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Tottenham v Newcastle: Spurs projected starting XI

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Spurs looks on prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match beween Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus at Wembley Stadium on August 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Mauricio Pochettino, manager of Spurs looks on prior to the Pre-Season Friendly match beween Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus at Wembley Stadium on August 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JULY 22: Victor Wanyama
ORLANDO, FL – JULY 22: Victor Wanyama /

Defensive Midfield-Mousa Dembele

Alderweireld and Vertonghen won’t be the only Belgian’s in Tottenham’s starting XI on Sunday. Mousa Dembele will also be counted on by Pochettino to play a big role against Benitez’s squad.

The club’s injury crisis may force Dembele into playing a full 90 minutes in the match as well. Pochettino has tried to limit his talented midfielder to 70 or so minutes due to his own injury problems. Dier’s move to right back may force Dembele into a full match on Sunday.

Defensive Midfield-Victor Wanyama

This is a gamble that Wanyama’s injury isn’t all that serious. If he’s fit, there’s zero question that he’ll find his way into Pochettino’s starting XI. My suspicion is that he was held out against Juventus as a precaution.

His presence in the squad will also serve to help protect Dier while he serves as a makeshift right back. The strong defensive duo of Dembele and Wanyama will allow Dier to provide some width to his club’s attack without being overly concerned about his lack of pace. This will be key to unlocking Newcastle’s stingy defense.

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