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Tottenham projected XI at Juventus: Pochettino goes conservative

By Rucker Haringey

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Tottenham Hotspur FC Training Session ahead of there UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against Juventus at Allianz Stadium on February 12, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Tottenham Hotspur FC Training Session ahead of there UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against Juventus at Allianz Stadium on February 12, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay between Tottenham Hotspur and Newport County at Wembley Stadium on February 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 07: Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Replay between Tottenham Hotspur and Newport County at Wembley Stadium on February 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

Right back-Serge Aurier

In many ways, this is Pochettino’s toughest call. Kieran Trippier played an excellent match against Arsenal, but Aurier is the more experienced Champions League combatant. If the Tottenham brass pass Aurier fit, look for him to get the start.

He’ll be charged with the physically taxing task of keeping Mario Mandzukic at bay. He isn’t the speediest option available to Massimiliano Allegri, but he can be a terror in the box. In an unusual turn of events, Aurier’s physical size might be as important as his pace against Juventus.

Left back-Ben Davies

Pochettino won’t be making changes at both fullback positions. Ben Davies played well enough at Arsenal to keep his spot in the starting XI.

He did a nice job of defending against the Gunners, but it was his brilliant cross that unlocked the Gunners’ defense for Harry Kane’s crucial goal. That extra bit of quality could give Spurs the away goal they covet in this one. Davies will get a shot to replicate his brilliance on the Champions League stage.

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