Tottenham fans would be looking forward to a quick end of the international break as our next opponents are Arsenal. We have been the dominant team of the two since Mauricio Pochettino took over the managerial post and even though we would be playing at the Emirates, the ‘favourites’ tag would be on the players in white.
There is, however, some concern regarding our defence. Jan Vertonghen, who possibly is one of the best defenders in the world, has picked up a slight knock while training for Belgium, as reported by HITC.
The centre-back would join his compatriot Toby Alderweireld on the treatment table and that would leave us short of first-team defenders against the Gunners. However, the report claims that we could see Juan Foyth make his debut for us in the Premier League if the pair doesn’t recover in time. Foyth was signed by the club after a summer of negotiations that went on for weeks.
The Argentine has not played in the league yet but he made a couple of appearances in the Carabao Cup and did impress in his limited role. But playing against a Premier League side is a different ask. Making him face Arsenal would be a baptism of fire but the youngster might just take it in his stride and perform to his potential.
A Defensive Headache For Pochettino
We do prefer playing with three at the back but not having the Belgian pair might just lead to a change in formation. Davinson Sanchez would be starting for us alongside Eric Dier in all probability but can we take the risk by playing Foyth at the back?
The youngster still needs time to understand English football and the Gunners at home are never easy fodder so Pochettino might not take the plunge and start Foyth against them.
However, the Argentine has a lot of faith in his youth players and it would not be a surprise if he did stick with three at the back and gave Foyth his Premier League debut at the Emirates.
Davies can also slot into there with Rose as the wing-back.