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Tottenham projected XI v United: Key Spurs return for Pochettino

By Rucker Haringey

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with Victor Wanyama as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on May 18, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with Victor Wanyama as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on May 18, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Hartigan of AFC Wimbledon battle for the ball during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Wimbledon at Wembley Stadium on January 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Hartigan of AFC Wimbledon battle for the ball during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and AFC Wimbledon at Wembley Stadium on January 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /

Defensive midfielder-Victor Wanyama

I’ve been expecting to see Wanyama return to the starting XI for several matches now, but I have to believe he’ll come back into the lineup today. His defensive prowess in the midfield will be crucial to Tottenham’s efforts to control possession in this match.

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The big Kenyan has been sorely missed in his injury absence. Without him patrolling the centre of the pitch, Tottenham’s back line is frequently left too exposed. The back four should breathe much easier with Wanyama shielding them in this match.

Defensive midfielder-Eric Dier

For me, this is another potential trouble spot for Spurs. Whether Pochettino goes with Dier or Mousa Dembele it’s going to be a concern. Neither players has been at the top of their game in recent weeks.

While I’d prefer to see Dembele start, I’m betting Pochettino will go with Dier. He, like Rose, has been linked with a move to play for Jose Mourinho for months. Something tells me Pochettino will want to use Dier as a weapon against the manager who has tried to turn his head.

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