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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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WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion and Victor Wanyama 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: Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion and Victor Wanyama 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) /

The Defensive Midfield

As I mentioned in the opening, I believe Pochettino will elect to deploy two defensive midfielders in this match. He may have chosen to do so even if Alderweireld were fit, but the injury to the trusted centre back makes it an obvious move.

Even with Eric Dier starting as a centre back, Pochettino still has quality options for his double-pivot. It may rob him of depth, but this is just one match.

Victor Wanyama is an obvious selection given his ability to break up offensive play from the opposition. He’s also got enough Champions League experience to avoid being overwhelmed by the occasion.

Mousa Dembele should come back into the starting XI next to the Kenyan destroyer. He’s been battling a foot injury, but came on as a substitute at West Brom. I can’t see him being risked against the Baggies if he were all that hurt.

Dembele’s inclusion gives the Tottenham midfield maximum flexibility. He can help shield the back four but can also impact the match moving forward. He and Wanyama will be expected to control the middle of the pitch on Tuesday.

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