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Tottenham projected starting XI v Arsenal: Pochettino faces tough fullback choices

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 28: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks 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)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 28: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks 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) /
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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 28: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur in action during 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)
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 28: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur in action during 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) /

Left Wingback-Ben Davies

I won’t be shocked if Danny Rose starts this match, but the odds do favour Ben Davies retaining his place. The Welshman hasn’t put a foot wrong all season in relief of his English teammate.

The one concern with Davies starting this match will be his matchup against Hector Bellerin. Arsenal’s right back hasn’t played well this season, but he has pace to burn. Davies does struggle against elite speed. If Davies can neutralize Bellerin in this fixture it should be considered a victory for Spurs.

Right Wingback-Kieran Trippier

Much like the situation on the left, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Serge Aurier in this spot. In some ways, he’s a better matchup against Sead Kolasinac than Trippier is.

However, Trippier’s cool head should earn him the starting nod here. Pochettino will be justifiably concerned about throwing Aurier into such a pressure-cooker. He may come on a change of pace in the second half, but Trippier will have his chance to rule the day.

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