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Tottenham’s projected starting XI at Bayer Leverkusen

By Rucker Haringey

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns on October 15, 2016 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at The Hawthorns on October 15, 2016 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on August 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) /

The Central Defense

The aforementioned absence of Toby Alderweireld is going to put a ton of pressure on whoever Pochettino selects as his centre back pairing on Tuesday. Both men will be under intense scrutiny to make up for the Belgian’s absence.

Most of that pressure is going to land squarely on Jan Vertonghen’s shoulders. He’ll retain his usual place in the starting XI, but will need to be much more of a leader than normal. Frankly, that’s a role he’s struggled with in the past.

The real question here is who Pochettino will select to partner with Vertonghen. He brought Eric Dier to replace Alderweireld on Saturday, but Kevin Wimmer and Cameron Carter-Vickers are possibilities as well. Expect Pochettino to stick with Dier.

Some Tottenham fans will clamor for Wimmer’s inclusion, but he’s the least likely of the trio to get the start. Pochettino isn’t likely to start two left-footed centre backs together. Dier gets the edge over Carter-Vickers due to his experience.

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