Two attacking mainstays axed in 3-4-2-1 – This Tottenham XI will demolish Brighton
Goalkeeper and defenders
Hugo Lloris (Goalkeeper) – The 30-year-old has been in great form for Spurs this season, keeping five clean sheets in the Premier League. He deserves to start ahead of Paulo Gazzaniga and Michel Vorm.
Ben Davies (Centre-back) – Vertonghen is potentially one foul away from suspension and Pochettino cannot afford to be without him for Saturday’s showdown with City. The Spurs boss should switch to a back-three and play full-back Ben Davies instead. The 24-year-old was a regular in the Wales back-three under Chris Coleman and has proved he can hold his own in the position.
Eric Dier (Centre-back) – In the absence of Alderweireld, who is sidelined until February with a hamstring injury, Dier has dropped into the Spurs back-line over recent weeks and has performed very well.
Juan Foyth (Centre-back) – The 19-year-old has only made three appearances for Spurs this season – two in the EFL Cup and one in the Champions League against Apoel last week – and has played well. With Davinson Sanchez suspended, switching to a back-three also gives the Argentine a chance to make his Premier League debut.
Click below to see who should start in midfield for Tottenham…