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Tottenham projected XI at Rochdale: Son rises to the top

By Rucker Haringey

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Heung-Min Son 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: Heung-Min Son 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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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Tottenham Hotspur at John Smith’s Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Tottenham Hotspur at John Smith’s Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Centre back-Toby Alderweireld

Much has been written about Alderweireld’s long-term future at Spurs this week, but Pochettino won’t be concerned with that this weekend. He’ll start the talented Belgian against Rochdale in an effort to build up his defender’s fitness levels.

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The key for Alderweireld will be making it through the full 90 minutes without overexerting himself. Pochettino and the rest of the Tottenham brass will be keeping a close eye on just how fit he is. This is a golden opportunity for Alderweireld to force his way back into Pochettino’s Premier League starting XI.

Centre back-Juan Foyth

While Alderweireld is just trying to prove he’s back at his best, young Juan Foyth is still trying to show Tottenham his true quality. He’s played reasonably well in earlier FA Cup fixtures, but the deeper the competition goes the more he’ll be tested.

Foyth just needs to keep things simple and make the easy play in this one. He’ll likely enjoy a lot of time on the ball, but one careless giveaway could turn the fixture upside down. The less Foyth’s play is noticed, the better it will be for Spurs.

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