Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action on Monday night with a mouth-watering trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on the cards.
Spurs have started the new campaign with two straight victories, as Newcastle United and Fulham have been dispatched without Mauricio Pochettino’s men being at their pulsating best.
A nine-day break between fixtures should have given Tottenham’s World Cup stars additional time to work on their conditioning, with the North London outfit knowing they must play well to record victory.
Pochettino has a number of critical decisions to make over his Spurs starting XI, with the most-important the formation his side will deploy.
Tottenham played a three-man defence against Fulham and the Argentine should continue with this ploy at Old Trafford, keeping Toby Alderweireld in the team.
The centre of midfield is a key area also, with Spurs fan favourite Mousa Dembele a must in the heart of the side if he is fit enough to feature – the Belgian is yet to get the nod this term.
TEAM NEWS: @VictorWanyama (knee) – commenced integration into team training. @JuanMFoyth (thigh) – continuing rehabilitation. #COYS pic.twitter.com/CxpNPl1sKt
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 24, 2018
Tottenham have announced that Victor Wanyama has returned to fitness, but the game will surely have come too soon for the Kenyan. A place on the bench will surely be the best the African can hope for.
In attacking areas, Pochettino is blessed with attacking talent and will be forced to leave talented players out.
Despite scoring against Fulham, Lucas Moura could well be the one to make way if Dembele is brought into the side in midfield.
Finally, despite being arrested on drink-driving charges recently, Hugo Lloris not playing against United would be a considerable surprise.
Tottenham should go into the game full of confidence against a United side with evident limitations – three points would be a big statement and kickstart the club’s season.
Predicted Tottenham starting XI vs United (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Dembele, Davies; Alli, Eriksen; Kane