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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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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on November 28, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on November 28, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Attacking midfielder-Dele Alli

If there’s anyone getting too much stick on social media for the club’s recent struggles it’s Dele Alli. He hasn’t been great this season, but he’s been above the squad’s average more often than not this year.

Of course, that isn’t good enough for a player who is believed to be one of the Premier League’s most promising starlets. He needs to dominate matches. This formation change may help him do that.

Playing in an attacking midfield trio should give Dele more time on the ball. It also should create more opportunities for him to make darting runs away from defenders. Look for Dele to be much more engaged and involved this weekend.

Attacking midfielder-Son Heung-Min

I know many of you would prefer to see Erik Lamela here, but it’s too early for that to happen. Lamela’s only just returned after missing over a year of football. Pochettino won’t throw him back into the starting XI.

Son isn’t the perfect Pochettino midfielder, but he is one of the club’s most potential goal scorers. That’s enough to get him into the starting squad this weekend. If he finds the back of the net, Pochettino looks like a genius. If he doesn’t, he’ll be the first player substituted.

Attacking midfielder-Christian Eriksen

I believe Pochettino would really like to drop the Danish midfielder to give him some time to recover from his mental fatigue. Unfortunately, starting Lamela or Moussa Sissoko in his place just isn’t a realistic solution.

That’s why Eriksen will be trotted out there again despite his recent struggles. Fans will correctly point to his inclusion as evidence that a suitable backup needs to be purchased. Until that happens, Pochettino will try to play Eriksen through his malaise.

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