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Tottenham vs Monaco: Probable Spurs starting XI

By Rucker Haringey

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Mauricio Pochettino of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Britannia Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Mauricio Pochettino of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Britannia Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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ENFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Mousa Dembele during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur training ground on August 25, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Mousa Dembele during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur training ground on August 25, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

Defensive midfield-Mousa Dembele

Tottenham’s long nightmare of football without Mousa Dembele will finally come to an end Wednesday. His importance to Spurs can’t be overstated and Pochettino will welcome him back into the starting XI.

His presence will greatly enhance the flexibility of the Spurs midfield. They will finally be able to, again, start a double-pivot that fits perfectly together. Dembele’s ability to hold on to the ball and carry it forward, will be a huge boost to his attacking teammates.

Defensive midfield-Eric Dier

Remember, this is the starting XI I expect to see Tottenham deploy, not necessarily the one I think they should trot out against Monaco. As such, I think we’ll see Eric Dier get the start, but I would prefer to see Victor Wanyama get the nod.

It’s nothing personal against Dier. I love what he brings to the club when he’s playing his best football. The simple truth is, he isn’t playing well right now. Pochettino will trust that Dembele’s return will allow Dier to return to form, I’m not quite as optimistic.

I’d like to see Wanyama get the start because of the simple fact that he’s in a better run of form at the moment. Sure, his partnership with Dembele is untested, but I think the two have the characteristics to play well together. Expect to see Dier, but don’t be disappointed if Pochettino opts for the Kenyan destroyer.

Next: The Attacking Midfield

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