Tottenham projected starting XI v Real Madrid: Does Kane sit or start?

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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 28: The Tottenham Hotspur team walk off dejected after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 28, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Central midfielder-Mousa Dembele

Sticking with the theme of injured players getting their first start since returning to fitness, look for Dembele to get the nod in the double-pivot on Wednesday. His defensive prowess could be crucial for Spurs in their quest to contain the likes of Isco and Kroos.

Besides, his cameo against Manchester United shows that he’s fit enough to play meaningful first team football again. Pochettino might prefer to bring him off the bench, but Dembele is the sort of player who could really rise to the occasion against such a prestigious opponent. Look for the Belgian to get the starting nod.

Central midfielder-Eric Dier

Sorry to the Harry Winks fan club that dominates Tottenham’s social media. Look for the English starlet to get a spot on the bench in favour of his older countryman. Dier has the size and strength to help his club gain a real football in the midfield.

In truth, I might prefer to see Winks here as well. He showed really well at Real Madrid in the reverse fixture. He got beat by Luka Modric, but there’s no shame in that.

Pochettino will be gambling on the idea that Dier’s physicality can tip the scales in his side’s favour. It’s a pretty big risk, but again, the potential payoff is enormous.

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