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Manchester United v Tottenham: How Spurs will line up without Harry Kane

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur pats Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur on the back after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur pats Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur on the back after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Central Midfielder-Mousa Dembele

The theme of talented Belgians in the Tottenham starting XI continues. Some might think Dembele isn’t ready to play the full 90 minutes, and they might be right. Regardless, you should expect him to start this match in order to set a physical tone against United.

It’s no secret that when he’s feeling fit, Dembele is one of the most talented midfielders in Europe. The trouble is that he doesn’t feel fully fit all that often. Pochettino will hope that Saturday is one of those rare occasions. His ability to break up play in the midfield and keep possession in tight spaces could be hugely important for Spurs.

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Central Midfielder-Harry Winks

I’m of the opinion that Winks has firmly entrenched himself in Pochettino’s starting XI. He was rested against West Ham during the week with an eye towards this important fixture.

Winks isn’t the strongest presence in the middle of the pitch, but he keeps the ball moving for Spurs. He’s exactly the sort of midfielder that might be able to hurt United on the counter. That may be Tottenham’s easiest route towards goal in this match.

Central Midfielder-Christian Eriksen

This was the trickiest spot on the pitch to select for me. I certainly considered placing Moussa Sissoko, Eric Dier or Dele Alli in this spot. In the end, Dier isn’t play well enough to merit inclusion, Dele is going to get his opportunity elsewhere and Sissoko will barely miss out.

In fairness, Eriksen was always going to be in the starting XI. His class on the ball and worth ethic in the midfield make him indispensable. The real question was whether or not Spurs would go with two or three up top. My call is that Pochettino will want the extra man in the midfield.

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