Predicted XI vs Liverpool

Predicted XI vs Liverpool

Another TV game and an early kick-off as we take on Liverpool at White Hart Lane. The team will once again pick itself except for the suspension to Eric Dier which creates a bit of a problem.

Hugo Lloris will be behind the same back four of Kyle Walker, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertobghen and Ben Davies one assumes. Harry Kane will be up front with Nacer Chadli, Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela behind him.

The only question is the makeup of the defensive midfielders, one in a holding role and one in a link role. Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb, and Mousa Dembele have all been injured while Eric Dier is suspended. 

Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Mason and Bentaleb are expected to be back in contention next week, this week is a week too early for them.


"Nabil Bentaleb, Ryan Mason and Heung-Min Son are still out but this is the same from a few weeks ago and this is the news. 
"Son's injury is in his foot but it's okay. We are happy with him and maybe in one or two weeks he will be back. He's near to coming back and start training with the group.  
"Mason and Nabil are close. Closer than Son. Maybe they will be ready for the next game or Bournemouth."
Mousa Dembele is only just returning from injury and while it could be tempting to move Toby Alderweireld into a defensive midfield role it makes sense to retain the defensive unit that is doing so well together.

Dele Alli now looks sure to fill one space ahead of Tom Carroll who, if Dembele is ready, may have to settle for another substitute appearance. I don't see Milos Veljkovic or a Development Squad player being brought it for such a game.

A Lloris, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dembele, Eriksen and Kane spine is still strong. Alli showed responsibility against Manchester City when the match day experts were expecting him to get overrun up against the likes of Yaya Toure and Ferandinho, yet he performed the role admirably. Either he or Dembele may be asked to take the more defensive role with the other playing the link role.


Predicted XI
4-2-3-1
Lloris (c)
Walker Alderweireld Vertonghen Davies
Dembele Alli
Lamela Eriksen Chadli
Kane

Subs: Vorm, Trippier, Wimmer, Rose, Townsend, Carroll, Njie