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Tottenham projected starting XI at Manchester United: Alderweireld keeps his place

By Rucker Haringey

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on August 11, 2018. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on August 11, 2018. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham have won their first two Premier League matches of the campaign, but Monday’s fixture at Manchester United will be a real test for Spurs.

Mauricio Pochettino will take a pretty confident side to Old Trafford on Monday, but this is a big fixture for both clubs. Tottenham want to validate their hot start with a third consecutive win and United want to atone for last week’s failure at Brighton.

The trick for Spurs will be dealing with the wounded animal that is Mourinho’s squad. There’s no question he made life miserable for his team in training this week. Expect United to play an extremely defensive lineup on Monday. That means Tottenham will be required to bring the match to United if they want to earn all three points.

That means Pochettino will go with three at the back again. He knows his attack will need width from wide areas to break down United’s compact defence. Let’s start out by examining the fullbacks he’ll choose to ping crosses into the box.

Right wing back-Kieran Trippier

The England man will be chomping at the bit to play well on a big domestic stage. Trippier made headlines last week with his brilliant free kick goal against Fulham, but Pochettino was slightly critical of his wasteful crossing from the wing.

His ability to sling dangerous balls in front of goal might be Spurs’ way to goal in this match. Look for Trippier to get plenty of time on the ball out on the right wing. Whether or not he can make anything meaningful happen is a different question.

Left wing back-Danny Rose

This selection certainly runs contrary to the general consensus. Most expect Ben Davies to waltz into their starting XI here. The unfortunate truth is that the Welshman is off to a really poor start to his 2018/19 campaign.

That’s why Rose deserves his chance here. The decision to play five at the back might work against him, but he’s certainly Pochettino’s most athletic option at the position. Look for Spurs to give him a chance to work his way back into the lineup in a fixture that will mean a lot to Rose personally.

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