[ad_pod ]
It's often insinuated that Tottenham's capacity to keep pace with the rest of the Premier League's Big Six is handicapped by comparatively lesser squad depth, but certainly across the attacking midfield berth Mauricio Pochettino is privy to a wealth of top-quality options.
With many of them succumbing to injuries at various stages this season, there hasn't been too many selection head-scratchers up until now. But all should be available for Chelsea's visit to Wembley this weekend, a fixture that could well prove crucial in determining Tottenham's final standing come the end of the Premier League campaign.
So, who should get the nod to start against the Blues and who should be watching on from the sidelines? Football FanCast take a look at the options...
Christian Eriksen
Eriksen's ability to provide the killer pass gives something unique to Tottenham’s starting XI but perhaps due to a combination of injuries and a World Cup hangover, the Danish international just hasn’t quite been the same this season.
His return for key passes per game has dropped from 2.6 last season to just 1.4 this time around, and the Danish international’s overall form has been a long way off from what we’ve become accustomed to. Some have even speculated his head being turned, but if that’s the case Eriksen will be hungry to impress in a showcase game of Saturday’s magnitude.
Lucas Moura
Like a new signing feels like a dirty phrase but after a summer in which Spurs failed to make any, January arrival Lucas Moura has certainly lived up to that adage.
The Brazilian is only second to Harry Kane for Premier League goals throughout the Tottenham squad with four in total and in a game where counter-attacking will be key, especially against Chelsea’s possession-retaining game-plan, his pace and netting prowess on the break could prove to be decisive.
The Playmaker FC squad decided to wind-up some unsuspecting Brazil fans at the Emirates on Saturday night. Watch the hilarious results in the video below...
Dele Alli
It’s been a difficult start to the season for Dele Alli but he looked busy for England during the international break and the Three Lions midfielder always has a knack of delivering in big games, not only in terms of output but also commitment off the ball. In the 3-0 win at Old Trafford, he lead the way for tackles and interceptions amongst Pochettino’s side.
Throw in a phenomenal record against Chelsea - four goals scored in five outings - and this game feels like the perfect time for Alli to truly kick off his campaign.
Moussa Sissoko
Very much a divisive figure amongst Tottenham fans but one that Pochettino nonetheless continues to trust, especially when operating in tandem with Serge Aurier down the right-hand side. Moussa Sissoko’s shortcomings have been persistently evident since his move to north London but the qualities he brings to big games shouldn’t be forgotten either.
Chiefly an extra dose of physicality that allows him to win the ball back before quickly driving at the opposition with powerful, surging dribbles. If Pochettino wants someone to nullify the impact of Marcos Alonso as much as possible, the Frenchman is a strong candidate for the job.
Erik Lamela
He served a purpose as Harry Kane’s stand-in the last time these two sides met in the Premier League and Erik Lamela’s overall form throughout 2018 has seen him emerge as something of a cult hero in north London, recovering well from a disastrous start to his Spurs career.
The Argentine has notched up four goals and one assist in the Premier League this season but his biggest impacts have often been from the bench. Due to return to England on Friday following involvement with Argentina, a substitute berth may be what Lamela has to settle for once again against the Blues.
Heung-min Son
He’s quickly become something of a forgotten man due to Lamela and Moura’s impressive form, although an inevitable downturn after taking part in the World Cup and the Asian Games probably has something to do with it.
That being said, Heung-min Son’s record at Wembley last season was nothing short of fantastic and Saturday’s game would an opportune occasion to start adding to it once again.