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Tottenham v Huddersfield projected Spurs XI: How will Pochettino cope with midfield injuries?

By Rucker Haringey

NICOSIA, CYPRUS - SEPTEMBER 26: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates victory with the match ball after the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Apoel Nicosia and Tottenham Hotspur at GSP Stadium on September 26, 2017 in Nicosia, Cyprus. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
NICOSIA, CYPRUS - SEPTEMBER 26: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates victory with the match ball after the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Apoel Nicosia and Tottenham Hotspur at GSP Stadium on September 26, 2017 in Nicosia, Cyprus. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur walks out for the start of 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: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur walks out for the start of 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) /

Left centre back-Jan Vertonghen

The talented Belgian will be happy to rejoin the starting XI after being suspended against APOEL. In truth, he’s been the club’s best defender for the better part of a year now.

Vertonghen seems to be particularly enjoying his newfound freedom to join the club’s attack. Look for him to bomb forward from the opening whistle against a Huddersfield defense that could set up conservatively to soak up Spurs pressure early in the match.

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Centre back-Davinson Sanchez

The reason Vertonghen has so much freedom to run forward is the presence of Sanchez to cover any defensive mistakes. He isn’t Spurs most eloquent player, but he’s devastatingly effective.

The talented Colombian has already proven he’s worth every penny of the club record transfer fee spent to sign him this summer. He won’t be fazed by the potentially raucous away atmosphere and will be counted on as the goalkeeper’s last line of defense.

Right centre back-Toby Alderweireld

For the record, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Juan Foyth get a surprising start here. Alderweireld has already played a lot of football this season and could use a little rest heading into the challenging stretch of fixtures ahead.

Ultimately, I think Pochettino will choose to stick with Alderweireld though. This just isn’t a match where Spurs can afford to drop points. Sticking with the classy Belgian gives Spurs an excellent chance of keeping another clean sheet.

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