Two of the rising managers in the Premier League, Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and the Foxes’ Claudio Ranieri, look to outwit one another on the pitch as Tottenham Hotspur take on Leicester City at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.
After a disappointing draw against Leicester City on Sunday in the FA Cup, Spurs will look to take advantage of a Leicester City team who could be without star forward Jamie Vardy. The Foxes’ striker however has played through an ankle injury and broken wrist this season, so don’t count him out for the match just yet.
Mauricio Pochettino made eight changes for the previous FA Cup match against Leicester. Ranieri made eight changes as well. Expect the starting XI to look like this for Spurs.
Goalie: Hugo Lloris
After getting a break this past Sunday, Lloris will be in net at the start of the match.
Right Back – Kyle Walker
Walker will be back in the lineup on Wednesday after getting some rest and will be up to the task of dealing with Leicester City’s Marc Albrighton.
Centre Backs: Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertoghen
It was good to see Vertoghen get some rest after dealing with Everton striker Romaleu Lukakau last week. Kevin Wimmer was a solid replacement last Sunday. Alderweireld looked shaky, but hopefully having his usual partner back next to him will see a recovery in form.
Left Back – Ben Davies
With Riyad Mahrez expected to be back in the Foxes’ starting XI, the conservative Davies should get the start. He’ll certainly have his hands full dealing with one of the best players in the Premier League.
Centre Defensive Midfield
Eric Dier – Dier has been a workhorse this season and it was good to see him get subbed off early in the second half as he’s needed rest. The centre back converted to a holding midfielder should have no problem dealing with the Foxes’ attack. If Vardy isn’t fit that makes his task easier.
Mousa Dembélé – Hopefully the Belgian will be back for this upcoming match against Leicester. Spurs have certainly missed his physical presence in the midfield. Something young Tom Carroll lacks. It’s safe to say if Dembélé isn’t fit, Poch is comfortable using his other options though.
Attacking Midfield
Centre Attacking Midfield
Dele Alli – It’s crazy to think that a year ago this kid was playing League 1 football. Alli’s fantastic campaign continues as he looks to cause problems for the Foxes’ defence.
Attacking left
Christian Eriksen – Eriksen netted a goal on Sunday but still the Dane isn’t at his very best. Spurs will need better takes out of him from the corner spot on Wednesday to win against Leicester. He was just named Danish Player of the Year. Lets see if he’ll show why on Wednesday.
Attacking right
Érik Lamela – Lamela’s return to the starting XI will certainly boost the team as his rejuvenation this season shows why Spurs spent £30 million on the Argentine . He’s looks fully adapted to the Premier League and has been one of the best on the team this season.
Striker
Harry Kane – He came on as a substitute and netted his 50th goal in a Tottenham uniform by putting away a late penalty kick, saving a draw for Spurs last Sunday. The striker will look to continue his run of form against Leicester City’s usual defence. A much tougher challenge.
Both teams know this is a huge three points up for grabs on Wednesday so expect a great match between the two sides.
What’s your lineup for Spurs and what will the result be?
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
