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Tottenham’s projected starting XI vs. Manchester City

By Rucker Haringey

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Mauricio Pochettino manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group E match between PFC CSKA Moskva and Tottenham Hotspur FC atat the CSKA Arena stadium on September 27, 2016 in Moscow. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Mauricio Pochettino manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Group E match between PFC CSKA Moskva and Tottenham Hotspur FC atat the CSKA Arena stadium on September 27, 2016 in Moscow. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images) /
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the CSKA arena on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group E football match between CSKA Moscow and Tottenham in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the CSKA arena on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group E football match between CSKA Moscow and Tottenham in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images) /

The Defensive Midfield

It’s not just the back four that will be under immense pressure for Spurs on Sunday. The double-pivot will also be under the microscope against Guardiola’s attack.

At one spot, it’s a near-certainty that Victor Wanyama will start the match. The Kenyan international has been a rock in the middle of the pitch for Pochettino this season. His defensive abilities should be a great asset to keep the Cit attack at bay.

Provided Moussa Dembele doesn’t experience a magical recovery from injury, there’s a real question about who will start next to Wanyama. In many ways, Pochettino’s choice here will be very telling about his tactics for the match.

The decision should come down to Eric Dier or Dele Alli. If he goes with Dier, it will admittedly be a more defensive choice. Dier is another physical player who is better suited to break up the opposition’s attack. He isn’t a dynamo moving forward.

Alli, in sharp contrast, is a sub par defender, but has world-class offensive abilities. If Pochettino chooses him in this spot, expect Tottenham to try to beat City with their offensive prowess.

Pochettino isn’t opposed to an occasional risk, but I’m thinking he’ll play it safe here. Look for Dier to start alongside Wanyama on Sunday.

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