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Tottenham’s projected starting XI v Middlesbrough

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham in action vs Gillingham during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Gillingham at White Hart Lane on September 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images )
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham in action vs Gillingham during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Gillingham at White Hart Lane on September 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images ) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Lee Cattermole of Sunderland(L) and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on September 18, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Lee Cattermole of Sunderland(L) and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on September 18, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /

The Defensive Midfield

It’s pretty safe to say that we won’t see a repeat of the double-pivot Pochettino employed against Gillingham. Tom Carroll and Harry Winks won’t be the starting duo on Saturday.

Again, health really becomes a factor in the selections here. Both Eric Dier and Moussa Dembele hobbled off with hamstring injuries against Sunderland. Neither is thought to be sidelined for a long time, but it’s possible neither will be ready on Saturday.

I’m choosing to split the difference and believe that Dier will make it back on time. He hasn’t been as injury prone as Dembele during his career, so I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt. Dembele might make the bench, but it’s also possible the club will err on the side of caution and leave him at home.

Expect Victor Wanyama to play no matter what. He wasn’t involved against Gillingham which was a pretty clear indication that Pochettino plans to use him on the weekend. The Kenyan destroyer will get another Premier League start for his new club on Saturday.

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