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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 21: Vincent Janssen of Tottenham and Josh Wright of 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: Vincent Janssen of Tottenham and Josh Wright of 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 ) /

Striker and Bench

In terms of leading the line, anyone other than Vincent Janssen would be a massive shock. He was brought in to provide cover for Harry Kane and that’s exactly the task he’ll be charged with for the next eight weeks. Expect to see a lot of the Dutchman for the foreseeable future.

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It is, however, an interesting question as to whether or not Spurs have an option to put on the bench in case of an injury to Janssen. It’s a horrible thing to even consider, but it has to be a question on Pochettino’s mind. If Shayon Harrison isn’t fit, Son might have to also serve as Janssen’s deputy.

Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko both should make the bench, and I’d expect each Spurs star to play. They’ve both shown enough in recent weeks to deserve regular consideration from their manager. Sissoko, in particular, would benefit from a run of games.

As far as defensive substitutes, expect to see the usual names. Ben Davies and Cameron Carter-Vickers should again make the squad. One small surprise for some fans, is that I’d expect Harry Winks to show up on the team sheet in case of an emergency at defensive midfielder.

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