Our Tottenham Hotspur fans here in the Transfer Tavern are praying for a result against surprise rivals Burnley this weekend.

Tottenham have been fairly inconsistent this year, which is a stark contrast to recent seasons where they have been title challengers. They come up against a resilient and tough side in Burnley, who, through Sean Dyche’s hard work are starting to see the fruits of their labour.

Being in among the top six is a strange feeling for the Lancashire club and they have shown many times already that they’re not there just to make the numbers up. Tottenham need a result going into the match one point behind Burnley, and a loss would be detrimental in their bid to grab a top-four place.

Many of our regulars believe it’s time Spurs boss Pochettino, made some tough decisions if he’s to turn it around in the second half of the season, and it should start by dropping these two players to make a huge statement if intent. Especially with the January window just around the corner…

Dele Alli

The England international hasn’t been at his magical best this year, after last seasons displays, many believed the midfielder would kick on and take his game to the next level.

What has happened is the complete opposite, Alli has been inconsistent for large parts and looks like a player that is frustrated with himself.

A rest and a little time out of the spotlight may do him the world of good if he is to rekindle the performances that credited him with so many superlatives in the 2016/17 season. With a busy year ahead including a potential World Cup in the summer, Alli needs to rest now to benefit in the future.

Kieran Trippier

Though Kieran Trippier has certainly impressed in the last few months, the England international was absolutely torn apart by Leroy Sane up at the Etihad last weekend. Indeed, despite his good spell of form, the former Burnley man could do with a rest upon his return to Turf Moor today.

With Serge Aurier waiting in the wings, Pochettino should take Trippier out of the firing line.