Mauricio Pochettino faces something of a selection dilemma when his Tottenham Hotspur team host Huddersfield Town in the Premier League this weekend.
Spurs face Juventus at Wembley on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with the scores delicately poised at 2-2 and the Argentine boss was questioned in his pre-match press conference as to whether that would be reflected in his line-up against the Terriers.
“No, both our eyes are focused on the game against Huddersfield,” Pochettino is quoted as saying by Football.London.
“That for us is the most important game. It’s an important three points for the battle for the top four.
“We cannot think of the game after. We need to be focused and ready to compete because it will be tough.”
Although Pochettino insists that his focus is solely on Huddersfield, it is likely that the enormity of the Juventus game will slightly colour his decisions over personnel.
The team is certain to be significantly changed from the 6-1 FA Cup win over Rochdale in midweek, with Hugo Lloris set to return for Michel Vorm between the sticks.
In defence, Toby Alderweireld is out and despite Jan Vertonghen being back fit he may not be risked here, meaning Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier could be partnered at the heart of the backline.
Mousa Dembele starred against the Italians in February and given his injury problems over the past year or so he may be rested, with Moussa Sissoko and Victor Wanyama a possible midfield combination.
Son Heung-min was withdrawn midway through the second period against Dale, suggesting Pochettino wants to use him here, whilst Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli should return.
Meanwhile, Erik Lamela was used to great effect in Turin and looks set to be saved for the second leg after completing the full 90 minutes in the cup.
And up front Fernando Llorente’s hat-trick will not be enough to prevent Harry Kane from being restored to the team sheet.
Tottenham have the advantage of a four-day break between this encounter and the Juventus clash and that should be ample time for players to recover.
Huddersfield are not to be taken lightly and this is still a crucial game in the hunt for a top-four finish, so fans should expect Pochettino to name a strong side with perhaps just a few minor tweaks.
Possible Spurs starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Wanyama, Sissoko; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane
Nobody should be playing with one eye on Juventus. They should only be thinking about Huddersfield.
Spurs could find this a difficult game, because Huddersfield have much to struggle for, need the points, and their recent signing, ex-Spur Alex Pritchard, will be keen to make a point against both his old club and the management from 2014 that moved him on. Pritchard can play and he’ll play up as the match is being staged at Wembley. Spurs will need to have their wits about them.