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Tottenham projected starting XI v Bayer Leverkusen: Spurs go on the attack

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur jumps over Djibril Sidibe of AS Monaco to head the ball towards goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur jumps over Djibril Sidibe of AS Monaco to head the ball towards goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Victor Wanyama (L) and Dele Alli (R) of Tottenham Hotspur talk during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at White Hart Lane on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Victor Wanyama (L) and Dele Alli (R) of Tottenham Hotspur talk during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at White Hart Lane on October 29, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

Central Midfielders

The middle of the pitch is where Pochettino will look to strike a delicate balance in his starting XI. Count on the Spurs boss electing one very defensive-minded player, and partnering him with a player he normally deploys as an attacking midfielder.

I like Victor Wanyama for the defensive minded role. He wasn’t great against Leicester City last weekend, but he’s been excellent on the whole this season. The Kenyan destroyer will be charged with shielding the back four.

The more attacking choice is really an interesting call for Pochettino. His choice figures to come down to Moussa Dembele, Christian Eriksen or Dele Alli. All three men can make compelling cases on why they should be included.

In a bit of a surprise, I’d look for Pochettino to go with Eriksen. He has been highly critical of the Danish midfielder this week, and those comments were clearly designed to light a fire under the skillful midfielder. Expect for the Tottenham manager to give Eriksen the opportunity to play his way out of his slump. His performance on Wednesday could go a long way towards determining his potential involvement in the North London Derby.

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