Spurs fans here in the Tavern have been down in the dumps over the past week, after a couple of cracks begin to appear in the Pochettino legacy.
Understandably, after taking 1 point from their last three Premier League games, Lilywhite residents were beyond angered with the nature that their side has let such a promising start slip over the past week.
The recent 2-1 loss away at Claude Puel’s new-look Leicester side condemned what has been a dreadful end to the month, with the frantic festive period edging ever-closer.
Now looking to turn the tide on a sinking Mauricio Pochettino ship, they face a tough challenge away at Vicarage Road to face high-flyers Watford, who downed bitter rivals Arsenal in the month of October, a feat that Spurs couldn’t manage to achieve themselves.
The Hornets were dominated by Spurs in both games last season on their way to achieving their best ever finish under the Argentine, but now a Watford team under their highly-attractive new manager Marco Silva will look to reverse fate to inflict a second straight defeat on a fragile Tottenham side.
Having taken everything into consideration, here’s a look at the Tottenham XI that will ruin any chances of a second defeat on the bounce…
GK: Hugo Lloris
Spurs’ Number 1 will look to regain his shot-stopping form between the sticks after a couple of shaky performances for the Frenchman.
However, with the world-class mentality and abilities that this keeper possesses, he won’t have any problems with returning to the inspired form that Lilywhite fans have grown to love.
CB: Davinson Sanchez
The Colombian central-defender has been a revelation since joining from Dutch side Ajax, slipping nicely into the void left by their injured star player Toby Alderweireld, which has allowed for the foundations to build his own march into the starting line-up.
A regular starter now under Mauricio Pochettino, guaranteeing solidity at the back.
CB: Eric Dier
Eric Dier has maintained his consistency that we’ve been accustomed to witness over the past couple of seasons, intercepting and defensive solidity becoming two of the versatile player’s roles, having recently done the job as a central midfielder too.
One of the men that Pochettino can really count on to step up in the biggest of games.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
This Belgian centre-back may have been missing his fellow countrymen at the heart of the defence in recent times, having formed a formidable partnership that very much contributed towards the position they currently find themselves in.
Diversity and composure are what make this defender such a reliable source in the defensive areas for the Wembley outfit.
RWB: Kieran Trippier
Former Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier has been one of the shining stars in this Spurs team, after his slightly surprising move to White Lane a couple of years back, he’s finally showing everyone exactly why they signed him.
Pipping Aurier to the cut after the Ivorian’s disappointing display in their loss against Leicester last night, the England man has a truly wonderful delivery.
LWB: Danny Rose
Although, with many questions being asked about the left-back’s future, he managed to pull together a terrific display during mid-week to hit back at Pochettino for his rash decision-making.
After causing the opposition countless problems on Tuesday night, surely he’s done enough to deserve a recall.
CM: Harry Winks
England’s hottest prospect was a huge miss in their last fixture as he failed to be included in the match-day squad, his calmness and simplicity on the ball has been a joy to watch for the Spurs contingent.
As he continues to progress under the guidance of the Argentine, no one can question his deserved return to the starting XI.
CM: Moussa Sissoko
Many eyebrows were raised after stumping up £30 million for the talents of this midfielder, but yet again Mauricio Pochettino seems to have transformed the former Newcastle winger into a shining light in Spurs’ central midfield.
Having shown exactly how crucial his darting runs and endless supply of stamina can be, his efforts will be required on both defensive and attacking ends against a very aggressive Watford side.
CAM: Christian Eriksen
Denmark’s World Cup qualifying hero has been quiet in recent times for this Spurs side, yet on any given day should he decide to turn up, the midfielder can cause a shocking amount of destruction upon any oppositions defence.
His trickery and creative talents are definitely going to be needed if they are to avoid being on the receiving end another disappointing result.
CAM: Dele Alli
England’s love child has already begun this season in a similar fashion to the one that’s drawn so much attention to the youngster, his 7 goals and 4 assists have caught the eye of Lionel Messi and Florentino Perez who would both love to acquire the starlet.
Tottenham rarely have a bad day when the attacker is around, so they’ll be hoping for his fine form to be reignited while the negative storm blows over.
ST: Harry Kane
The most in-form striker in the whole of English football has become the main reason behind the success that the club has enjoyed, with his 16 goals and 3 assists underlining the brute importance that the striker imposes.
Pochettino will count on the prolific forward to find the net once again, to ironically continuing on his merry ways that have caused Spanish giants Real Madrid to come calling.
Lilywhite fans, thoughts?
