Tottenham vs Manchester United: Predicted Spurs XI with one MAJOR surprise
The Back Four
My only issue with Pochettino’s starting XI against CSKA was the fact that he chose to deploy both Kyle Walker and Danny Rose for the full 90 minutes. The Spurs manager might have been smarter to give them both the day off.
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Their involvement in the middle of the week puts both men in jeopardy of being dropped on the weekend. In fact, if the match was going to be played on Saturday instead of Sunday, I’d be inclined to think that both Ben Davies and Kieran Trippier would get the start. Of course, the match isn’t on Saturday. That’s why Pochettino will include both Walker and Rose in his stating XI.
Fortunately for the club, they’ll get their most talented defender back this weekend. Toby Alderweireld came off the bench against CSKA, but he’ll start from the opening whistle against United. His game was made for prestigious fixtures like this.
Of course, Jan Vertonghen will start next to his countryman. He kept the Tottenham defense afloat in Alderweireld’s absence, but he’ll be thrilled to see him back in the starting XI. The key for Vertonghen will be to continue his excellent play alongside his normal defensive partner.