Live Match Center: CSKA Moscow v Tottenham

Tottenham and CSKA Line Ups

In terms of personnel, there’s not too much surprising here.

We knew that Mousa Dembélé, Moussa Sissoko, Eric Dier and Danny Rose did not travel for this match, so Pochettino’s options were rather limited.

The only real surprise comes as Kieran Trippier is included in place of Kyle Walker, who’s on the bench. Ben Davies, naturally, is opposite him in defense, while Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld occupy the center. Both Kevin Wimmer and Cameron Carter-Vickers sit on the bench.

Dier’s absence means Wanyama comes in as Tottenham’s designated defensive midfielder. The club’s Twitter line up suggests that he’ll be paired with Dele Alli in midfield. Alli’s done well there in the past, but don’t be surprised to see Christian Eriksen operate lot deeper than usual.

That’s how Tottenham lined up against Middlesbrough, in a broad and fluid 4-3-3. Doing so allowed Eriksen a lot more space ahead of him in which to operate, while Alli is a naturally box-to-box runner anyways.

Son and Érik Lamela can function as the wider players at the top of such a formation, with Vincent Janssen running through the middle. CSKA’s penchant for possession and narrow play might make this the ideal formation for Tottenham to utilize.

Slutsky named a predictable lineup, with the only surprise coming from the lack of Alan Dzagoev.

The Russian midfielder has been one of CSKA’s best players so far this season. Barring possible injury, his omission might be a sign that Slutsky isn’t looking for midfield creativity in this match. Tottenham can expect a defense-first approach despite playing on CSKA’s turf.

Check back at half-time for some snap analysis and thoughts for how the match with wrap up.