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Tottenham projected XI at Swansea: Kane will SIT for Pochettino

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his hat-trick goal to make it 5-1 during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on December 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his hat-trick goal to make it 5-1 during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on December 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Fabian Delph of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Fabian Delph of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

Centre back-Jan Vertonghen

Tottenham are still missing one Belgian in central defense, but Vertonghen is nailed on for a starting place in this match. Even without Alderweireld playing alongside him, he’s been excellent this year.

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The key for Vertonghen in this match will not to be too adventurous with the ball at his feet. When Pochettino is playing a back four, his centre backs are giving significantly less license to carry the ball forward. Vertonghen will be tempted to run at the deep-lying Swansea defense, but he can’t get too far out of position. That could leave his goal horribly exposed.

Centre back-Davinson Sanchez

Aside from his horrible red card against Watford, Sanchez has been excellent in his first Premier League season. He will be counted on to stay back and marshal the defense in this match.

The less he is involved in this match, the better from Tottenham’s point of view. His strength is snuffing out chances when he’s the last man between his opposition and the goal. Swansea shouldn’t generate too many of those chances against Spurs. Look for Sanchez to play his usual quiet, but effective match in this one.

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