Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI to face Manchester United on Monday night will be fascinating viewing, with some quality Spurs players set to miss out.
While many Spurs fans would like nothing better than to see Lucas Moura running at the susceptible home defence, the Brazilian needs to be omitted from the side for the clash at Old Trafford.
The former Paris Saint-Germain attacker has started the season well and scored in the win over Fulham. But, for the Tottenham side to be balanced, he must be sacrificed.
If Spurs move to a back four, there is certainly room for Moura to start in the final third – but the North London side are much more secure in a three-man defence that includes Toby Alderweireld.
In this system, while it may be fine to have Eric Dier as the sole central midfielder at home to Fulham, going away to United dictates an extra holding player – which must be Mousa Dembele.
As such, this 3-4-2-1 formation leaves only room for three attacking players, with Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane surely getting the nod over Moura.
The Brazil international can be a star man for Tottenham this season and play a key role in the club’s search for silverware – but, for this game, he should be utilised as an impact sub.