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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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ENFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur training centre on September 8, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur training centre on September 8, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

The Defensive Midfield

Whereas Pochettino doesn’t have many choices for his back four, he’s blessed with a ton of options in his double-pivot. His choice of defensive midfielders might be his most interesting tactical move of the match.

It’s clear to me that Eric Dier desperately needs a rest. He’s looked fatigued all season long and I just can’t believe that Pochettino will start him this weekend. Expect Victor Wanyama to assume his place in the starting XI.

Alongside the Kenyan destroyer, I expect to see Moussa Dembele make his first start of the season. He looked very good in the second half against Monaco, and it’s time to get him back into the groove of starting every week. Don’t forget, he’s well rested after missing every Premier League match thus far due to suspension.

There’s a slight possibility that Moussa Sissoko could start this far back, but I don’t think Pochettino will make that choice after Alli’s struggles there against Monaco. Expect to see Wanyama and Dembele combine for one of the Premier League’s powerful defensive midfields.

Next: The Attacking Midfield

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