Playing for 90
Fansided

Tottenham v West Ham projected Spurs starting XI: Indispensable star returns for Pochettino

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides third goal with Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on September 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides third goal with Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on September 13, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur and Tammy Abraham of Swansea City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City at Wembley Stadium on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur and Tammy Abraham of Swansea City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City at Wembley Stadium on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Central Defender-Davinson Sanchez

The talented Colombian defender will be heavily counted on to keep West Ham on the score sheet. His presence in the starting XI will be particularly important in Spurs’ efforts to keep Andy Carroll quiet during this match.

Sanchez has the physical stature to stand up to Carroll’s attempts to push him around the pitch. Fortunately, he also has the pace to outrun the West Ham striker if need be. As usual, Pochettino will be hoping for a quietly effective match from Sanchez.

Right-sided Central Defender-Toby Alderweireld

Juan Foyth had a nice outing against Barnsley, but let’s not get carried away, Alderweireld is still the clear starter at his position. He’s still Tottenham’s most complete central defender.

Expect him to try to get forward early and often against the Hammers. The presence of Sanchez behind him really frees Alderweireld up to charge forward and support the attack. Given Tottenham’s inability to score goals early this season, expect Pochettino to encourage Alderweireld’s forays into West Ham territory.

Left-sided Central Defender-Jan Vertonghen

Alderweireld and Sanchez will be joined by another Belgian in the back line. Vertonghen will miss the club’s next Champions League match against APOEL which means he’s a lock to start against the Hammers.

Vertonghen won’t enjoy quite as much license to go forward as his countryman, but he’ll pick and choose his spots as well. Saturday might be the day he finally ends his Premier League scoring drought.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur