OPINION
Tottenham’s season is threatening to come off the rails and Mauricio Pochettino has got a big job on his hands to motivate his side for the visit of Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime. Their rivals are on a bit of a run at the moment and a defeat for Spurs would see the gap between third and fourth reduced to just one point.
If he wants to ensure that doesn’t happen, Pochettino needs to make some brave decisions. We think he should opt for a back five, with Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters on the flanks. Kieran Trippier, on a reported £65k-a-week, deserves to be dropped on his recent form, even without taking into account his shocking own goal on Wednesday night.
This will depend on the fitness of Jan Vertonghen, though, who missed the game against Chelsea with a hip problem, but we’re expecting him to be back for the Wembley game.
Hugo Lloris keeps his place despite his part in the own goal and Harry Kane should lead the line despite not looking back to his best. Heung-min Son can provide the back-up.
Behind them, Christian Eriksen, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko should make up the midfield trio.
This is the starting XI we expect to destroy Arsenal on Saturday and restore the normal order in north London:
