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Tottenham v Bournemouth: Spurs starting XI without Dembele

By Rucker Haringey

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Tottenham Hotspur at John Smith's Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Tottenham Hotspur at John Smith's Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Jordan Ayew of Swansea City and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur 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 Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Jordan Ayew of Swansea City and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur 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 Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Central midfielder-Eric Dier

Without either Dembele or Wanyama available, Dier simply has to be in the Spurs starting XI. Fortunately for Pochettino and company, the Englishman’s play has been improving as of late.

The key for Dier, as usual, will be keeping his game simple in this match. His job is first to shield the back four and secondly to run forward and aid the club’s attack. He gets in trouble when he tries to take on too much of the offensive load. If he keeps it simple, he can have a quality match.

Central midfielder-Harry Winks

Pochettino will make it an all English double-pivot this weekend. Winks will look to build off his terrific England debut by putting in an even better shift in Premier League play.

This also happens to be a perfect match for Winks to play a pivotal role. He’s the Tottenham midfield best suited to help Spurs break down a defense that’s parked the bus. That could certainly be the case on Saturday. Spurs will need Winks to get on the ball early and often to breakdown Howe’s defence.

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