After a frustrating exit from Europa League at the hands of KAA Gent, Tottenham will be determined to put the defeat behind and move on. There will be no point in being down about the Europa League exit and Pochettino will certainly know it. They will be preparing hard for the upcoming league fixture against Stoke, and will have only the Premier League and the FA cup to focus from now on. It will come as a bonus as the team will have enough time and resources to compete in the remaining two competitions.
Team News:
Danny Rose (knee) and Erik Lamela (hip) are the only two players who are not available for Spurs, as the injury concerns seem to have eased for the club.
Predicted line-up:
With only two competitions left to focus on, Pochettino might not take chances against a team like Stoke City and will look to field a strong team.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Hugo Lloris (GK):
Lloris is virtually irremovable from the Tottenham line-up and the Tottenham captain is very important for the club on and off the pitch. He is the first name on the team sheet.
Kyle Walker (RB):
Kyle Walker was the major threat for Tottenham as they went down fighting against KAA Gent. He will surely be included in the team given the kind of form he has been in.
Toby Alderweireld (CB):
Alderweireld has been consistent with his performances this season and he might hold on to his place in the side.
Jan Vertonghen (CB):
The Belgian is back from injury and was involved against Gent. He would start the game as well for Tottenham.
Ben Davies (LB):
Though Davies has struggled in recent games, he is expected to start against Stoke, given that Danny Rose is still injured. He has to work hard and repay his manager’s faith in him.
Victor Wanyama (CM):
Wanyama has been a good signing for Tottenham and he fought his heart out in the Europa League outing. He has shown shades of what is set to arrive in the future, and has forged a good partnership with Moussa Dembele. Will start and should start.
Moussa Dembele (CM):
Dembele has been brilliant for Spurs and is a vital cog in the midfield. He might start against Stoke as well.
Christian Eriksen (RW):
Christian Eriksen it the playmaker for Spurs and benching him against Stoke would be suicide. He will start for sure.
Son Heung-min (LW):
Son Heung-min might get a start as well as it can be expected that the Tottenham boss might go for a 4-2-3-1 formation which has clicked for him on most occasions.
Dele Alli (CAM):
Dele Alli has been magical for Spurs this season and has been a real contributor for his team. He is vital in their build-up play. Despite the red card he received in his previous game, and criticism he faced, Pochettino backed the youngster and might let him start against Stoke to rebuild the youngster’s confidence.
Harry Kane (ST):
Kane was dangerous throughout the game against Gent and almost looked like scoring. He cannot be dropped from the side no matter what. He is a sure starter.
Here’s how they may line-up:
