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5 reasons Tottenham will overcome Middlesbrough

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Erik Lamela of Tottenham celebrates after scoring their fifth goal 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: Erik Lamela of Tottenham celebrates after scoring their fifth goal 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 – AUGUST 17: Danny Rose of Tottenham during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Wembley Stadium on August 17, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Danny Rose of Tottenham during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Wembley Stadium on August 17, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

4. The back four is in tact

Tottenham will be missing several key players today, but they could get one of their most important performers back. Left back Danny Rose is likely to make his return to the club’s starting XI.

Spurs haven’t exactly struggled to defend without Rose, but his return isn’t just important to the club’s defense. The fleet-footed defender also adds significant value to his club’s attack.

Rose uses his electric pace to torment opposing defenders. Few Premier League players have the ability to combat his world-class athleticism. He may not be the most skillful player in the final third, but he is capable of putting useful balls into the box.

His return would also allow Kyle Walker to conserve a little energy throughout the match. That will only add to his effectiveness when attacking down the right flank. When both men are on the pitch, Spurs possess a very unpredictable attack.

Even if Rose isn’t passed fit, Tottenham fans can take comfort int their normal centre back pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian duo certainly can lead the club to a clean sheet if they’re on the top of their respective games.

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