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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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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Striker-Heung Min Son

As I mentioned in the open, I believe Pochettino will opt for Son over Llorente in this spot. It wouldn’t shock me to see Son shifted back into Dele’s spot in the midfield; and if that happens, Llorente will play up top.

The motivation behind going with Son is pretty simple. His speed and work rate are far superior to that of the Spanish veteran. The talented Korean can score a goal out of nowhere due to his trickery. In sharp contrast, Llorente needs quality service to find the back of the net.

Speed will win the day here and Rochdale defenders will be tormented by Son from the opening whistle.

Keeper-Paulo Gazzaniga

This spot is a real wild card. Pochettino would like to hand Michel Vorm the start, but the talented Dutchman will likely miss out due to injury. Rather than risking Lloris in the match, I’m projecting Pochettino to go with Gazzaniga instead.

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It’s a good opportunity for the former Southampton keeper. He’s gotten precious little playing time for Spurs this season, but he’s been excellent in his brief action. Keeping a clean sheet against Rochdale would be another positive mark in his favour moving forward.

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