Tottenham projected XI at Watford: Pochettino will shuffle his midfield

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Jesse Lingard of Manchester United in action with Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 27, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /

Centre back-Toby Alderweireld

Pochettino’s decision to hand Alderweireld the start over Davinson Sanchez at United makes it clear he’s the club’s starter at the current point in time. Don’t expect that to change at Watford.

The only way Sanchez can get back into the mix on Sunday is if Pochettino reverts to a back three. You shouldn’t expect to see that in this fixture, but it’s not impossible.

This does represent a tricky challenge for Alderweireld. Watford will start two strikers up top in the form of Troy Deeney and Andre Gray. In particular, Deeney’s intelligence will provide Spurs with some headaches along the back line. Gray’s pace shouldn’t be underestimated either. Alderweireld will need to play a really strong match to help his club keep a clean sheet.

Centre back-Jan Vertonghen

Alderweireld is a strong bet to start the match, but Vertonghen’s place in the side is a virtual uncertainty. Unless he suffers a last-minute knock, he’s going to be in Pochettino’s starting XI.

Vertonghen needs to be careful not to allow Deeney to bait him into any silly fouls. That will certainly be a part of the Hornets’ game plan coming into the match. They want to enact a wrestling match in front of Tottenham’s goal if the referee will allow it.

Expect this centre back pairing to build on the momentum they started at Manchester United last week. Scoring chances will come few and far between for Watford.

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