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Tottenham’s probable starting XI vs. Sunderland

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld and Monaco’s Bernardo Silvaduring the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld and Monaco’s Bernardo Silvaduring the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/CameraSport via Getty Images) /

The Defense

While I expect Pochettino to heavily rotate the squad on Sunday, you may not see much sign of rotation in his back four. He really doesn’t have many options to work with.

Things would be different if Kevin Wimmer were fit. We’ve been left to guess at why he continues to be left out of the squad, but you can’t expect him to start on Sunday. As a result, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen should start as the starting central back pairing per normal.

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The left back position also seems to be an obvious call. Even if Danny Rose is passed fit, it wouldn’t make much sense to rush him back to action against Sunderland. Expect Ben Davies to get the starting nod again.

Right back is the only place along the backline that I think we might see a change. Kyle Walker has played a lot of football over the past 12 months, and certainly needs a break. Kieran Trippier gives Pochettino a reasonable option to replace him.

Unfortunately, I think Pochettino will choose to trot Walker out there one more time. Count on seeing the same back four used in the Monaco match again this weekend.

Next: The Defensive Midfield

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