How Will Tottenham Line Up In Anderlecht Rematch?

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Central Midfield

Eric Dier, Ryan Mason – Dier is an absolute workhorse and it seems like his recent rest due to suspension has done him well. He looks ready to take on another dense month of fixtures and should start Thursday, covering Tottenham’s backline from Anderlecht’s threat on the counter.

Dele Alli should be given a break, with Mason returning as a starter after his injury layoff. It’s doubtful he’ll retain it for Sunday’s game against Arsenal – Alli is simply in too good form to allow him to miss any Premier League minutes for the foreseeable future – but Mason can go a long way toward proving his worth again to Pochettino against Anderlecht.

He will need to avoid the same mistakes he made in his last start against Sunderland however. His advanced positioning and disregard for the defensive aspects of the game left wide gulfs through which Sunderland found a platform to launch quick long-ball counters. Given their impressive performance the last time out, it’s reasonable to think that Anderlecht will be better at such plays than Sunderland. Mason needs to remain vigilant.

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