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Tottenham projected starting XI at Watford: Expect a formation change from Pochettino

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on October 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur and Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 18, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 18: Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur and Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal battle for possession during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on November 18, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Centre back-Davinson Sanchez

The Colombian has been an absolute rock in defence for Pochettino this season. It will be very interesting to see how he adapts to playing in a more conventional back four.

The smart money’s on Sanchez making a seamless adjustment. It’s not as if he doesn’t have experience playing in this sort of system for Ajax or his country. We may see a bit of uncertainty out of Sanchez early in the match, but count on him to settle in quickly and play his usual, efficient game.

Centre back-Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen might be the player who is forced to adjust his football the most due to the formation change. He’s really enjoyed getting forward on the ball while playing three at the back. The switch to four may curb his enthusiasm to attack just a bit.

Again, Vertonghen has plenty of experience playing this way. It may take him a little time to adjust to Sanchez as his sole partner, but he’s got the talent and mettle to make it work. Look for a more conservative, but effective Vertonghen this weekend.

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