Fans of club football are celebrating the end of the international break, but these two weeks have exacted a big price on Tottenham.
Giovani Lo Celso picked up an injury in Argentina’s game against Chile last week and has since been ruled out until the end of October.
That’s a hammer blow for the summer signing who had only put in three cameo performances for his new side.
Juan Foyth is the only other player definitely out but Tottenham are set to give late fitness tests to Tanguy Ndombele, Ryan Sessegnon, Kyle Walker-Peters and Eric Dier.
Because of that, there’s even more guesswork in the predicted starting XI but we think both Ndombele and Walker-Peters will make the side.
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris is Pochettino’s number one and it would be a major surprise to see Paulo Gazzaniga between the sticks. Lloris’ back-up is a talented keeper but he’s going to have to wait for his chance.
Defenders
Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld should line up in the centre of defence. Davinson Sanchez had a torrid time at right-back in the north London derby and we think Walker-Peters will come back in if he’s recovered from injury. If not, then Serge Aurier could get his first taste of action this season. Ben Davies could get his first game this season at left-back. Ryan Sessegnon may make the bench but we can’t see him starting yet.
Midfielders
Tanguy Ndombele has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but has already added one goal and one assist in his two Premier League games. If he’s passed fit he surely comes back in, with Harry Winks and Christian Eriksen making up the midfield.
Attackers
Heung-min Son may well start from the bench after his return from international duty. That means a start for Dele Alli, with Lucas Moura on the right and Harry Kane up top.
Changes
Son, Erik Lamela, Moussa Sissoko, Sanchez and Rose drop out. Alli, Moura, Ndombele, Walker-Peters and Davies come in.
Injuries
Lo Celso and Foyth have been ruled out of the game, but there are doubts over a number of Tottenham players. Ndombele, Ryan Sessegnon, Walker-Peters and Eric Dier have all returned to training and will be assessed ahead of the game tomorrow.
TiF verdict
Palace have had a great start to the season but are surely over-performing in fourth spot. They beat Man United, though, and Pochettino won’t be underestimating Roy Hodgson’s men.We think Tottenham will have too much for them at home but we’re predicting a tight game.
Tottenham 2 – 1 Crystal Palace
Watch It!
The game is a 3pm kick-on on Saturday and won’t be streamed anywhere in the UK.
This is the starting XI we think Pochettino will put out against Crystal Palace:
