Speed machine must be axed – This Tottenham XI would destroy Liverpool
COMMENT by Russell Edge
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino should ring the changes to his side if he wants to ensure victory over Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.
The Lilywhites come into the Premier League clash off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, a performance which demonstrated their ability to compete at the very top of the footballing ladder.
Liverpool also caught the eye in midweek, breaking the record for the best away result for an English side in the history of the European Cup, demolishing Slovenian side Maribor 7-0 on Tuesday.
Liverpool have demonstrated their attacking intentions this season and as such Pochettino must alter his tactics and his starting XI to overwhelm Liverpool, who have shown their defensive frailties at times this season.
Out should drop Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, and Fernando Llorente, to be replaced by Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies and Dele Alli in a 4-3-2-1 formation.
At the back Hugo Lloris, who starred against Los Blancos, should be defended by a traditional back four, in order to counter the pace that Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal.
Pochettino’s regular three at the back would leave too many gaps for the likes of Mo Salah to exploit, and so the full backs should be expected to sit in a more defensive role than usual.
Jan Vertonghen should return to the centre back role alongside Toby Alderweireld after starting at left back in recent weeks, with Davinson Sanchez replaced by Ben Davies, who has missed the last two matches through illness, returning on the left.
On the right, speed machine Serge Aurier should be replaced by Kieran Trippier after his mixed performance at the Bernabeu, with the England defender offering more defensive stability at the back.
In midfield defensive enforcer Eric Dier should be supported by Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, who have both impressed with their performances in recent weeks.
The trio would help break up the Reds’ attacks and with a mix of physical power and technical quality in the centre of the park, they should dominate the opposition.
In the attacking third Dele Alli should return from his suspension to replace Fernando Llorente to line up alongside Christian Eriksen, as they look to make the most of a frail Liverpool back line and feed Harry Kane the opportunities to continue his fine scoring run this season.
Such a line up would nullify Liverpool’s threats and exploit their weaknesses and ensure that Tottenham destroyed Liverpool in front of the home fans.
In other Tottenham news, Sky Sports have revealed a crucial update on reported transfer talks with a European giant.
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