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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 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) /

The Fullbacks

Many Tottenham fans were caught off guard when Ben Davies got the start at left back against West Brom on Saturday. To me, that was a clear indication that Danny Rose was being rested for the match at Leverkusen.

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His pace will be a huge asset to the Spurs back line against a clever Leverkusen attack. In particular, Rose’s speed can help counteract the clever movement of Chicharito.

The right back selection represents a more interesting question. Kyle Walker has played a lot of football lately and he too, could have used a rest against West Brom. Unlike Rose, he played the full 90 minutes against the Baggies.

That could open the door for Kieran Trippier to get a Champions League start, but I just don’t see Pochettino trusting him in such an important fixture. Look for Walker to get the starting nod again. He’ll be rested some other time.

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