Playing for 90
Fansided

Tottenham projected starting XI v Watford: Wounded Spurs are a dangerous animal

By Rucker Haringey

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before the English Premier League football match between Brighto n and Tottenham Hotspur at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / 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 by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before the English Premier League football match between Brighto n and Tottenham Hotspur at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / 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 by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Tottenham desperately need to stop the club’s bleeding by earning three points against Watford. Unfortunately, Spurs have quite a few injuries to deal with.

Mauricio Pochettino has returned from Qatar well-rested, but the same can’t be said for quite a few members of his squad. The International Break has taken its usual toll on Tottenham’s biggest stars and will certainly change the club’s starting XI against Watford on Saturday.

That isn’t an ideal circumstance for a side that desperately needs three points. Tottenham are a wounded animal that desperately need to stop hemorrhaging points. A win against the Hornets is an absolute necessity for a Spurs side that thirsts for momentum. Here’s the starting XI Pochettino will likely choose to overcome Watford.

Striker-Harry Kane

Kane played a starring role for England against Bulgaria and will really want to keep his form going with a big showing against Watford. Don’t be surprised if he drops a bit deeper early in the game to get his teammates involved. That strategy worked brilliantly for him in International play and could pay dividends for his club as well.

Attacking midfielder-Lucas Moura

Lucas should be one of the more rested attackers at Pochettino’s disposal. According to the Evening Standard, Heung-Min Son is almost certainly going to miss out on the starting XI due to his late return from the South Korea squad. The lively Brazilian will want to use his pace and energy to show Pochettino he shouldn’t be dropped in the future.

Attacking midfielder-Dele Alli

Dele wasn’t called up by Gareth Southgate which has allowed him a chance to rest and focus his energy on improving his form. He will come out and try to dominate the match-up against Watford. Time will tell if trying to do too much will ultimately harm his performance.

Attacking midfielder-Erik Lamela

Lamela gets the starting nod due to the dead leg that Christian Eriksen picked up on duty for Denmark. You’ll have to forgive Spurs fans if they aren’t convinced about Eriksen’s recent diagnosis. No matter what, his Argentine teammate will put in a shift against the Hornets in his absence.

Defensive midfielder-Tanguy Ndombele

Ndombele’s return to full fitness should provide Spurs a solid boost in the midfield. It’s possible Pochettino holds him back on the bench in this match, but he’s going to return to the starting XI in the very near future. Watford seems like an ideal opponent for a midfielder who can get forward and contribute in the final third.

Defensive midfielder-Harry Winks

Winks also had a strong showing in his one England match during the break. That will be enough to get him a start on the weekend. He’ll have some responsibilities to shield the back four, but his biggest task will be to keep the ball moving in attack. It’s a big match for a player who wants to lock down his place in Pochettino’s starting XI.

Right back-Moussa Sissoko

Juan Foyth absolutely may make his debut in this spot, but Pochettino might want to give his countryman a bit more rest after his international play. That would give Sissoko one more start in this unnatural position. It’s not ideal, but the coaching staff clearly doesn’t trust Kyle Walker-Peters.

Centre back-Toby Alderweireld

Alderweireld hasn’t enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, but he’s still the best centre back Pochettino has at his disposal. He’ll remain in the starting XI for the foreseeable future barring some sort of disaster.

Centre back-Jan Vertonghen

Much of what was written bout Alderweireld can also be said about Vertonghen. He has, however, been a step behind his countryman on the campaign. Davinson Sanchez may be coming for his spot in the starting XI, but this is a week too soon for the Colombian to claim it.

Left back-Danny Rose

Ben Davies had a whale of a game for his country this week (pun intended), but he’s not dynamic enough to displace Rose at this point in the season. Rose needs a strong performance to keep his spot in the starting XI, but look for Pochettino to give him another opportunity against Watford.

dark. Next. Tottenham are wasting their time chasing Isco

Keeper-Paulo Gazzaniga

Michel Vorm was re-signed by Spurs this week, but the plan is certainly for Gazzaniga to get the lion’s share of play in goal during Hugo Lloris’ injury absence. He’s a quality shot-stopper, but no one really knows how he’ll respond to being the club’s No. 1 option for an extended period of time.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur