So finally after an inconsistent start to the new Premier League campaign, the London club, Tottenham Hotspur, came back to life as they thrashed Mark Hughes’ side, Stoke City. The manager, Mauricio Pochettino, made some formidable changes in the line-up and the players performed exceptionally well.
Thanks to a wonderful display of the character in the previous campaign, the Lilly-Whites have Champions League football to play for and to make it more gorgeous, the era of “The Wembley” will be making it more special for Pochettino and co. Well, before entering the field, the players needed a confidence and that 4-0 victory over the Potters have solely delivered the same.
The Lilly-Whites are studded with some young and enthusiast players, but they all lack the experience of playing the sport on the grand stage such as the Champions League.
The game is surely going to be a difficult one as Monaco are not the easiest of teams in the Champions League, but looking at Tottenham’s home advantage and the recent victory, the side can out-number the French giants. So here is the predicted lineup for Tottenham Hotspur:
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Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris-
The French international, Hugo Lloris, marked his return against the Potters last time out and for a game like Monaco, the manager will surely be choosing the skipper. Michel Vorm gave a surprising display in the absence of the French man, but Hugo has a different effect on the team.
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Defence : Walker; Alderweireld; Vertonghen; Davies-
The manager might look to get down with the same defensive line in the game against Monaco. The English right-back, Kyle Walker, is unarguably one of the most talented defenders in the league and his presence means a lot for the Lilly-Whites. Besides defending, the player is known for his attacking prowess and that could be the key for the side.
The centre-back pairing needs to be on its toe as the former Manchester United and Chelsea striker, Radamel Falcao has rejuvenated his form in the Ligue 1. The towering Belgian pair needs to find the consistency, especially Vertonghen. Alderweireld is a beast and his fitness is on another level, but Vertonghen needs to work on it.
With Danny Rose still a doubt for the Champions League game, the manager might use Ben Davies. Besides defending, his combination play with Son Heung was soothing to see in the Premier League.
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Holding Pair: Dembele; Wanyama-
We might see a change in personnel in the holding midfield pair. Saturday’s clash with Stoke City was the last Dembele missed from his six-game ban and the manager as well as the player will be hoping to mark a return in style. The Belgian is arguably one of the most priced assets for the club as his ability to win the ball in promising areas was one of those many reasons, Tottenham had a great 2015-16 campaign.
His pair will most probably be the former Southampton man, Victor Wanyama. The 25-year-old Kenyan struggled a lot against Stoke as he was giving away some cheap and needless fouls, but his presence in the Champions League fixture will be important for the team. The manager does have a couple of options to choose from, but this duo might work wonders.
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Attacking Trio: Eriksen; Alli; Lamela-
Looking at the recent form, this trio is well capable of surpassing Monaco’s defence in style. The Danish international started his league campaign on a dull note, but soon after signing his contract, he looks revived. The former Ajax man is one of the most important players for the manager and his ability to dictate the game is something the team could benefit from.
As an attacking midfielder, the manager will surely go with the 20-year-old English international, Dele Alli. Just like Eriksen, he too had a slow start, but his performance against the Potters proved his doubters wrong. He has got that eye for goal that could hurt Monaco and besides that his encouraging runs could really lift the team.
On the right side, the manager might go with the Argentine attacker, Erik Lamela. The former AS Roma star was dropped off to the bench against the Potters but did make an appearance from the bench. Lamela is a pure joy to watch and besides that, his ability to get himself in the dangerous positions can be a weapon for the Lilly-Whites.
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Striker: Harry Kane-
Finally, the Englishman’s goalless streak has come to an end. The 23-year-old scored a goal, but wasn’t that convincing overall, yet we believe that he will be the first choice for the manager in the Champions League showdown.
