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Tottenham projected starting XI v Leicester: Janssen to the bench

By Rucker Haringey

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth (L) and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth (L) and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur shows the appreciation to the fans during the warm up prior to kick off during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur shows the appreciation to the fans during the warm up prior to kick off during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Striker and Bench

Pochettino tipped his hand on this issue against Liverpool as well. The fact that Vincent Janssen played a full 90 minutes against the Reds, strongly suggests that Son Heung-Min will get the start against the Foxes.

I’m torn as to whether or not this represents a good plan. On one hand, Son’s pace and trickery could be key to unlocking a conservative opponent. On the other hand, Janssen’s physical strength in the box might keep Leicester’s physical centre backs away from the rest of the Spurs attack.

Given the lack of clear advantage, Pochettino will be wise to go with the more energetic option. That’s clearly Son. The Korean wasn’t involved during the week and should be ready to play a full 90 minutes on Saturday.

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This doesn’t mean that Janssen won’t be involved. He could easily be a key substitute. Unfortunately, Tottenham won’t have many other solid options outside of the starting XI.

The combination of injuries to Alderweireld and Kane plus Sissoko’s injury really diminish Spurs options off the bench. Harry Winks and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou might represent Pochettino’s best alternatives in the second half. Both have serious talent, but lack the experience to thrive in a match of this caliber. Tottenham may need to do its work in the opening 45 minutes to garner the needed result.

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