After thumping League One side Millwall 6-0 in the FA Cup, spirits are high for Spurs fans here in the Tavern.
A hat trick from Son Heung-min guided the Lilywhites through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup last Sunday.
It was revealed the following day that Spurs would face their arch-rivals Chelsea to determine who will progress to the final of the cup.
Son’s performance against Millwall may have earned him man of the match but more importantly it silenced those travelling fans, who allegedly hurled racist abuse at the forward.
Although Vincent Janssen scored his first ever goal in open play for the club, as well as Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen both having outstanding performances, Tottenham’s triumph was overshadowed by the injury of their main forward Harry Kane.
Taking this into account, let’s look at the changed side that Pochettino should field against Southampton if Spurs are to continue their empathic run – according to our landlord…
GK: Hugo Lloris
Tottenham’s number one should be recalled into the side after being rested against Millwall with Michel Vorm taking his place.
His reflex saving ability make him a key member of the Spurs starting XI.
RB: Kyle Walker
Another man who was rested on the weekend for Spurs was full-back Kyle Walker.
Starting all but one Premier League game this season, our landlord reckons Walker will start ahead of Kieran Trippier against the Saints.
CB: Toby Alderweireld
There’s no surprises here.
The Belgian has been top quality for Spurs all season, he acts as the glue which keeps their back-line together.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
Forming a bond with Alderweireld in their time at Ajax together, Vertonghen has a different aura about him this season in comparison to his last for Spurs.
Although not getting on the scoresheet as much as he would like, he is starting to fit into the ‘Super Jan’ role which many here in the Tavern titled him in his first season at White Hart Lane.
LB: Ben Davies
With the attacking-minded Danny Rose still on the side-lines with a knee injury for Tottenham, it will be up to the more conventional left-back Ben Davies to solidify Spurs’ defence.
CM: Victor Wanyama
Playing the most minutes in the league for Spurs this season compared to any another player, Wanyama stock is getting higher and higher every time he plays for the Lilywhites.
CM: Dele Alli
Along with Kane, Dele Alli is no longer Tottenham’s next big thing, because they have both established themselves as two of the best players in the league, and Alli continues to emphasise this title week in week out.
CM: Mousa Dembele
Although a slight ankle problem forced the midfielder off when Spurs beat Everton 3-2 a few weeks back, our landlord reckons the tough tackling Belgian will start for Tottenham.
RW: Christian Eriksen
Although an unusual position for the Dane, it’s certainly clear through his performances on the pitch that he has the class to drift into any position and provide attacking chances for the forwards.
CF: Vincent Janssen
Now is the time for Mauricio Pochettino to really bolster Vincent Janssen’s confidence.
With Harry Kane on the side-lines for at least a few weeks, the Dutchman has to start delivering the goods for Spurs, and it begins against the Saints.
LW: Son Heung-min
A plethora of stunning goals for Spurs last weekend means that Son will surely regain his place in Spurs’ starting XI.
Playing out wide on this occasion, it’s up to Son to cut into the Saints defence and cause the same amount of havoc as he did against Millwall.
Agree, Spurs fans? Let us know below!
