben Davies
Davies had a terrific Euro 2016 campaign, and should be rewarded with some much deserved playing time.
Although left-back is his preferred side, he is unlikely to dislodge Danny Rose from his perch.
Perfectly capable of doing a job down the right.
CB – Toby Alderweireld
The big Belgian will hope to reproduce the form of the past two seasons on Wednesday as he gets a taste of the Champions League, having already played in it with Atletico Madrid a few seasons back. Should use his know-how and experience at this level to guide others.
CB – Jan Vertonghen
A tough one, but ultimately Vertonghen’s experience at the highest level puts him in this starting XI.
Had a poor Euro 2016 with Belgium and hasn’t had the best start to life under Roberto Martinez with his national side either, so a good performance could give him a shot of confidence that he looks as if he needs.
LB – Danny Rose
Having scored the equaliser in Tottenham’s most recent draw with Liverpool, Rose will be hoping he can get forward again against a lacklustre Monaco side.
Dangerous down the flanks and defensively sturdy, just what you want from a full-back.
CDM – Eric Dier
One of England’s only three performers at this summer’s Euros (the others being Adam Lallana and Marcus Rashford).
Dier should look to dictate the pace of the game from in front of the back four.
CDM – Victor Wanyama
New man Wanyama looks like the perfect partner in defensive midfield for Eric Dier, as the Kenya international more often than not sits very deep, which allows his new team-mate to advance slightly and utilise his range of passing to better effect.
RAM – Christian Eriksen
Eriksen has just signed a new contract with Tottenham that will now keep him at the club until 2020, which should be a huge confidence boost (and monetary incentive) to pull out his best form for next week’s clash.
Creative in the middle of the park and dangerous for set pieces, expect to see Eriksen cause Monaco some real problems.
CAM – Moussa Dembele
Tottenham’s understated hero and – in my humble opinion anyway – their best player.
Dembele is a class act on the ball, and seems to to be able to keep possession no matter how many players are around him.
Playing further forward would allow his creative juices to flow.
LAM – Dele Alli
A difficult decision as to whether to start Alli, Lamela or even Son, however the locals have gone with their hero of last season.
A slow start to this season, as well – not being played in Sam Allardyce’s first England game won’t do his confidence any good, but a big performance in Europe will do.
ST – Harry Kane
The man himself.
Kane simply has to be in the Spurs side to face Monaco on Wednesday night.
A natural eye for goal, the England international will be expected to score the goals for Pochettino’s men in Europe.
