Tottenham are away to Newcastle on the opening day of the season and Pochettino has a number of key decisions to make regarding his starting XI…

Rafa Benitez’s side successfully returned to Premier League at the first time of asking. The Magpies topped the Championship ahead of Brighton and are now looking to consolidate their top-flight status.

After finishing third the season before last, and second last time out, Tottenham will be hoping to go one step further this season.

Pochettino is yet to welcome any new arrivals to Spurs’ temporary home Wembley, but his side is full of strong players that will be vying for a start on the opening day. Despite being deprived of fresh faces, competition for places remains fierce.

We’ve picked out TWO players Pochettino must start against Newcastle on the opening day of the 2017/18 season…

Moussa Sissoko

Of course, eyebrows will be raised, but the ex-Newcastle player will have a point to prove.

Sissoko will no doubt be mocked and tormented by his former supporters and will have every reason to be fired up for the game and ignite his Spurs career.

The attacker has bags of quality, but unfortunately, he has a tendency to play like a headless chicken. If he has a successful pre-season, he should be allowed a fresh start.

Of course, if he struggles over the next month or so, perhaps a sale should be considered – but he deserves a real chance.

Moussa Dembele

Forget Eric Dier and forget Victor Wanyama, Moussa Dembele is arguably Spurs’ best centre-midfielder.

The Belgium international has everything from a burst of acceleration, to a pin-point cross field ball, to a brilliant show of strength.

When Dembele plays, Tottenham usually play well and he more than will likely run the game on the opening day.